MLS game between Austin FC and Columbus Crew at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on June 27, 2021. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Austin FC settled for their fourth shutout of the season with a 0-0 draw against Columbus Crew on Saturday, June 26. The teams battled in front of a sellout crowd over 20,000 strong at Q2 Stadium, an upscale soccer stadium located in downtown Austin. This was only the third event hosted at Q2, which opened recently on June 16 after spending nearly two years under construction.
Austin FC looked comfortable in the first half, holding nearly 60% of the possessions. Energized by the spirited home crowd, Austin played fiercely until the final whistle. They managed to fire off 12 shots, nearly double the seven placed by Columbus Crew. Sadly, neither team managed to convert any into a much-needed goal.
Shortly after the second-half kickoff, a distance shot from Lucas Zelarayan was mere inches from resulting in what could have been a game-winning point. However, Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver managed a sprawling deflection, saving the home team from defeat. In the 74th minute, Lucas Zelarayán’s free kick placed Gyasi Zardes conveniently in front of the goal with a critical opportunity for a close-range attempt. However, Stuver swooped in again with a lightning-quick scoop, denying the Columbus forward and keeping the match a scoreless deadlock.
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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