Impact-Site-Verification: 1809495892 Austin FC keeps the playoff hopes alive as they get three points in a must-win. This win ends the 81-day streak without a win by this club, and the clean sheet was their first in 12 matches as they took it 3-0.

They were able to get a goal early and then keep the foot on the pedal as they were able to add two more insurance goals. A lot seemed to go Austin’s way in a season where nothing seemed to go their direction.

The starting XI saw some changes to the lineup. Will Bruin got the start at striker; there was no Dani Pereira starting, and Owen Wolff started as a left-back in defense.

If you purchase through our links, we earn a commission that will support content like this that we create on the site.

Who Is Stepping Up?

Brad Stuver earned the clean sheet tonight, as he was seen diving and putting his body on the line throughout the entire match. He ended with eight saves as he heard a chorus of “Stuuuuuuuuu” throughout the entire night.

Jhojan Valencia has looked like a player who just needed some consistent minutes with this team to find his spot. Boy, has he been looking good the last few matches. He was a centerpiece for this squad in both attack and defense. He was rewarded as the Man of the Match at Q2 Stadium after the match.

Sebastian Driussi looked like the star player he is as he scored a goal in the 21st minute and assisted on the beautiful header to Will Bruin. Both lads delivered great performances.

It was an overall great team performance. We also saw good contributions from Alex Ring, Emiliano Rigoni, and Jon Gallagher. These guys were making accurate passes, winning duels, and pressing the ball forward in the attack throughout the night.

Matt Hedges came on for Leo Vaisanen as he went down due to heat exhaustion in the 54th minute. And while Hedges was able to help this defense hold a clean sheet, he also did what he has done so well throughout his career, which was scoring headers off of corner kicks. His goal in the 64th minute really sealed this win for a club so desperate for one.

Who Is Dropping Off?

As I stated earlier, this was a match that saw players really step up and earn the win. This really felt like an overall team effort to be able to achieve the win.

Ethan Finlay didn’t necessarily do anything that made him stand out. He struggled a bit in the attack, as he was zero for three on completing crosses. He would have liked to have completed some of those opportunities to put a player in a scoring position.

Owen Wolff got the start in defense in left back. This is not his natural position, making it hard to give him a fair assessment. I will say I think he got better as the match drew on, but at times he struggled with positioning and winning duels.

Austin FC tries to keep their playoff dreams alive as they take on LAFC, 7:30 pm on Saturday at Q2 Stadium.

Can they stay in the playoff picture?

Let us know what you think and who you chose as your Man of the Match in the comments below.