On a historic night in Denver, Austin FC recorded the Club’s first-ever MLS win, beating the Colorado Rapids 3-1 away in a match that saw ATXFC come back from 1-0 down to score three goals in 12 minutes, including a brace for Designated Player Cecilio Domínguez, the Paraguayan’s first goals for Austin FC.
Before the match, Austin FC had been made aware of a potential League-related administrative issue regarding Tomás Pochettino’s registration. While the League believes there are no issues, they requested Austin FC remove Pochettino from the starting lineup out of an abundance of caution. The Club is hoping to receive resolution shortly.
Pochettino wasn’t the only Austin player who was unavailable for the match. Center back Matt Besler did not make the trip to Colorado, as his wife gave birth to the couple’s third child on Friday. He was not the only defender to miss most of the match as starting left back Ben Sweat appeared to injure his left leg in the 20th minute and was stretchered off, being replaced by defender Žan Kolmanič.
Austin went into the break 1-0 down, but came back strong in the second half, finally breaking through in the 60th minute when Diego Fagundez found himself alone on the back post and finished into an open net, scoring Austin FC's first-ever MLS goal.
ATXFC took the lead just seven (7) minutes later when Fagundez won the ball in the attacking third after pressing Cole Bassett. After Jon Gallagher was tackled off the ball in the Rapids’ box, it fell to Domínguez. The Paraguayan left no doubt, banging it into the far post to put Austin up 2-1.
Domínguez added to his tally four (4) minutes later. Kolmanič received the ball from Domínguez in open space down the left wing and crossed it to Rodney Redes at the top of the box. Redes touched the ball to Domínguez, whose deflected shot made it past William Yarbrough as Austin went up 3-1.
Austin FC will play its next five (5) matches on the road before returning to Q2 Stadium for the Club’s inaugural home match against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 19. Next up, Austin will travel to St Paul, MN, to play the Club’s third MLS match, vs. Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on Saturday, May 1.
Club Firsts
Austin FC won the Club’s first-ever MLS match on April 24, 2021 vs the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stadium in Denver, Colorado.
Head Coach Josh Wolff recorded his first-ever win in MLS as a Head Coach.
Diego Fagundez scored Austin FC’s first-ever MLS goal in the 59th minute of the match against the Colorado Rapids.
Designated Player Cecilio Domínguez scored his first-ever goal for Austin FC and his first MLS goal. He then added his second goal and first ever Austin FC brace four (4) minutes later.
Jon Galllagher registered Austin FC’s first-ever assist in MLS in the 67th minute.
Rodney Redes registered his first MLS assist, in the 71st minute.
Daniel Pereira recorded the Club’s first-ever yellow card in the 73rd minute.
Goal-Scoring Summary
COL (0-1) Andre Shinyashiki, 36th minute (assisted by Jack Price)
ATX (1-1) Diego Fagundez, 59th minute
ATX (2-1) Cecilio Domínguez, 67th minute (assisted by Jon Gallagher)
ATX (3-1) Cecilio Domínguez, 71st minute (assisted by Rodney Redes)
Misconduct Summary
COL - Andre Shinyashiki (caution) 40’
COL - Jack Price (caution) 47’
ATX - Daniel Pereira (caution) 73’