Full Breakdown
Sounders Fall to Austin FC Amid Late Goals and Red Card
7/23/2026, 1:16:24 PM
Match Summary
Austin FC defeated the Seattle Sounders 3–1 at Q2 Stadium in sweltering Texas heat. Ilie Sánchez opened the scoring in the 12th minute from a Besard Sabovic corner. Paul Rothrock equalized for Seattle in the 26th minute, his seventh goal of the season. Late in the second half, Myrto Uzuni netted the go-ahead goal in the 86th minute after Ervin Torres’ assist, and Christian Ramírez added a stoppage-time strike in the 90+2 minute. Center back Jackson Ragen received a second yellow card in stoppage time and was sent off, leaving Seattle with ten men. The loss extended Seattle’s losing streak to four straight matches.
Recent Form and Context
Seattle entered the match after a 5–1 home defeat to the Portland Timbers, a loss that sparked lineup changes by head coach Brian Schmetzer. The Sounders had also been outscored 11–2 over their previous three games. Austin, sitting at 4-7-5, was seeking to halt its own slide after a three-match losing streak. Both clubs were dealing with multiple injuries; Seattle’s Jordan Morris (quad) and several defenders were unavailable, while Austin was missing Jon Bell (pubis) and Mikkel Desler (Achilles).
Key Statistics
- Final score: Austin 3, Seattle 1.
- Goals: Sánchez (12’), Rothrock (26’), Uzuni (86’), Ramírez (90+2’).
- Assists: Sabovic (Sánchez), Torres (Uzuni), Torres (Ramírez).
- Shots saved: Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver made two saves; Seattle goalkeeper Andrew Thomas recorded three saves.
- Pass accuracy: Seattle midfielder Stuart Hawkins completed 48 of 52 passes.
- Discipline: Jackson Ragen received two yellow cards, resulting in a red card and a subsequent suspension for Seattle’s next match.
Official Statements & Responses
Midfielder Albert Rusnák acknowledged the frustration of the defeat and suggested the squad may need to prioritize results over performance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We may need to focus on results rather than performance,” — Albert Rusnák
What’s Next
Seattle will travel to face the Philadelphia Union in their next MLS fixture, while Austin’s upcoming match is against the Houston Dynamo. Both clubs aim to reverse their recent losing streaks.
