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MLS Austin FC

Austin FC Fall 0-2 away at Minnesota United FC

June 23, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Austin FC News Release


SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Austin FC traveled to face Minnesota United FC for the second time this season hoping to build on its prevous win last month. However, this time the home side struck twice inside the first 20 minutes, and dealt the Verde and Black a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday at Allianz Field.

Backed by their first capacity crowd of the season, the Loons attacked from the opening whistle and took the lead in the 10th minute when forward Franco Fragapane took a cutback pass from defender Romain Métanire and rifled a 16-yard shot into the top near corner of the goal. Eight minutes later, Minnesota forward Adrien Hunou headed in a Fragapane cross to double the lead.

Injuries beset Austin FC before the game started, with defender Matt Besler and captain Alex Ring unable to play. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter stepped in for Ring in the center of the lineup and defender Aedan Stanley started as left back and later moved into the midfield. In the 9th minute, defender Nick Lima exited the game after suffering an apparent hamstring injury.

Austin answered with a big chance of its own in the 14th minute after Jimenez got free down the right-hand side of the pitch and played a quality ball to midfielder Tomás Pochettino. The Argentine's touch got him past the Minnesota defense, but MNUFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller was able to make a kick save to preserve the lead.

Midfielder Diego Fagundez almost found an opener for Austin in the 31st minute, but his shot from deep was saved by a diving Miller. The Loons took the 2-0 lead into halftime.

Austin's best chance came in the 59th minute when Fagundez tiptoed along the endline and played a pass that bounced off Minnesota defender Bakaye Dibassy and then the goalpost before it moved out of play. However, the match ended 2-0 to Minnesota.

Quotes

Austin FC Head Coach Josh Wolff on the injuries: "Alex took a hit yesterday in training and tried to get through today. Right away in warmup he had a bit of a setback from that so he was obviously removed prior to the game. Nick [Lima] has a significant hamstring injury. I think it was obvious when it happened when he was on a full sprint. It was unsettling."

Austin FC Head Coach Josh Wolff on the team's response after tough start: "Coming back out [after halftime] there was a little more urgency and certainly intensity in the way that we ran and pressed and competed. That certainly helped."

Austin FC Defender Julio Cascante on how the team faces adversity: "To stay together. It's about how we stick together, how we work as a family... I think you saw today how every player that stepped on the field -- some of them played positions they've never played -- they did really good. It's about being prepared for the moment you have to step in."

Goal-Scoring Summary

MIN (0-1) - Franco Fragapane, 10th minute (assisted by Romain Métanire)

MIN (0-2) - Adrien Hunou, 18th minute (assisted by Franco Fragapane, Hassani Dotson)

Misconduct Summary

ATX - Jhohan Romaña (caution) 16'

ATX - Diego Fagundez (caution) 39'

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Major League Soccer Stories from June 23, 2021


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