Seattle Sounders’ defeat of Austin FC
On Saturday, Austin FC chances of qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs suffered yet another setback.With 14 games left in the regular season, the Verde fell to ninth position in the Western Conference, the last playoff slot, after losing 2-0 to the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. The Houston Dynamo, who are now in 10th position, are only three points ahead of them.

In their first game on the road in two weeks, Austin FC’s offence, which had scored twice in each of their previous two games, reverted to its typical drab play. Throughout the lopsided contest, the Sounders, who had just returned from a two-week hiatus after playing three games in the Club World Cup, appeared to be the more motivated and in control team.

Austin FC left defence finds it difficult to handle the Seattle Sounders, according to Jesús Ferreira.

Seattle Sounders’ defeat of Austin FC

The majority of Austin FC’s threats came from the Sounders along the left side of the Verde defence, where Seattle’s explosive winger Jesús Ferreira was difficult for fullback Guilherme Biro to hold.

Seattle Sounders’ defeat of Austin FC Paul Rothrock’s cross to the back post in first-half stoppage time was the game’s first pivotal moment during a transition play. Ferreira, who superbly connected with the cross on the volley and shot it into the net, was far from any Austin player.

Ferreira had already caused issues for Austin fc during his career. The former FC Dallas player had already scored six goals against the Verde going into Saturday’s game.

He wasn’t finished yet. Ferreira, playing from his position on the left flank, gave Danny Musovski a well-timed through pass in the 54th minute. Alexander Schwodtke was put on skates by Musovski, who then scored Seattle’s second goal.

Austin FC fails to live up to Nico Estévez’s major lineup call Austin FC.

Seattle Sounders’ defeat of Austin FC

On the right side of Austin’s midfield, Usman Bukhari had started eight games in a row. On June 14, he helped Verde defeat the NY Red Bulls.

However, the Apple TV broadcast characterised coach Estevez’s decision to bench him in favour of Jader Obrian as a “strict tactical decision.” Obrian found it difficult to contribute in the attacking third and was often overpowered by Seattle’s aggressive counterpress anytime Austin FC attempted to play out from the back.

Although Bukhari replaced Obrian in the 56th minute, he was unable to significantly impact the game.

In MLS play, Austin FC offence fails once more Seattle Sounders’ defeat of Austin FC.

On Saturday, Verde failed to score for the eighth time in 20 games this season. One of the main reasons Austin FC missed the playoffs last season was because they were held scoreless in 10 of their 34 games.

Estevez’s side has scored more goals this season than any other MLS team.

Seattle Sounders’ defeat of Austin FC
Converting opportunities is a major factor in Austin FC’s scoring difficulties.

Just over 26 goals were anticipated from Verde going into this week’s play, but he had only managed to score 15. At least some of those lost opportunities would have been taken advantage of by a more clinical staff.

However, there weren’t many opportunities to pass up on Saturday. Throughout the evening, Austin FC only put Seattle goalie Stefan Frei to the test once.

Only in the 84th minute, when Jon Gallagher scored on a shot that was identical to the one Ferreira had earlier converted but hit a Seattle player in the middle, did Verde produce a truly great scoring opportunity.