Austin, Texas – Austin FC and Atlanta United FC played to a dramatic 1-1 draw on Wednesday, May 14, at Q2 Stadium in their second-ever meeting. The match kicked off at 8:00 p.m. CT and was streamed live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Atlanta United salvaged a point in the final moments, with Jamal Thiaré equalizing in the 92nd minute after Austin FC had taken the lead earlier in the second half. Both teams have been struggling; Austin FC was 18th in the league, while Atlanta was coming off a winless streak of six games.
“We had a totally different discipline and attitude,” said Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila. “In the circumstances we are in, I’m very happy with this. The subs showed great team spirit and made a difference.”
The match began with both teams having a cautious approach. Early on, Atlanta’s Miguel Almirón was denied by Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver in a critical one-on-one situation. The first half ended goalless, despite both teams managing to create scoring opportunities.
In the second half, Austin FC broke the deadlock. Brandon Vásquez scored with a curling shot from a free kick in the 55th minute, marking the first time this season that Atlanta had conceded a goal directly from a free kick.
Atlanta responded with a substitutions plan that saw them shift strategies and finally find an equalizer. In the dying moments, Lobjanidze assisted Thiaré, who tapped in from close range, to the relief of the 5-Stripes fans. This goal marked the latest of the season for Atlanta United.
“It was a tough match, but we found a way to fight back,” Thiaré said after the game.
Despite 15 total shots from both sides, which were intense and competitive, the match ended in a draw.
Austin FC’s next challenge will see them trying to bounce back from this mixed result as they sit bottom in their league standings. Meanwhile, Atlanta United, encouraged by their late equalizer, will host Philadelphia Union on Saturday, May 17, as they strive to regain their momentum in the Eastern Conference.
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