The first big upset of Leagues Cup 2024 came on opening night, with 10-man Austin FC stunning LIGA MX’s Pumas UNAM in a thrilling 3-2 win at Q2 Stadium.
Friday’s result throws a major wrench in Group West 1 – which also features Mexican powerhouse CF Monterrey – while giving the Verde & Black a much-needed statement victory as they look to make noise in the tournament before charting an Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs push.
And what a victory it was, with club talisman Sebastián Driussi ending a two-month scoring drought with the game-winning goal and backup goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland making a dramatic second-half stoppage-time penalty-kick save to preserve the three points. All this after marquee summer signing Osman Bukari got sent off for two yellow cards in the first half.
"We had adversity that we faced in many, many ways," head coach Josh Wolff said post-match. "And the players put in a big, big effort and got rewarded. They were fantastic today... it shows who they are."
Winless in three league games and outside the Western Conference playoff picture, Austin more than held their own against the LIGA MX Apertura co-leaders, who are undefeated in four matches with a 3W-0L-1D record.
Alex Ring’s early opener set the tone for the Verde & Black, who extended their lead via Gyasi Zardes despite Bukari’s sending-off. Ali Ávila pulled one back for Pumas before the break after poking in Cleveland’s rebound on a close-range effort from César Huerta.
Driussi gets on track
As Los Auriazules pushed for an equalizer in the second half, an unmarked Driussi headed home Ring’s cross to the far post to set off an emotional celebration both in the stands and on the field. The 28-year-old Designated Player, who had 22g/7a during a career-best 2022 season, hadn’t scored since May 18 in a 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City.
"He has been [waiting for that goal]," Wolff said of Driussi. "He knows how important he is to this team and we need him to perform because it only elevates those around him, it only elevates the intensity, the belief, the hunger of the group. He’s so impactful and influential in this group.
"When he’s scoring goals, he starts to elevate to the Seba that we know."
Cleveland comes up clutch
Then there was Cleveland, a winter free-agent signing who was making his first start in nearly a year in place of first-choice Brad Stuver. The 30-year-old veteran was hardly having a dream debut, bearing partial responsibility for Ávila’s goal and looking unsure during a few interventions.
But when referee Julio Luna called a penalty on Julio Cascante, giving Pumas a chance to level the game in second-half stoppage time, Cleveland came up huge to deny Gonzalo Martínez from the spot and give Austin a dramatic win.
"I think he did an incredible job when asked and needed on that penalty kick, there’s no doubt it," Wolff said. "… I wouldn’t say it was perfect for him, but when the moment came he answered it. And the guys were extremely appreciative, as are all of us."
Up next for Austin is a showdown with Monterrey on Tuesday night that will determine their Leagues Cup fate (9 pm ET | Apple TV - Free; UniMás, FS1). After Friday night’s display, they have every reason to believe they can move on from their group and be a serious threat when the Round of 32 begins on Aug 7.
"We’ll enjoy tonight, we’ll get ready for Monterrey in a few days," Wolff said. "But the guys showed their willingness, their character and certainly their quality as well. It was an incredible display of grit."
