Austin FC looked flat in a demoralizing loss, as Portland was able to come in 12th in the Western Conference and score two goals to be able to leave Q2 with a win.

It was a match that many felt was a must-win for the playoff picture. And Austin delivered one of the dullest performances we have seen from them.

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A few changes were made to the starting XI. Most notable were Gyasi Zardes’s return as the striker and Alex Ring getting the start in the midfield after spending the majority of the season as a center back.

Who Is Stepping Up?

Sebastian Driussi gets his goal off a beautiful ball delivered by Alex Ring in the 75th minute. It was a goal that gave them a little bit of life, but that was short-lived as the team failed to find the equalizer.

Dani Pereira also had a good outing statistically, as he finished completing 93% of his passes, as he completed 71 out of 76. He was also good defensively, as he won 100% of his ground duels, winning all eight of the ground duels.

There wasn’t a lot else that stood out as positive. Ring looked like he actually cared when a lot of the guys looked dejected. But after Driussi, Pereira, and Ring, I’m not sure anyone else should be added to this category.

Who Is Dropping Off?

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Owen Wolff had a poor performance in the midfield as he lost five ground duels, going zero for his five chances. I think moving forward, we need to see the Pereira-Ring-Driussi midfield with Wolff coming off the bench as a sub.

Emiliano Rigoni struggled with his touch for much of the night. He only finished with one shot on the night, which came in the early minutes, before he disappeared for much of the match.

I feel like I should put the entire defensive back line here because of their performance. They gave up two, and it easily could have been more. Combined, they went 6-for-15 in winning aerial duels. They were consistently getting beat and caught ball-watching.

Josh Wolff has to be dropping off. This loss, in my opinion, is a low moment for the club. It isn’t only because they lost 2-1 at home against a struggling team, it is because this team seems like they have totally bought out on this season, and that falls on the coach and his leadership.

Austin FC goes on the road as they take on the New York Red Bulls at 6:30 pm on Wednesday from Red Bull Arena.

Does this team fight there way into the playoffs?

Let us know what you think in the comment.

Images courtesy Apple TV