Austin FC winger Emiliano Rigoni scores the game-winning goal in a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo at Shell Energy Stadium. (credit: Austin FC)
Never doubt the power of green on 04/20. Austin FC earned its first away win of the 2024 season on Saturday night against the Houston Dynamo, thanks to a stunning goal from winger Emiliano Rigoni that broke a 0-0 deadlock in the 86th minute.
The Verde and Black were lucky to escape Houston without a pending grand theft trial after stealing three points in a game in which they trailed in every major statistical category (35% to 65% in possession , 7 to 17 on shots, 0.8 to 1.5 in expected goals). But Rigoni gave Austin a pivotal moment of individual genius, and in this sport, that’s often all it takes to make the difference.
It was the definition of a ‘goal out of nowhere’ as it came immediately after a harmless Brad Stuver kick. Harmless, until substitute CJ Fodrey – making his first appearance of the season for the ATX senior team – jumped to head the ball towards the Houston goal. Rigoni reacted first, split two Dynamo defenders, then beat goalkeeper Steve Clark with a left-footed shot that ricocheted off the far post and inside.
The goalkeeper begins. 👌
Emiliano Rigoni finishes it. 😤Rigoni wins for @AustinFC late in Houston. pic.twitter.com/jtrKtaZqXx
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 21, 2024
“I’m really happy to give this goal to (my teammates),” Rigoni said through an interpreter. “This group is fantastic. The connection we have is great and it shows like today for example when I scored the goal everyone was so happy for me and that’s how we always are.
Rigoni, the club’s second highest paid player behind Sebastián Driussi, struggled mightily in the first quarter of the season and recently lost his place in ATX’s starting XI.
“When the opportunity presented itself to Emi, I think his first touch was fantastic and he finished it extremely well. And you know, it’s not easy (when) you don’t play the minutes that you probably wish,” head coach Josh Wolff said of his struggling designated player.
Defensively, Austin held on despite the absence of central defenders Leo Väisänen (foot injury) and Julio Cascante (suspension for accumulation of yellow cards). Veterans Brendon Hines-Ike and Matt Hedges played confidently in front of goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who extended his MLS lead with six more saves, including three highlight-reel goals. Stuver got his second clean sheet of the season.
The victory improved Austin FC’s excellent record against its in-state rival to six wins in nine matches and propelled the club to seventh place in the ever-fluctuating Western Conference standings. The last few weeks have been profitable for El Tree with three victories in their last four matches.
Next, Austin returns home for a marquee matinee Saturday (12:45 p.m. kickoff) against the LA Galaxy, who have lost just once this season.
For more news and analysis on Austin FC, visit The Austin ChronicleThe Austin FC hub. Follow “The Verde Report” columnist Eric Goodman on X: @Good man.
