Second-half goals from newcomers Moussa Djitté and Austin-born McKinze Gaines provided the platform for Austin FC to earn a 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy on Sunday night at Q2 Stadium.
The Galaxy nearly found the perfect start when Javier Hernández broke in behind Austin’s backline in the 2nd minute, but Brad Stuver saved the striker’s close-range effort. Djitté had the hosts’ best chance in the opening 45 minutes, winning the ball in his own half and driving to the edge of the opposing penalty area before flashing a low shot just wide of the post.
Djitté would not be denied on the other side of the break though. In the 64th minute, the Senegalese striker fired home the rebound off a powerful shot of his own, opening his account with Austin and sending the crowd at Q2 Stadium into a frenzy.
It wouldn’t take long for the Verde & Black to double their advantage. Gaines made his mark almost immediately after entering the match as a 73rd minute substitute. The 23-year-old, who was making just his second appearance for the club, took one touch to control a cross from Nick Lima then smashed a vicious volley into the roof of the net.
From there, ATXFC would go on to see out the victory, snapping a skid of five consecutive losses and securing its first shutout since June 27.
THREE THINGS
- YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST(S): Sunday’s win saw two significant firsts for Austin FC attackers, as summer signing Moussa Djitté and native Austinite McKinze Gaines both netted their first goals for the club.
- A SHEET KEPT CLEAN: ATXFC’s shutout, anchored by a seven-save performance from goalkeeper Brad Stuver, ended a run of 14 games without a clean sheet.
- MORE MATCHES ON THE WAY: The Verde & Black have a busy six days ahead, with a Wednesday away match against Colorado and a Saturday home game against Real Salt Lake up next.
QUOTABLES
- Head Coach Josh Wolff on the team’s performance: “The negative side gets talked about a lot, because that’s an easy narrative to go after. But these guys are grinders, they have it in them, and from the start tonight, it was a very collective professional performance."
- Djitté on what he feels he brings to the team: “I feel like I was brought here to play a role and a part in the team. I’m here to go until the end, to play until the end and to give it my all.”
- Wolff on the atmosphere at Q2 Stadium: “We love this community, we love this stadium, we love the fanbase, and hopefully they can appreciate the way we play and certainly the way we represent this city. There’s a huge following in this city and it’s very clear this is one of the most incredible atmospheres. That’s evident tonight on ESPN, but you can see it each and every week.”
