In preparation for their inaugural MLS match against LAFC on Saturday, April 17 at Banc of California Stadium, Austin FC defeated USL’s San Antonio FC 5-1 in the third and final La Copita match on Saturday afternoon at St. David’s Performance Center. Cecilio Domínguez with two (2) goals, Danny Hoesen, Tomás Pochettino and Alex Ring with one (1) goal apiece, contributed to Austin FC’s first victory in the inaugural preseason tournament, securing a 1-1-1 record.
Austin FC forward Cecilio Domínguez opened the match with a shot into the far bottom corner, scoring in the third minute with an assist from midfielder Daniel Pereira. The opening goal marked the second La Copita preseason tournament goal for Domínguez and first assist for Pereira.
ATXFC doubled its lead in the 13th minute when forward Danny Hoesen headed the ball into the back of the net after receiving a cross from defender Ben Sweat. The header marked the first goal of the preseason tournament for Hoesen and first assist for Sweat.
A free kick from midfielder Tomás Pochettino in the 35th minute increased Austin’s lead to 3-0. Forward Santiago Patiño scored San Antonio FC’s lone goal of the match for the visitors in the 39th minute.
Domínguez returned to the score sheet with an open goal at the 44th minute mark, placing Austin up 4-1 at the break. The goal-scoring assist marked Pereira’s second assist of the match and second of the preseason tournament.
To open the second half, midfielder Jared Stroud pressed San Antonio’s back into their own box and was fouled after gaining possession of the ball, earning a penalty kick for the home team. Alex Ring converted from the spot in the 54th minute, earning his first La Copita goal. Ring’s penalty kick marked the third Austin FC player to score a first penalty-kick goal during the preseason tournament.
Austin FC scored a total of ten (10) goals throughout the inaugural edition of La Copita. In addition, seven (7) different players scored for Austin FC throughout the tournament. Cecilio Domínguez noted a team-high three (3) goals with Tomás Pochettino close behind with two (2), both of which resulted from free kicks.
Austin FC will travel to Los Angeles to face LAFC at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday, April 17, starting at 5:00pm CDT, to kick off Austin FC’s MLS inaugural season. Austin FC’s inaugural MLS match against LAFC will be televised nationally on FOX and FOX Deportes.