Austin FC erased a two-goal deficit in the second half to grab a point from FC Dallas. Through sixteen games, Austin sits in third place in the Western Conference, two points behind LAFC. LAFC plays on Sunday afternoon.
The only change to last weeks lineup was Felipe Martins replacing the suspended Daniel Pereira in the midfield. This change kept Owen Wolff out on the right wing.
The first major chance of the match fell to Austin FC in the 10th minute. Alex Ring flicked on a header at the near post from a free kick that found Sebastián Driussi in front of goal. Driussi was not able to control the ball off his knee, however.
After each team traded chances from outside the penalty area, FC Dallas intercepted a poor square pass around the halfway line. Some good link up play found Paxton Pomykal in the penalty area. Pomykal could not hit the target with his attempt.
The two sides continued to trade chances. Minutes later, Urruti had a decent effort from outside the penalty deflected just wide. Shortly after, Brad Stuver made a strong save on a Paul Arriola rocket at his near post.
The remainder of the half saw Austin FC enjoyed the majority of possession. However, FC Dallas was able to create several dangerous chances on the counterattack. The first half ended with two changes for Driussi, the first he hesitated on and could not get a shot off and the second he missed on an attempted bicycle kick. Half time: Austin FC 0-0 FC Dallas.
FC Dallas had a bit more possession to begin the second half. Although both sides had some half chances, FC Dallas broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Jon Gallagher gave away the ball just outside the Austin penalty area. Pomykal’s low shot was parried by Stuver, but Arriola was first to the loose ball placing it in the empty net. Austin FC 0-1 FC Dallas.
FC Dallas got a bit of luck and doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Brandon Servania got to a through ball first, his touch ricocheted off Julio Cascante and wound up back at Servania’s feet one-on-one with Stuver. Servania beat Stuver near post with a excellent finish. Austin FC 0-2 FC Dallas.
Austin answered in the 72nd minute. Moussa Djitté used his strength to win an aerial duel, beat one FC Dallas defender and was brought down by Matt Hedges. Driussi was first to the loose ball, took it around the charging keeper, Maarten Paes, and put it away. Austin FC 1-2 FC Dallas.
Driussi’s goal sparked Austin FC, and in the 85th minute Austin would equalize. Diego Fagúndez played an excellent through ball to Nick Lima on the right wing. Lima put in a cross in between the defensive line and the keeper. Danny Hoesen equalized for Austin with a diving header, Austin FC 2-2 FC Dallas.
Both sides had dangerous chances in the last ten minutes, but neither could capitalize. Austin FC and FC Dallas share the points.
Final Score: Austin FC 2, FC Dallas 2.
Next up, Austin FC travel to North Carolina to take on Charlotte FC on Thursday, June 30th. Charlotte FC are currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference.
Three Takeaways
Small Moments have Killed us this Season
Several small moments have cost us points in several matches this season. Turnovers in our defensive half at inopportune moments have led to several goals against across the campaign. Tonight was no different. Gallagher played a solid match, so it is unfortunate that a bad pass from him directly led to Dallas’ first goal. We also lack a bit of ruthlessness at times. One play mentioned above where Driussi tries to walk around the defense rather the hit a first-time shot is a prime example of that.
Djitté Flipped the Entire Match on its Head
Moussa Djitté was the clear difference maker for Austin in the second half. This is not to say that Urruti had a bad game. However, Djitté presented the Dallas defense with a different problem than the one they were solving over the first hour. Djitté’s strength and agility were on full display. His hold-up play was brilliant, and he was electric running at the defense. More of this, please!
A Draw Against a Rival is a Decent Result
I think both teams could make the case they could have taken all three points. Both teams were not as clinical as they could have been. As expected for a derby, tackles were flying in all over the pitch. So, I am happy with two things: we did not lose at home, and we have no additional injuries heading into a tough week and a half on the road. We move.
Goal Scoring Summary – Austin FC
- 72’ – Sebastián Driussi (Moussa Djitté)
- 85’ – Danny Hoesen (Nick Lima)
Goal Scoring Summary – FC Dallas
- 58’ – Paul Arriola (unassisted)
- 68’ – Brandon Servania (unassisted)
(Cover Photo Credit: Austin FC Instagram)
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