In a match that held true to the inherent paradox at MLS' core, Austin FC went to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles as significant underdogs and came away with a 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon, thanks to Guilherme Biro's 12th-minute set piece goal and tenacious defense throughout the remainder of the match.
Verde struck first in the 12th minute, on an Owen Wolff corner kick that found Biro's head and then squirted past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Though LAFC dominated first-half possession, up 62 to 38 after the first 45, Verde did well to thwart the hosts, and had several additional stellar first-half chances, including a 40th-minute Jon Gallagher shot from distance that went just wide of the far post (very nearly bringing back some good 2023 flashbacks to go with the bad 2023 center back injury flashbacks).
Are you familiar with the Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull number, "On the Floor?" That was the story of the early second half, with various Verde and LAFC players going down under mininal contact, but with the referee letting them play.
Myrto Uzuni had several opportunities in front of goal again, including a 57th-minute shot from six yards out, registering 0.48 xG, that he understandably registered dismay in missing. Then Osman Bukari went on a run in the 65th minute, going wide with a shot after doing a lot of work (though it had considerably lower xG than Uzuni's attempt.
Some fireworks ensued in the final frame of the match, with Timothy Tillman undercutting Brad Stuver when the Austin 'keeper went to collect, leading to some tensions and jostling and both players getting yellows for their efforts.
Best Verde moment (that wasn’t a goal)
In the 49th minute, I got to use my first legitimate "What a smart choice by Ilie" of the young season for his unmarked shot at the top of the box that went just wide.
Worst Verde moment (that wasn't a goal allowed)
Did not like the Bukari giveaway allowing Timothy Tillman to feed Cengiz Ünder around minute 25. Ünder didn't miss his open chance by much.
Also, didn't like the Besard Šabović miss three minutes later that could have made it 2-0. (Ultimately didn't matter though.)
Something you might have missed
Not 100 percent sure where Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez got his shirt, as it isn't a current MLSStore.com offering (as far as I could Google), but he's already blown past former head coach Josh Wolff in Verde merch worn on the sideline.
How this match fits into the season’s narrative
It's Austin FC's first road win of 2025! And, perhaps not the prettiest of wins, but out of four matches, it's Verde's signature win and a signal to the rest of the league that something positive is happening in Central Texas.
One nerdy tidbit
Sure, it took until the very last bit of the match, but Verde cleared 1 xG and won the xG battle over the hosts, who managed just 0.8 xG.
A question we have heading into the press conference
Still no goals from open play, and still no goals from the team's two DP forwards ... but I assume Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez feels good about this win.
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.
In a match that held true to the inherent paradox at MLS' core, Austin FC went to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles as significant underdogs and came away with a 1-0 win on Saturday afternoon, thanks to Guilherme Biro's 12th-minute set piece goal and tenacious defense throughout the remainder of the match.
Verde struck first in the 12th minute, on an Owen Wolff corner kick that found Biro's head and then squirted past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Though LAFC dominated first-half possession, up 62 to 38 after the first 45, Verde did well to thwart the hosts, and had several additional stellar first-half chances, including a 40th-minute Jon Gallagher shot from distance that went just wide of the far post (very nearly bringing back some good 2023 flashbacks to go with the bad 2023 center back injury flashbacks).
Are you familiar with the Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull number, "On the Floor?" That was the story of the early second half, with various Verde and LAFC players going down under mininal contact, but with the referee letting them play.
Myrto Uzuni had several opportunities in front of goal again, including a 57th-minute shot from six yards out, registering 0.48 xG, that he understandably registered dismay in missing. Then Osman Bukari went on a run in the 65th minute, going wide with a shot after doing a lot of work (though it had considerably lower xG than Uzuni's attempt.
Some fireworks ensued in the final frame of the match, with Timothy Tillman undercutting Brad Stuver when the Austin 'keeper went to collect, leading to some tensions and jostling and both players getting yellows for their efforts.
Best Verde moment (that wasn’t a goal)
In the 49th minute, I got to use my first legitimate "What a smart choice by Ilie" of the young season for his unmarked shot at the top of the box that went just wide.
Worst Verde moment (that wasn't a goal allowed)
Did not like the Bukari giveaway allowing Timothy Tillman to feed Cengiz Ünder around minute 25. Ünder didn't miss his open chance by much.
Also, didn't like the Besard Šabović miss three minutes later that could have made it 2-0. (Ultimately didn't matter though.)
Something you might have missed
Not 100 percent sure where Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez got his shirt, as it isn't a current MLSStore.com offering (as far as I could Google), but he's already blown past former head coach Josh Wolff in Verde merch worn on the sideline.
How this match fits into the season’s narrative
It's Austin FC's first road win of 2025! And, perhaps not the prettiest of wins, but out of four matches, it's Verde's signature win and a signal to the rest of the league that something positive is happening in Central Texas.
One nerdy tidbit
Sure, it took until the very last bit of the match, but Verde cleared 1 xG and won the xG battle over the hosts, who managed just 0.8 xG.
A question we have heading into the press conference
Still no goals from open play, and still no goals from the team's two DP forwards ... but I assume Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez feels good about this win.
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.
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