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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.
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Popular
“Overwhelmingly, this has been a really positive experience,” Pereksta said. “I get excited when I wake up in the morning and I can't wait to go to work.”
Bikers and joggers are excited about it too. On the pedestrian bridge leading to downtown Thursday morning, a man on an e-bike rode up and posed, wanting more photos.
“I posted the last pictures on Instagram and people loved it. They asked, ‘where is this guy?’” the biker told Pereksta. Bashfully, Pereksta, who also photographs landscapes and at weddings and other events, said he was happy to hear that.
Pereksta started these photos about a month ago, after the strenuous runs required in his valet job started causing pain in his legs. And though he has a passion for photography, he wasn’t so sure when he started working independently if it would work out.
He felt uncertain about the demand for it and was also worried about having lots of expensive equipment out in the open.
“Then like the first day was nothing but high praise and people are like, this is so awesome. This is great. I've never seen anything like this before. I was like, Wow, this was really good, like positive turnout. So I got encouraged.”
Now, he wants to expand and is thinking of contacting the Mueller Farmers Market about how to become a vendor. Still, he'll carry a connection to photographing on the bridge since the word bridge is related to his last name.
(Dewey C.)
“It's a name my great, great, great grandfather came up with when he was marrying somebody. It's actually quite a romantic name. It means a joining of two bridges," Pereksta said. "So, I thought it was ironic that I'm set up on a bridge. I'm kind of representing my last name right now.”
Austonia talked to Pereksta about life in Austin, where he’s lived for eight years after living in Boston doing band photography.
What was your first experience with Austin?
I came here to visit some friends and they took me to Barbarella. So we went to Barbarella and I was like, ‘wow, this place is great.’ And then the restaurants and the food and going to Barton Springs. I was like, ‘this is amazing.’ Because there's nothing like that in Boston. If you want to go to a natural spring, you got to go to New Hampshire. There's no pools in the city at all. So there's lots of swimming out here.
What do you like best about Austin?
You go to any little quiet bar and there's a band playing that should be like onstage for a sold out show. Yeah, they're playing to 10 people, right? Like, one of the best bands ever and they're playing for 10 people, right? And just little magic moments like that are pretty fun. You just run into little random weird things.
What do you think makes Austin different from other places?
There’s no fall.
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Fall promises to be a one-of-a-kind camping experience. From Sept. 16 to Nov. 24, weekends will be packed with fall-themed activities, including special Halloween weekends in October. Campers can enjoy activities like fall crafts, campground trick-or-treating, costume contests, site decorating, outdoor movie nights, and more!
Packages and Ways to Stay
Camp Fimfo Waco
Located just 5 miles from McLane Stadium, Camp Fimfo Waco is the perfect place to stay during home game weekends. Skip the stuffy hotel room and embrace the great outdoors before cheering on the Baylor Bears! Campers can purchase a Baylor Tailgating Package that includes a pre-game meal from Executive Chef Sean Kelley and transportation to and from the game! Chef Kelley will also be cooking up delicious, elevated tailgating meals near the stadium so make sure to check out The Plaid Plate food truck before the game.
Stay in style and comfort, no matter your camping preference! At Camp Fimfo Waco, there are multiple ways to stay. Red Carpet RV sites come with a concrete pad and patio, full hook-ups, cable hook-up, a charcoal grill, fire ring and fire pit. Back-in or pull-thru options are available, as well as coveted spots tucked along the Bosque River!
Don’t have an RV? Not a problem, Camp Fimfo Waco has cabins too! Book a Riverview Firewheel Cabin if you’re looking for an air-conditioned oasis for the whole family. Complete with a kitchen and private bathroom, this cabin can fit up to 10 people. Elevate your stay by adding on a golf cart or snag a private cabana by the pool for guaranteed shade. With wifi available throughout the park, you can stay connected during your stay!
Amenities and Activities
Camp Fimfo Waco
Camp Fimfo Waco features lots of amenities to fill your days with fun, whether you’re a kid or kid at heart. After challenging your friends to a game of pickleball, basketball, or mini golf, go for a dip in the resort-style, heated pool - open daily through October! Stay on the weekends through October to enjoy the interactive splash playground. With plenty of ways to burn off energy, like the jumping pillow or playground, you can be sure to end the day with a peaceful night around the campfire!
Offers
Right now, you can get the fourth night FREE when you book three nights with the promo code BONUS! Check out the Offers page for full details and more promo codes!
