Austin FC fell in a 2-1 defeat to Portland Timbers on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium. Sebastián Driussi scored Austin’s goal in the 79th-minute, becoming the first player in the league this season to reach 20 goals. He has contributed to at least one goal in 11 consecutive matches, a league-best tally.
The Verde & Black started well, creating chances from two threatening headers in the opening 10 minutes when Ethan Finlay forced a save from Portland goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic and Alex Ring hit the crossbar. Ruben Gabrielsen then denied the Timbers with a heroic block on the line, but Bill Tuiloma scored for the visitors in the 16th-minute.
Austin was unlucky not to equalize in the 57th-minute. Following a scramble in front of goal, Driussi’s shot caromed off the crossbar. Shortly after, new Austin FC Designated Player Emiliano Rigoni made his Club debut as a substitute.
Portland scored its second goal in the 73rd-minute, with Zac McGraw putting away a rebound to double the lead. ATXFC responded quickly though as Driussi headed in a Felipe cross.
Austin continued to have more of the ball and the chances through the final stages, but the Timbers were ultimately able to see out the result.
THREE THINGS
- DP DEBUT: New Austin FC Designated Player Emiliano Rigoni made his Club debut, entering the match as a substitute in the 63rd-minute.
- SEBA’S STREAK: For the 11th-straight match, Driussi contributed to a goal, and became the first player in the league to reach 20 goals this season.
- OFF THE INJURY LIST: Hector Jimenez made his first Austin FC appearance since July 12, returning from a groin injury.
UP NEXT
Austin FC will play its 15th away match and 29th match overall of the 2022 Major League Soccer regular season against Nashville SC on Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The match will feature a regional TV broadcast in English language on The CW Austin (KNVA), as well as a livestream on AustinFC.com and the Austin FC app.
In Spanish language, the match will feature a regional TV broadcast on UniMás Austin, as well as a livestream on UnivisionAustin.com and the Univision Austin app.
On radio, the match will be broadcast on KASE-FM (ALT 97.5) in English, as well as on TUDN Radio Austin (104.3-HD2, KLQB) in Spanish.
