A signature Austin FC comeback fell short even after two stellar goals from Sebastian Driussi and a layup from Ethan Finlay off a Corozo bicycle. The 4-3 loss against New York Red Bulls ended a club record seven game unbeaten run.
Here are some highlights of what Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff said in the press conference after Austin’s defeat at home on July 24.
Opening Statement about the game
“We didn’t start this game in a very good way. New York immediately put it on their terms. There were lots of needless fouls that created set pieces, and then throw-ins, and then corner kicks. At no point did we play behind the line and stretch the field, knowing that New York wants you to play in front of them. The start was poor, from a lot of players.”
The reason for tonight’s poor start
“I’ll go back to how the week played out for us was a poor week. A poor week of training. And a lot of that had to do with our situation. Coming off a game, we took extra days to recover. We just weren’t sharp enough throughout the week.”
And what Wolff will change after this result “We clearly could have gotten some things better and prepared these guys. That’s on me as a coach. So structure, personnel decisions…I’ll make those corrections going forward.”
On Brad Stuver’s absence from the match and ESPYS
“I think he’s in health and safety protocols so as it plays out he should be back in with the group. It is disappointing. We’re all bummed for him. He’s done so much for this team and the community. Hopefully, he’s back to good health quickly and he’s back with us shortly.”
Andrew Tarbell’s performance in Stuver’s place
“It’s tough to come in…for Andrew, he hasn’t played a ton of games this year but he’s a good goalkeeper. I think he’ll own what happened tonight in making a mistake. He doesn’t hide from that stuff. He’s a great leader and he’s a responsible guy.” But Wolff said it wasn’t all on Tarbell, “We’ll review it and talk with him. I’m sure he’s not totally pleased. We gave up four goals as a team. So, regardless of what his actions were on one play, it’s still a group here. The fact that we gave up four is on all of us. I can look at a number of those goals and there were plenty of guys who made mistakes along the way.”
On Washington Corozo playing in his first match
“I think he gave us a good pop. He has to become more comfortable in our space and our philosophy by which we attack and defend with, but he has an exceptional first touch, good change of speed. I didn’t realize he had the bicycle in his locker. He did a good job to keep that alive. It’s obviously nice when he can come in and contribute. That will build his validation within the group and hopefully he’ll see more minutes.”
On his decision not to start Dani Pereira
“The middle of the field is congested. It’s tight. Not a lot of dribbling in those situations. So, part of it was that.” Wolff went on to say “And Felipe’s a guy that’s had experience and knows what this looks like. So him and Alex in the middle for combativeness and ball-winning; that’s an area that Dani’s going to need to continue to improve in.”
What makes Sebastian Driussi so special
“His talent is quite clear. To me, he’s the best player in the league. And we got to find ways to get him incorporated in the game quicker. And that’s part of the surroundings, our intentions and purposefulness of how we need to start games, to get him on the ball more often. He is a tremendous talent. We got to continue to look and help bring in more talent, but he’s an incredible soccer player, but as I’ve said before, he’s an even better human being.”
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