Austin FC’s Playoff Hopes Dim After 2-0 Loss to FC dallas
FRISCO, Texas – Austin FC suffered a setback in its playoff push saturday night, falling 2-0 to FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. The loss snapped a brief positive run for the Verde & Black and raises concerns about their postseason security as the regular season enters its final stretch.
The defeat highlighted deficiencies in Austin FC’s attack and overall execution, leaving coach Josh Wolff frustrated.While a seven-match winning streak was unlikely, the result puts Austin’s playoff positioning in jeopardy, perhaps dropping them to just three points above the playoff cutoff line if real Salt Lake wins Wednesday against LAFC. Wiht challenging upcoming matches against Seattle and LAFC, the final five weeks of the season will be critical.
Here are four key takeaways from the match:
1. Offensive Struggles Continue: Austin FC’s forwards,Jáder Obrian and Diego Rubio,failed to make a significant impact,mirroring recent performances. Coach Josh Wolff pointed to a lack of quality in crossing and finishing as key issues. “For us, it was more our actions without the ball,” Estévez said.
2. Lack of Action Without Possession: Wolff emphasized the team’s struggles off the ball as a major factor in the loss. The team’s inability to disrupt Dallas’s build-up and win crucial duels contributed to the opponent’s control of the game.
3.Playoff Positioning in Doubt: The loss tightens the Western Conference playoff race. A Real Salt Lake win over LAFC on Wednesday would leave Austin FC only three points ahead of the ninth and final playoff spot.
4. Player Ratings Reflect Disappointing Performances: Several Austin FC players received low ratings. Obrian and Rubio both earned a 4,while Owen Wolff,Nicolas Dubersarsky,and Osman Bukari received 4.5s. Defenders Guilherme Biro and Brendan Hines-Ike earned 4 and 5 respectively,while Jon Gallagher led the team with a 5.5. Substitutes Myrto Uzuni, Robert Taylor, Zan Kolmanic, Besard Sabovic, and CJ Fodrey all received a 5.
