Austin FC's 5-0 loss at San Diego on Wednesday garnered apologies and was dubbed "unacceptable." We learned some of the factors leading to Verde's rotated lineup.
Jon Gallagher expressed confidence in his coach on Thursday, and talked about the effort it will require to get back to the playoff picture.
At Thursday's media availability, Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez talked about a more exciting attack. Perhaps it has been made more exciting with the surprise addition of an aging but capable No. 9.
Austin FC players felt they were the better team on Saturday night against Minnesota. An unlucky injury led to the 90th-minute goal that turned three points into one.
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.
While Dani Pereira and Jon Gallagher expressed disgruntlement over the call the game turned on, team leaders wanted to focus on using this pain as further motivation for the challenges to come.
Why is it that Austin FC, after getting a couple of wins, exhibits what one player calls "dreadful" play in the next match? That question is at the heart of the coach's and players' reflections following a loss to FC Dallas.
Thanks to goals from Osman Bukari and Myrto Uzuni — plus an own-goal — Verde did something they haven't done for much of this season.
Finally, a goal from open play! That sent Verde on the way to a win and rising to second place in the West.
