Will Bruin opened the scoring for Seattle Sounders FC before Diego Fagúndez equalized for Austin FC as the two Western Conference teams played to a 1-1 draw Sunday at Q2 Stadium.
Despite Austin dictating the tempo for the majority of the first half, the Sounders struck first when Cristian Roldán's low cross was re-directed into the back of the net by a tumbling Bruin right before halftime.
The home side was unfortunate in the 64th minute when captain Alex Ring's volley off a long throw-in rattled the woodwork, but six minutes later, they found their equalizer through Fagúndez's first of the season. The Uruguayan-American midfielder outworked everyone in the box to retrieve possession, eventually turning and finding the near corner to bring ATX back level.
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: After scoring a league-record 10 goals in their first two matches via consecutive five-goal showings vs. FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami CF, Austin's offense has come back down to earth. However, Josh Wolff's squad has shown in recent weeks that they can compete against the best teams in the Western Conference. The Sounders, meanwhile, won't be too concerned about their slow start in the league with only one win through their first four match days, as they're battling a congested schedule coming off their Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal advancement past Liga MX's Club León on Thursday.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Frustration among the Austin players – due in large part to Stefan Cleveland's brilliant display in goal for the visitors – was mounting when Fagúndez finally broke through for the home side.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Alex Ring. Austin FC's captain was all over the pitch and could've scored himself, finishing the match with a game-high 1.06 expected goals.
Next Up
- ATX: Saturday, April 2 at San Jose Earthquakes | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+, DAZN in Canada)
- SEA: Saturday, April 2 vs. Minnesota United FC | 8:00 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+, DAZN in Canada)
