AUSTIN, Texas — Austin FC fell to LAFC for the third time this season and second time in Austin. LAFC defeated Austin FC 2-1 in the highly-contested, fiery third matchup.
Austin FC came out firing with a goal by Sebastian Driussi in the 2nd minute, but the goal was disallowed by VAR (video assistant referee) for an offside call.
Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver made his 100th save in the loss. Stuver's save kept the score deadlocked 0-0 going into halftime. LAFC outshot Austin FC 8 (1 on goal) to 3 (0 on goal) in the first half, but the Verde controlled the possession battle 51% to 49%.
In the 57th minute, LAFC was awarded a penalty kick by VAR off of a cross that hit the elbow of Diego Fagundez in the 18-yard box, and Cristian Arango finished the penalty.
Fagundez paid back the Verde, however, with a goal of his own in the 67th minute to tie the match up at 1-1. Fagundez was later relieved in the 75th minute by Jon Gallagher.
Moments later, Austin FC had a breakaway in the 76th minute that barely rolled wide of the goal. After a turnover in the midfield by Pereira, Daniel Musovski gave LAFC the lead once again in the 81st minute.
Austin FC Senegalese center forward Moussa Djitee was subbed on in the 86th minute. A long pass from Ring toward Djitte in the box led to a near goal from Redes, but his shot sailed wide left of the backside post.
With the loss, Austin FC remain in last place in the Western Conference with 19 points through 24 matches.
The club will face San Jose Earthquakes next on Saturday, Sept. 18. This will be the second matchup between the Verde and Earthquakes this season. Austin FC and San Jose tied in a scoreless draw in the home opener at Q2 Stadium in June.
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