Goalless in Seattle: Austin FC stalls the still undefeated Sounders

The Seattle Sounders still remain unbeaten despite being stalled offensively on Sunday night by expansion side Austin FC.

Seattle, Wash. — The Seattle Sounders unbeaten start to the 2021 season presented Austin FC with a daunting prospect tonight. After 6 tiring road matches and a growing injury list, the Verde would surely be unable to withstanding the Sounders Rave tide?

Austin FC stalls the still undefeated Sounders

Austin started briskly, hustling the Sounders at every opportunity and everywhere on the field. The Sounders did a good job of withstanding the press, settle into a rhythm that saw them upend the possession stats. At one point in the first half, the Sounders had almost two-thirds of the ball, something that Austin wouldn’t have been used to. In part, this was down to the Sounders ability to move the ball so crisply and quickly. In part, it was down to Austin’s uncharacteristic carelessness when attempting to move the ball upfield.

Despite Sounders possession and several cutting attacks down the flanks, they were only able to register 2 shots on target in the first period. Austin were largely reduced to trying their luck from distance, registering just the 1 shot on frame. Dominguez, playing in the number 9 spot for the absent Danny Hoesen, looked busy and creative.

The second half, as we’ve seen several times already this season, Austin came out reenergized. Within minutes of the restart, they were working the ball neatly around their defense and out of pressure but tellingly also working the ball upfield, to feet, breaking lines and creating space – at speed. Alex Ring and Diego Fagundez in particular distinguished themselves, offering an option every time the ball hit the middle third. Jared Stroud and Jon Gallagher ran the flanks tirelessly as Austin probed and pulled at the Seattle defence. It was Gallagher and Stroud who combined on 72 minutes, the former putting the latter in on goal, only for the Seattle keeper to make a superb save one on one.

Austin didn’t have it all their own way, though. You wouldn’t expect that when playing a team as good as Seattle. Another assured display from keeper Brad Stuver and a herculean effort from Matt Besler and Julio Cascante, continued to frustrate the Sounders attack. It looked like they had made the breakthrough on 75 minutes when Fredy Montero slid the ball in at the back post. The referee, after checking VAR, determined that the goal was offside. With the game wide open as both teams searched for a winner, it was exciting end-to-end stuff. Ultimately, both teams came up a little short, though Austin will undoubtedly be feeling the happier of the two.

An amazing play all around, but this one won't count following Video Review after Raúl Ruidíaz is ruled offside. #SoundersMatchday | #SEAvATX pic.twitter.com/5xAJX7dgTr

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) May 31, 2021

Three Key Takeaways from Seattle vs. Austin

Austin are hard to beat: The Verde concede very few goals, even when beaten. They are developing a gritty streak that will serve them well on the road especially. But…
Offensive output is at a premium: Chances are being created, at least, and shots generated. However, Austin need to find a way to score goals. You suspect, though, that once one goes in many more will follow.
Dominguez offers options at the 9: Though he didn’t score tonight, the Paraguayan’s industry, movement, and trickiness asked lots of questions of the Seattle defense and created space and options for his teammates. As Austin look for ways to goal, Dominguez could prove key.

Last Words

Austin struggled early in the game, perhaps a little over-awed by their opponents. But they displayed real grit and went toe-to-toe with the Sounders second half in a game that truly could have gone either way. Their ability to grind coupled with their comfort in possession is beginning to cement the identity of this new franchise – and it’s an identity the Verde fans are starting to appreciate.