Austin FC suffered a 2-1 loss against Seattle Sounders FC in a midweek match at Q2 Stadium.

The first half saw both squads presented with promising opportunities. Austin FC came close to breaking the deadlock with a dual attempt—Memo Rodriguez's swerving long-range shot and Emiliano Rigoni's swift follow-up—only to be thwarted by the agile Seattle goalkeeper, Stefan Frei. Conversely, Brad Stuver exhibited his shot-stopping skills with a remarkable save against Seattle's forward, Jordan Morris.

The second half witnessed Morris seizing the initiative by expertly redirecting a free-kick from Nico Lodeiro at the near post, putting Seattle in the lead. Austin FC's hopes for an equalizer were tantalizingly denied as the referee judged Emiliano Rigoni's header to have fallen inches short of fully crossing the goal line.

Undeterred, the Verde & Black brigade continued to apply relentless pressure, reaping the reward with Sebastián Driussi's artful strike—his eighth goal of the season in 2023. Assisted by the dynamic duo of Gyasi Zardes and Rodriguez, Driussi's goal rekindled Austin's chances. However, a late twist of fate favored the Sounders, as Albert Rusnak found the back of the net, clinching victory for the visiting side in the dying embers of the match.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Dee Rosa]