By Franco Domínguez
Those in attendance at Q2 Stadium were treated not only to a victory by the home team, but also to a spectacular individual performance from Albanian forward Myrto Uzuni.
Three shots, three goals. That was all Uzuni needed in the first half to complete a stunning hat-trick, scoring in three different ways and putting Puebla in a hole it was never able to escape.
The first arrived in the fourth minute, when Uzuni opened the scoring with a beautiful free kick, curling the ball into the bottom-right corner and beyond the reach of Puebla goalkeeper Jesús Rodríguez.
Just three minutes later, Austin struck again. A well-worked attacking move ended with Uzuni making a perfectly timed run behind the defense and finishing from close range, showcasing his speed and attacking instincts to make it 2-0.
Uzuni completed his hat-trick from a set piece. Facundo Torres delivered the corner and the Albanian connected with the service, directing the ball into the bottom-left corner for an impressive finish that capped off a remarkable first-half performance.
Puebla had little response after the break and struggled to generate any meaningful danger against Brad Stuver, who enjoyed a relatively quiet night in goal.
Austin’s defensive form has been just as impressive as its attacking production. Austin FC has now recorded consecutive clean sheets against Liga MX opposition, and against Puebla, the Verde & Black never allowed the visitors to settle into their preferred style of play, limiting them to just one shot on target.
On a night when Austin delivered another complete team performance, Uzuni stole the show, turning three first-half opportunities into three goals and putting his side in control from start to finish.
REACTIONS
- Austin Head Coach Davy Arnaud
- "I thought Myrto tonight was obviously very good, the goals are great but the way he played in that position was good..his relationship with Christian was good, his relationship with Brandon was good also and had a great assist on the goal."
- "Our approach will not change regardless of who will play, our drive and passion to compete and win we know has to be there and give results in the lead to get back to where we want to be."
- Club Puebla Head Coach Gerardo Espinoza
- "I want to congratulate Austin FC, they beat us fair and square and they were the only team on the field in the first half."
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Austin
- Myrto Uzuni scored all of his team's goals of the game, all in the first half. He's had a nice tournament thus far also collecting an assist on their opening game.
GAME NOTES
- The match marked the first official game between Austin FC and Club Puebla in their history.
- Austin FC has collected back to back sheets in Leagues Cup, something they hope it translates over to the MLS once they resume schedule.
- With 6 points so far Austin FC joins at least 5 other teams at the top of the group table.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Austin: Joseph Rosales
- Puebla: Luifer Hernánndez, Sergio Sanabria, Alberto Herrera, Mathias Tomas
LOOKING AHEAD
- Austin: Aug. 13 vs. Club América
- Club Puebla: Aug. 12 vs. San Diego
