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(Austin FC/Twitter)
In a match that showcased two newcomers, striker Moussa Djitte and native Austinite McKinze Gaines, Austin FC took down the powerful Chicharito and crew as they defeated LA Galaxy 2-0 on Sunday.
The match snapped a five-game losing streak and made history as Djitte scored his first goal with the club and Gaines became the first homegrown Austinite to score less than 10 minutes into his first match.
With the win, Austin gained some much-needed points in the MLS standings but still sit at last in the West. LA Galaxy sits at No. 5 in the West.
After a rare uneventful first half for a struggling Austin FC, Djitte broke the team's second-half scoreless streak after catching a rebound to make it 1-0 Austin in the 63rd minute. Djitte's goal comes just two matches in to his starting debut as he continues to transform Austin's formerly striker-free offense.
Less than 10 minutes after subbing in for Djitte, Gaines doubled the lead in his first match with Austin FC as he easily netted shot into the top right corner of goal.
While the two young players kept Galaxy keeper Jonathan Bond on his toes, Austin keeper Brad Stuver kept one of MLS' top stars at bay in goal. Stuver continued to stump Chicharito, who has scored 11 goals this season, as he logged seven goals for the home team.
Austin may remain at the bottom of the West, but the win gives some bragging rights to the Verde and Black underdogs and gives fans a glimpse of head coach Josh Wolff's complex, positional style of play.
The team will try to carry over that momentum as they hit the road to take on the Colorado Rapids at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Dicks Sporting Goods Park.
79' Austin FC's first Austinite doubles the lead
Making his city proud. Take a bow, @McKinzeGaines. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/43zEI1ZDdq
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 27, 2021
Less than 10 minutes into his first professional match, Austin FC's first true Austinite McKinze Gaines made history with the club as he doubled the lead for his hometown.
72' Wolff makes some subs
72' | A couple #AustinFC substitutions.
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 27, 2021
➡️ Jon Gallagher
⬅️ Cecilio Domínguez
➡️ McKinze Gaines
➡️ Moussa Djitté pic.twitter.com/jE5dKAhhxC
Last week, head coach Josh Wolff caught some criticism after taking out key players, including Djitte, at the half. This week, he waited a little longer as he swapped Djitte for McKinze Gaines, a native Austinite making his debut with the team, in the 72nd minute. Cecilio Dominguez was also subbed out for forward Jon Gallagher.
Wolff's late-game subs have disappointed some fans in the past as Austin notoriously tends to crash in the second half. The team will try to break that curse tonight.
63' Djitte scores!
He came up big for the city! Let's go, @MoussaDjitte99. pic.twitter.com/K3vrUKKsS6
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 27, 2021
Just two matches into his starting debut, Moussa Djitte has made his mark with Austin FC with his first-ever goal. While his first shot was nabbed by LA keeper Jonathan Bond, Djitte's shot off the rebound hits the mark as Austin goes up 1-0.
43' Djitte makes a run for goal
Defenses aren't ready for @MoussaDjitte99. pic.twitter.com/SlqDMjRFvS
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 27, 2021
Compared to the high-scoring heartbreakers of the past few weeks, this matchup hasn't seen quite as many highlight-worthy plays at the half. But a drive from Moussa Djitte nearly changed the narrative for the Verde underdogs as he took the ball up the field and very nearly into the goal.
At the half, Austin FC is once again holding back on possession, an uncharacteristic move that nearly brought the team a win against the San Jose Earthquakes. The club's calmer gameplay has kept the daunting Chicharito at bay so far, though some close calls-including a double-header from keeper Brad Stuver and Jhohan Romana that kept the game scoreless from back-to-back corner kicks- have cut it close.
Austin FC and LA have each made just one shot on goal at the half, though Austin has made seven shots to the Galaxy's three.
A Texas-sized tifo
(Austonia)
Austin FC fans' latest tifo, or gigantic gameday banner, honors Tejana singer Selena Quintanilla. Clad in Verde alongside the words "Somos del equipo de la 512," or "We are the team of the 512," the banner honors Selena over 25 years after her death while showcasing Austin's undying support in its always-packed supporters' section.
Starting lineup
Ready to take the pitch tonight for #ATXvLA. #AustinFC x @YETICoolerspic.twitter.com/a9lg7Aye8G
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 27, 2021
Striker Moussa Djitte is back in the starting lineup after making a splash for his starting debut last week as the team looks to continue their high-scoring streak. He's flanked by Designated Player Cecilio Dominguez and Diego Fagundez.
Meanwhile, fellow DP Sebastian Driussi will don the captain's armband for the first time as midfielder Alex Ring is out on a red card penalty and will take on the midfield alongside Daniel Pereira and Tomas Pochettino.
The team's back line will stay the same as center back Matt Besler continues to sit out on concussion protocol.
- Austin FC fan Brad Tillery gets Verde Keeper kit from Stuver - austonia ›
- Austin FC loses 2-1 after catastrophic red card - austonia ›
- Austin FC loses Austinite McKinze Gaines in MLS Expansion Draft - austonia ›
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