In a thrilling match during Week 23 of the MLS, Houston and Austin FC played to a 2-2 draw. Jack McGlynn was the standout player, scoring both goals for Houston at the 34th minute from a penalty and again at the 43rd minute of the second half. This was a remarkable comeback for Houston, who had initially gone down 2-0 after goals from Ilie Sánchez (30’) and Guilherme Biro (40’) for Austin FC.
McGlynn’s exceptional performance included two goals and two attempts on goal, showcasing his skills as a key attacker for Houston. On the other hand, Austin FC’s Guilherme Biro also played a significant role, not only scoring but also making crucial defensive clearances, rejecting four dangerous balls during the match.
The tactical setup for Austin FC, directed by coach Nicolás Estévez, featured a 4-4-2 formation, with Brad Stuver as the goalkeeper. The defense included Mikkel Desler, Oleksandr Svatok, Brendan Hines-Ike, and Guilherme Biro, while the midfield comprised Osman Bukari, Ilie Sánchez, Daniel Pereira, and Owen Wolff, and the attack was led by Diego Rubio and Myrto Uzuni.
Conversely, Houston’s coach Benjamin Olsen opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Jonathan Bond guarding the net. The defensive line consisted of Griffin Dorsey, Ethan Bartlow, Pablo Ortiz, and Felipe Andrade, while the midfield was made up of Duane Holmes, Artur de Lima, and Brooklyn Raines. Jack McGlynn, Ezequiel Ponce, and Ondrej Lingr formed the attacking trio.
Referee Alexis Da Silva ensured the match’s discipline throughout the game.
Looking ahead, Austin FC’s next match will be at home against Los Angeles FC, while Houston will host LA Galaxy.
Substitutions for Austin FC
70’ 2T – Diego Rubio came off for Robert Taylor, Ilie Sánchez for Besard Sabovic.
92’ 2T – Osman Bukari off for Jon Gallagher.
93’ 2T – Mikkel Desler off for Jader Obrian, Owen Wolff off for Calvin Fodrey.
Yellow Cards for Austin FC:
36’ 1T – Mikkel Desler (Unsporting behavior), 3’ 2T – Osman Bukari (Holding a player to prevent advancement), 17’ 2T – Myrto Uzuni (Unsporting behavior).
Substitutions for Houston
45’ 2T – Ethan Bartlow off for Antônio Carlos.
56’ 2T – Brooklyn Raines off for Lawrence Ennali.
69’ 2T – Duane Holmes off for Sebastian Kowalczyk, Ezequiel Ponce off for Amine Bassi.
Yellow Card for Houston:
11’ 2T – Ondrej Lingr (Unsporting behavior).