Austin FC rallies late for 2-2 draw against Real Salt Lake
- Real Salt Lake took a 2-0 lead with goals from Matt Crooks and Diogo Gonçalves.
- Austin FC rallied late in the match, with Jäder Obrian and Guilherme Biro scoring to equalize.
- The draw reflects Austin's fighting spirit and sets the stage for their upcoming match against the Portland Timbers.
On Saturday night in Austin, Texas, Austin FC faced Real Salt Lake in a tense match that ended in a 2-2 draw. The game saw Real Salt Lake take an early lead with Matt Crooks scoring just three minutes into the second half. This was Crooks' third goal of the season, showcasing his impact in his rookie year. Real Salt Lake extended their lead to 2-0 in the 65th minute with a penalty-kick goal from Diogo Gonçalves, awarded after a foul on Austin's Owen Wolff. Gonçalves' goal marked his second in six appearances, highlighting his growing presence in the team. Austin FC, determined to turn the tide, made a late comeback. Jäder Obrian scored in the 82nd minute, assisted by Jon Gallagher, bringing the score to 2-1. This marked Obrian's seventh goal of the season, demonstrating his crucial role in the team's offense. The equalizer came just before the final whistle when defender Guilherme Biro scored in the 89th minute, with Sebastián Driussi providing the assist. Biro's goal was his third of the season, reflecting the team's resilience and ability to fight back in challenging situations. Both teams displayed strong defensive efforts, with Zac MacMath saving five shots for Real Salt Lake and Brad Stuver making four saves for Austin. The draw leaves Austin FC with a record of 9-13-9, while Real Salt Lake stands at 14-7-10. Following this match, Real Salt Lake will host Minnesota United, while Austin FC prepares to face the Portland Timbers in their next outing.