Austin FC traveled to the MLS leading Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday night and came away with a point, playing the Sounders to a 0-0 draw at Lumen Field.
The first half played out evenly, with each team taking six (6) shots and having one (1) on target. Sounders forward Raúl Ruidíaz nearly saw a chance from a poor angle end up below the crossbar, while Cecilio Domínguez whistled a shot from outside the box at Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland.
Austin had its best chance of the match in the 53rd minute when ATXFC were able to challenge the Sounders on the counter. Diego Fagundez made his way to the endline and pulled it back to Domínguez, whose shot was blocked by Nouhou Tolo.
The Sounders thought they found a game-winner in the 75h minute when João Paulo made his way through the Austin defense and crossed the ball to Fredy Montero on the back post. But the ball hit off Ruidíaz, who was in an offside position, and the goal was called back after video review.
Both clubs had more chances to score towards the end of the match. Austin FC’s Jared Stroud had a one-on-one opportunity with the Sounders’ goalkeeper, but saw his shot saved. In the end, neither club was able to find a match-winner. In the final minutes of the match, Manny Perez made his Austin debut, coming on in stoppage time for Domínguez. Austin FC will play one (1) more match on the road before coming to Q2 Stadium for the Club’s inaugural home opener against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, June 19. Next up, Austin will travel back to Kansas City to take on Sporting KC at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Quotes
Austin FC Head Coach Josh Wolff: "Really proud of the guys. First for answering the bell and competing and second grinding their hearts out and putting together a real collective effort."
Wolff on playing Cecilio Domínguez up top: "I think Cecilio brings a little bit different dynamic as a center striker. He's got cleverness. He's grindy, he's gritty, he's unpredictable and he can also bring guys into the game."
Austin FC Club Captain Alexander Ring on the team's performance: "I think we performed as a team. We attacked together, we defended together. Each and everyone did their job that they were assigned by Josh."