Austin FC secured a 2-1 victory over San Diego FC in their first-ever meeting on March 23, 2025, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. This match marked another milestone for Austin FC, as the team extended its remarkable home sellout streak to 73 consecutive matches, the longest active streak in Major League Soccer (MLS).
From the outset, Austin FC showcased its energy and determination. Just ten minutes into the match, the team capitalized on a defensive misstep from San Diego FC. Diego Rubio capitalized on a turnover, sending a pass to Brandon Vazquez, who skillfully rounded the goalkeeper and finished from a tight angle, giving the Verde & Black an early lead.
Things didn’t slow down there. In just the 19th minute, Austin doubled their advantage. Owen Wolff, demonstrating quick thinking, took a fast free kick that found Jon Gallagher making a run past the San Diego defense. Gallagher made no mistake, slotting the ball home uncontested. This marked Wolff's third assist of the season, an impressive feat given that this was only the team's fifth match.
Despite being on the back foot for much of the first half, San Diego FC managed to respond. Just eight minutes after Gallagher's goal, Luca de la Torre found the back of the net for San Diego, his shot taking a significant deflection before creeping past the Austin goalkeeper. This goal not only provided San Diego with a glimmer of hope but also added to the tension of the match as both teams went into halftime with a score of 2-1 in favor of Austin.
The second half saw San Diego holding more possession, but they struggled to capitalize on their chances. Although the visitors created several opportunities, it was Austin that remained dangerous on the counterattack, consistently threatening to increase their lead. However, the scoreline would remain unchanged as neither team was able to find the net again.
This victory propelled Austin FC into second place in the MLS Western Conference, a crucial position as the season progresses. The unbeaten start for San Diego, which had been a highlight of their inaugural season, came to an unfortunate close with this match, marking their first loss.
The atmosphere at Q2 Stadium was electric, with an attendance of 20,738 marking yet another home sellout. This added to the pride Austin FC fans feel about their team's success and resilience, as well as the importance of home-field advantage in their title aspirations.
As Austin FC prepares to face St. Louis City SC in their next match on March 30, 2025, the momentum from this win is expected to serve as a significant confidence boost. Fans are eager to see if their team can keep building on this success as they continue their journey in the MLS.
Next, San Diego FC will also look to bounce back from this defeat and regain their early-season form. The team had previously enjoyed an unbeaten run through their first four matches, including wins against formidable opponents such as the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. Their inaugural season has made headlines, and the focus now will be on how they can recalibrate after this setback.
