An excellent team attacking performance helped Austin FC close out its 2021 home schedule with a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium.
Austin scored its fastest goal in Club history to begin an action-packed first half, with Sebastián Driussi converting from close range just 30 seconds into the match. Jared Stroud, who assisted Driussi for the opener, nearly doubled the lead moments later with a shot that caromed off the post.
It wouldn’t take much longer for the hosts to get their second goal though. In the 22nd minute, two defenders combined as Julio Cascante headed home a pinpoint free kick delivery from Žan Kolmanič.
Stroud eventually got himself on the scoresheet as well, firing a low shot to the far post to finish off a quick team counterattack in the 60th minute. Johnny Russell pulled a goal back for Kansas City five minutes after Stroud’s strike, but from that point forward, the Verde & Black defense effectively shut down Sporting’s high-flying front line to collect all three points.
In second half stoppage time, midfielder Owen Wolff came on as a substitute, becoming the first Austin FC Homegrown Player to appear in an MLS match.
THREE THINGS
- EARLY BIRDS: Sebastián Driussi’s goal after 30 seconds played was the fastest goal in ATXFC history. The previous record was also held by the Argentine midfielder, who scored in the sixth minute against the San Jose Earthquakes on September 18.
- HOME COOKING: Wednesday night’s result means the Verde & Black closed out their inaugural campaign by winning 4 of their final 5 home games, scoring multiple goals in all four of those victories at Q2 Stadium.
- FINISHING STRONG:The Verde & Black will play their 34th and final MLS match of their inaugural season this Sunday, taking on the Portland Timbers at Providence Park.
QUOTABLES
- Head Coach Josh Wolff on the Club’s final home match of the season: “Our fans and our support, our community has been behind us from the outset. It’s been incredible to see that, to feel that and be part of this organization. Hopefully, tonight is an indication of what we can be and what we want to be going into next year. Again, nothing but love for all of our fans but certainly our supporters’ section. They’re the heartbeat of this team, certainly on the field, in the stadium and throughout our community.”
- Stroud on seizing his opportunity: “I have a lot of confidence in myself even when I’m not getting rostered or things are going difficult. Sometimes that’s just kind of how it goes, and I just try to maintain my best attitude. I was bringing it in practice every week, but that’s not really something that people see every day, so I’m proud of my work ethic and it kind of all paid off tonight.”
- Wolff on Stroud’s performance: “There’s a selflessness about the way he works, a collectiveness by buying into everything that we’re doing. Tonight, the performance was exceptional, absolutely exceptional. He deserves all the applause.”
