SANDY, Utah — Austin FC lost its second straight road match after falling to Real Salt Lake, 1-0.
Goal scoring chances were there for Austin FC in the first half, including a shot off the post from Diego Fagundez.
The first half was quite a workout for Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who was forced into three saves. But RSL was able to beat Stuver in the 32nd minute, scoring the only goal of the game. The goal came courtesy of USMNT alum, Bobby Wood.
The first half, minus the moment from Wood, was controlled in large part by Austin FC. The tide turned for the worst though on a questionable red card given to Julio Cascante in the second half. Then, there was argument that a red card should have been given – but wasn't – on a foul that injured Austin FC designated player Sebastian Driussi.
"The (Cascante) red card is not a red card," head coach Josh Wolff said post-match. "One, I think he's offside before the play happens. So I mean, what they're doing and what they're looking at I have no idea but it I think it was really laughable. The second part is when Sebastián (Driussi) gets fouled like he does in the second half, and it's our DP. And the guy comes through, he knows exactly what he's doing. It's a red card. There's absolutely no excuse for not seeing that and calling it. I think it's absolutely ridiculous."
The club's first season has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Austin FC won two of its first three matches, then went on an eight-game winless streak. The Verde put on a scoring clinic against Portland in early July, but then followed up with three straight losses before a 3-2 win over Texas rival Houston Dynamo.
With Saturday's loss, Austin FC continues another losing streak in the club's inaugural season.
With the upcoming schedule in mind, each of Austin FC's next five opponents are either teams currently out of the playoffs (Vancouver twice, FC Dallas, Houston) or a team the Verde has already defeated (Portland). Austin FC will host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first matchup ever between the two clubs.
Austin FC is slated in the No. 13 spot, which is last place, in the Western Conference with 16 points.
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