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
At the Whistle: San Diego FC 5, Austin FC 0
It only took eight minutes for Austin FC to let in its first goal against San Diego FC on Wednesday. From there, Verde allowed the hosts to break a nine-match winless streak in an ultimate Slumpbuster FC performance.
Christmas in May: What the new MLSPA Salary Guide numbers tell us about Austin FC
The MLS Players Association released salary numbers on Tuesday. We learned some details about the high and low ends of the salary spectrum, and what that might mean going forward.
'Sometimes we did well and sometimes we didn't': Assessing a draw to a James-led Minnesota
A minutes restriction on two midfielders kept Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez from making a move earlier to match James. Still, his team grabbed a point away in a travel-heavy week.
At the Whistle: Minnesota United FC 2, Austin FC 2
Verde got out to a 1-0 halftime lead on a Myrto Uzuni penalty kick, James had two assists to give Verde the lead, and then a former Loons legend provided Austin FC the equalizer.