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Austin soccer fans and international travelers packed Q2 Stadium during the Mexico and Chile friendly match. (Q2 Stadium/Twitter)
Austin FC's Q2 Stadium became another hot spot for international soccer on Thursday—and instead of Verde, a sold-out crowd opted for red, white and green as they watched Mexico's 2-2 draw with Chile.
Despite a late weekday night game, the 9 p.m. friendly match drew in over 20,000 supporters as El Tri took on La Roja. Both teams featured young lineups, with former USMNT player and LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo making his debut for the Mexican side.
And that same crowd erupted into cheers as Mexico's Santi Gimenez struck first, scoring in just the ninth minute to give the de facto home team the lead.
Chile ramped up their attacking side and nabbed a goal of their own off a rebound from Mexico keeper Carlos Acevedo, with La Roja's Ivan Morales tying it up in the 21st minute.
After a quiet end to the first half, Mexico took another lead off a set piece in the 64th minute, when Club America teammates Sebastian Cordova and Jordan Silva teamed up to make it 2-1 on a Silva header. But Mexico would be unable to keep the lead as a last-minute drive from Chile's Pablo Parra brought the final score to 2-2.
The Mexican men's national team took a 2-2 draw to Chile at Austin's Q2 Stadium on Thursday. (Seleccion National/Twitter)
Even with a draw, the match marked history for Austin soccer fans, many of whom pledge allegiance to El Tri. It's the first international match featuring Mexico players in Austin since Liga MX's Tigres UANL came to Q2 in July.
But the third winless match in a row has put a damper on the Mexican side, which sits at third in the Concacaf World Cup qualifying standings behind the United States and Canada.
Next up, Mexico will continue its World Cup qualifying stretch in January, while Chile will take on El Salvador in a friendly in Los Angeles on Dec. 11. Home team Austin FC will head back to Q2 for its home opener against FC Cincinnati on Feb. 26.
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Popular
(Gulfstream)
Billed as offering “the most spacious cabin in history,” the aircraft seats 19 and soars above the rest of us at up to 51,000 feet. Base price: $78 million.
The Gulfstream G700 was awarded the 2022 International Yacht & Aviation Award for excellence in cabin design this year. (Gulfstream)
According to the Gulfstream website, the G700 can fly up to 7,500 nautical miles without refueling, enough range to fly nonstop from Austin to Hong Kong. Powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, it has its own Wi-Fi system, 20 oval windows measuring 28” x 21”, and two lavatories.
The sweet new ride will replace his current top-of-line private jet: a 2015 Gulfstream G650, the aircraft that has been made somewhat famous by the automated @elonjet Twitter account, which tracks and reports his personal aircraft’s movements using public data.
Musk has repeatedly championed “free speech” as a guiding ethic in his planned purchase of Twitter. Last December, Musk offered the teenager who built the @elonjet tracker $50,000 to shut it down, citing security concerns. It’s still up.
According to the @elonjet account, Musk’s jet last traveled to Austin, where it’s been since June 23. The associated data says that his flight to Austin burned $2,573 worth of aviation fuel and discharged 4 tons of carbon dioxide.
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(Valencia Hotel Group)
The hotels
Explore any of the Court Hotels by Valencia Hotel Group for a memorable escape. Each property offers a unique experience remnant of yesteryear but with all of the modern amenities that make for a fun and comfortable stay. With acres of landscaped courtyards, relax and unwind in an outdoor environment perfect for doing everything or absolutely nothing at all. With locations in Austin, College Station, Irving, and Lubbock your urban retreat has never been so close.
The music
Locals and travelers alike are invited to enjoy the deep roots of Texas music all summer long with a robust lineup of live performances. From the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk to Irving’s manicured streets, Valencia’s hotels are a place to gather and reconnect, offering uniquely Texan settings for the weekly performances.
“We’re proud of the community we’ve fostered among Texas musicians and the many rising stars who perform at our properties,” says Amy Trench, corporate director of brand marketing & PR for Valencia Hotel Group.
In Austin, you can catch good ol’ fashioned Texas country by Drew Moreland and Clayton Gardner, bluegrass by Reagan Quinn, and much, much more.
With unique programming at each of Valencia’s properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
The perks
If you’re a Valencia Hotel Group Rewards member, the perks are plentiful. Enjoy up to 10% off the Best Available Rate, and for a limited time, members can save up to 15% off a stay of 2 nights or more, for select stays in 2022.
But that’s really just the beginning. At select locations, you can enjoy discounts on weeknight stays, a complimentary third night, or curated packages for a romantic getaway or a night of watching the Verde at Q2 Stadium. You’ll also find special rates for AAA and AARP Members, educators, and front-line heroes including military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue workers.
