Austin FC Knocks Off LA Galaxy For Fourth Win in Five Matches

Austin FC striker Diego Rubio celebrates scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over the LA Galaxy (credit: Austin FC)

In front of a sellout crowd, a national TV audience, and even Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, Austin FC captured a signature 2-0 victory over the Western Conference-leading LA Galaxy Saturday afternoon at Q2 Stadium.

First-half goals from Diego Rubio and Jáder Obrian, coupled with the Verde and Black’s second consecutive shutout defensive performance, secured a fourth win in five matches for Major League Soccer’s hottest club.

Austin FC struck an early blow, converting the very first shot of the match into the opening goal in the seventh minute thanks to some terrific team play. First, a spell of coordinating pressing created a turnover in midfield that sent ATXFC on the counter attack. Then, Sebastián Driussi, Alex Ring, and Obrian combined to put Rubio in on goal, where a well-placed finish gave the Chilean his third goal of the season.

What a start for @AustinFC!Diego Rubio has them ahead early.

📺 Watch free on @AppleTV: https://t.co/iYpxDfo6zK (also on FOX) pic.twitter.com/62NrLBbIbS

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 27, 2024

Austin capitalized on another quick strike in the 19th minute to double the lead, once again thanks to forced turnover. In one fluid motion, Ring dispossessed Galaxy forward Miguel Berry, then fired a long pass toward Obrian making a run in behind the LA defense. Obrian took two stellar touches, then shot from almost the exact same spot from which Rubio scored, to similar effect.

Tuned on the jets. 🏃💨@AustinFC are up 2-0. pic.twitter.com/RQwsYMO31m

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 27, 2024

The Verde and Black defense held firm throughout the 90 minutes, while Brad Stuver saved all five LA shots on target to cap off his third clean sheet of the season.

It was an overall tremendous performance for Austin FC and one that, naturally, had confidence levels in the Verde locker room at a season high.

“It should give the players confidence,” head coach Josh Wolff said. “I mean, you can see today they perform with confidence. They performed with precision, they performed with discipline, and we’re going to need that.”

Next up for El Tree is arguably an even tougher test next weekend, on the road against a Vancouver Whitecaps club that’s dropped points in just three matches all season. A win there, however, would have Austin in talks as one of the most dangerous clubs in the entire Western Conference.

For more Austin FC news and analysis, visit The Austin Chronicle's Austin FC hub. Follow “The Verde Report” columnist Eric Goodman on X: @goodman.