In a thrilling encounter on Saturday for Week 32 of MLS, the San José Earthquakes managed to turn the match around and defeat Austin FC with a score of 2-1. The visitors started strong, taking the lead in the 22nd minute through a stunning effort by Owen Wolff. However, their joy was short-lived when Josef Martínez equalized with a well-placed header just 29 minutes into the second half. The Earthquakes completed their comeback in the 32nd minute of the same half with a fantastic free kick from Nikolas Tsakiris.
Owen Wolff’s goal for Austin FC was the highlight of a strong start, as he connected perfectly with a cross from Jader Obrian, slotting the ball into the net.
San José’s defender Benji Kikanovic had a chance to level the score in the 54th minute, but a solid effort hit the post, denying him the goal.
Nikolas Tsakiris was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, scoring one of the two goals for the home side.
Preston Judd also shone at Avaya Stadium, having five attempts on goal throughout the match.
Head coach Bruce Arena set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation with Earl Edwards Jr. in goal; Benji Kikanovic, Dave Romney, Daniel Munie, and Jamar Ricketts in defense; Cristian Espinoza, Beau Leroux, Ronaldo Vieira, and Ousseni Bouda in midfield; and Josef Martínez alongside Cristian Arango in attack.
Conversely, Austin FC, managed by Nicolás Estévez, opted for a 3-4-3 formation, featuring Brad Stuver as goalkeeper; Brendan Hines-Ike, Guilherme Biro, and Mateja Djordjevic in the back line; Mikkel Desler, Daniel Pereira, Nicolás Dubersarsky, and Jon Gallagher in the middle; and Robert Taylor, Jader Obrian, and Owen Wolff leading the front line.
Filip Dujic officiated the match at Avaya Stadium.
Substitutions for San José Earthquakes
61’ 2T – Jamar Ricketts off for Preston Judd
73’ 2T – Ousseni Bouda off for Jack Skahan
84’ 2T – Josef Martínez off for Vitor Costa and Cristian Arango off for Ian Harkes
Substitutions for Austin FC
45’ 2T – Mikkel Desler off for Zan Kolmanic and Owen Wolff off for Besard Sabovic
63’ 2T – Brendan Hines-Ike off for Julio Cascante and Mateja Djordjevic off for Oleksandr Svatok
72’ 2T – Daniel Pereira off for Calvin Fodrey and Beau Leroux off for Nikolas Tsakiris
Yellow Cards for Austin FC:
7’ 2T Nicolás Dubersarsky (Unsportsmanlike conduct), 22’ 2T Zan Kolmanic (Unsportsmanlike conduct) and 46’ 2T Guilherme Biro (Unsportsmanlike conduct)