Austin FC closed out a five-day stint in St. Petersburg, Florida with a preseason friendly against FC Cincinnati on Friday afternoon at Al Lang Stadium. The match was the second of seven total games that make up the team's 2024 preseason presented by St. David's HealthCare.
The Verde & Black opened the scoring after 15 minutes through Austin FC II midfielder Valentin Noël, who finished off a cross from the newly-acquired Jáder Obrian. Cincinnati's Aaron Boupendza equalized before the break.
Austin regained the lead in the second half. CJ Fodrey's pass found it's way to Sebastián Driussi, and the captain calmly placed a shot beyond the Cincinnati goalkeeper. Driussi's goal proved to be the winner as neither side found the net again and the Verde & Black earned a 2-1 victory over the reigning Supporters' Shield winners.
The team's next preseason match is in Austin against USL Championship side Louisville City FC on February 3.
