Mikkel Desler was the beneficiary of some early Osman Bukari work for an early 1-0 lead, and Austin FC got an additional insurance own-goal in the second half, getting a welcome 2-0 win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City on Saturday night.
The opening goal came just six minutes in, with Bukari forcing the issue with a ball in toward the goalmouth. When goalkeeper Nico Hansen dug it out, Bukari calmly collected the rebound, and passed it to an approaching Pereira, whose shot glanced off Mikkel Desler, who directed it in toward goal.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
From there, Austin put additional pressure on Hansen, though Ted Ku-Dipietro had a great chance a half hour in that Stuver needed to repel. Verde, conversely, had an additional chance before halftime on a Brandon Vázquez that ended up a bit short.
Austin added to its lead in the 66th minute on a set piece — it initially looked like a Brendan Hines-Ike header off an Owen Wolff corner kick, but then it appeared to actually be a Rafael Navarro own goal.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Each team had interesting chances after that, but nothing that amounted to anything ultimately outcome-changing.
Best Verde moment (that wasn’t a goal)
Vázquez very nearly got the match to 3-0 on a one-on-one chance in the 85th minute that Hansen was able to catch.
Worst Verde moment (that wasn't a goal allowed)
In the 82nd minute, Connor Ronan got free for a shot that Brad Stuver was able to save. It was an easy save in the end, but the kind of shot that has bitten Verde in recent matches.
Where this fits into the season's narrative
It's a much-needed win allowing Austin FC to leapfrog a rival. Was this coming, given some recent hard-luck matches?
A question we have heading into the press conference
Not quite sure how to artfully ask this, but wondering how much easier it is to set a lineup not having to put Uzuni into it. (You don't have to wonder about the effort being put into the left wing role in the same way, yes?)
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
Mikkel Desler was the beneficiary of some early Osman Bukari work for an early 1-0 lead, and Austin FC got an additional insurance own-goal in the second half, getting a welcome 2-0 win at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City on Saturday night.
The opening goal came just six minutes in, with Bukari forcing the issue with a ball in toward the goalmouth. When goalkeeper Nico Hansen dug it out, Bukari calmly collected the rebound, and passed it to an approaching Pereira, whose shot glanced off Mikkel Desler, who directed it in toward goal.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
From there, Austin put additional pressure on Hansen, though Ted Ku-Dipietro had a great chance a half hour in that Stuver needed to repel. Verde, conversely, had an additional chance before halftime on a Brandon Vázquez that ended up a bit short.
Austin added to its lead in the 66th minute on a set piece — it initially looked like a Brendan Hines-Ike header off an Owen Wolff corner kick, but then it appeared to actually be a Rafael Navarro own goal.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Each team had interesting chances after that, but nothing that amounted to anything ultimately outcome-changing.
Best Verde moment (that wasn’t a goal)
Vázquez very nearly got the match to 3-0 on a one-on-one chance in the 85th minute that Hansen was able to catch.
Worst Verde moment (that wasn't a goal allowed)
In the 82nd minute, Connor Ronan got free for a shot that Brad Stuver was able to save. It was an easy save in the end, but the kind of shot that has bitten Verde in recent matches.
Where this fits into the season's narrative
It's a much-needed win allowing Austin FC to leapfrog a rival. Was this coming, given some recent hard-luck matches?
A question we have heading into the press conference
Not quite sure how to artfully ask this, but wondering how much easier it is to set a lineup not having to put Uzuni into it. (You don't have to wonder about the effort being put into the left wing role in the same way, yes?)
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
Read Next
How aggressive will they be? Assessing Austin FC's strategy in a do-or-die playoff match
Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez says his team is ready to play aggressively as they aim to extend their season at least one more match. But he also makes a case they were aggressive in a loss in which they only had two shots on target.
Numbers and predictions: Assessing the MLS playoffs as they stand
Which playoff matchups will advance to a third and deciding game? And why does one of them involve Will Bruin?
The Thursday Three: Assessing a playoff performance leaving Austin FC 90 minutes from elimination
Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez indicated this is a team that can learn from losing. They'll have a few days to do that prior to what could be their final match of the season.
At the Whistle: LAFC 2, Austin FC 1
Austin FC went down early, brought the match back level in the second half, and then ultimately lost the playoff series opener.