Austin FC Stuns the ‘Quakes to Advance to First Ever Semi-Final

A battle at the Bay Area commenced at PayPal Park between the San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC. San Jose searches for their first-ever U.S. Open Cup title. The ‘Quakes have won 2 MLS Cups in their history but want to achieve their only trophy they’ve yet to win. For Austin FC and their young history, they want to win their first-ever silverware in franchise history. The stakes were very high at PayPal Park!

The first half began, and right away the home team took advantage of the moment. At the 12th minute mark, the ‘Quakes superstar Cristian “Chicho” Arango hits an absolute laser of a shot past Austin’s Brad Stuver for the quick 1-0 lead. The first half was complete domination from the ‘Quakes, but unable to add to their lead. No doubt, Bruce Arena would be pleased with the ‘Quakes’ first-half performance.

The second half began the same way it ended in the first half. The ‘Quakes started very strong, but things changed at the 65th minute. Austin’s Brandon Vázquez gets hit by San Jose’s Max Floriani with a reckless tackle in the box, and referee Brandon Stevis gave a penalty kick to Los Verdes. Vázquez slots it past San Jose goalkeeper Daniel to tie the game at 1-1. Unfortunately, Brandon Vázquez went down with a knee injury and had to be subbed off. The second half finishes at 1-1, and once again, another quarterfinal match goes into extra time.

Extra time had loads of drama. The ‘Quakes found the goal once again through Benji Kikanović’s wonder strike. Josef Martinez’s strike hits the crossbar first. And after a few deflections, the ball finds Kikanović’s foot and scores a beauty to give the 2-1 lead for the home team. Austin manages to have an answer for the ‘Quakes. Austin’s Owen Wolff was tackled by San Jose’s Mark-Anthony Kaye in the box, and once again, referee Brandon Stevis gave a penalty to the visitors. Myrto Uzuni slots it past Daniel and once again ties it. Regulation time ends with the score even at 2-2, and now heads to the dreaded penalty shootout.

Austin’s Brad Stuver was the true hero of the match with 2 incredible saves to help Austin pull the upset and advance to the semi-finals for the first time in franchise history, winning (4-2) on penalty kicks. The ‘Quakes leave the game very frustrated with the mistakes and missed opportunities. Austin will now take on Minnesota United in the semi-finals.