By Braden Chalker
Goals from Diego Rubio and Jader Obrian propelled Austin FC to a 2-0 upset victory over the streaking LA Galaxy at Q2 Arena Saturday afternoon.
The visiting Galaxy were heavy favorites coming into this one with just one defeat on their impressive start to the 2024 campaign, while the hosts were aiming to upset the five-time MLS Cup winners to move inside the top five of the Western Conference table.
It was a dream start for the home side as they found the opening goal seven minutes into the contest. The Galaxy were on the back foot for the opening stages, and the Verde and Black punished them after a turnover in possession in the middle of the park. Obrian played Rubio in on goal and unlocked the LA defense with a simple through ball, and the Chile international's low-driven shot across the frame of goal was enough to get past ex-LAFC shot-stopper John McCarthy.
Just as the Galaxy were starting to find their footing in the game, Austin doubled their advantage with a simple over-the-top ball from Guilherme in the hosts' own half. Guilherme's pass was perfectly weighted and caught veteran LA defenders Maya Yoshida and Martin Caceres -- who have a combined age of 72-years-old) sleeping, and the experienced duo were unable to keep up up Obrian's pace.
The 21-year-old winger raced past the two defenders and powered a shot that rattled in off the far post to put Austin up 2-0 in the first 45.
LA put the pressure on throughout the second half and prodded in and around the Austin penalty area, but they were unable to find their way back into the contest to suffer their second defeat of the 2024 MLS season.
The Galaxy remain in first place in the West, just two points ahead of Vancouver Whitecaps who have two games in hand, while Austin climb into fifth place with a huge victory in front of their supporters.
LA Galaxy player ratings ( 4-3-3 )
GK: John McCarthy - 6/10 - Should have done better on the first goal conceded as it wasn't the most powerful strike from Rubio.
RB: Miki Yamane - 6/10 - The player neither helped nor hindered his side.
CB: Maya Yoshida - 5/10 - Started off poor as he didn't close down Rubio which allowed too much space for him to create separation and unleash his strike.
CB: Martin Caceres - 5/10 - Was shown an avoidable yellow card in a scrap before a corner and his lack of pace was exploited on Obrian's goal.
LB: Julian Aude - 7/10 - The Galaxy's best defender in the contest that took up good positions when going forward but it amounted to nothing in the end.
CM: Marco Delgado - 6/10 - Unable to match the intensity of his fellow midfielders Brugman and Puig.
CM: Gaston Brugman - 7/10 - Comfortable in possession and one of the few bright spots for LA on the afternoon.
CM: Riqui Puig - 7/10 - Improved as the game wore on but was lacking the sharpness and creativity we've become accustomed to seeing from the former Barcelona player.
RW: Gabriel Pec - 6/10 - Seems like he only had a handful of touches during the game and therefore couldn't make much happen with the ball.
ST: Miguel Berry - 6/10 - A few decent moments on the ball but overall underwhelming in front of goal -- partly due to lack of service.
LW: Joseph Paintsil - 7/10 - The Galaxy's most dangerous player going forward that didn't receive much help from his fellow attackers.
Substitutes
SUB: Diego Fagundez (46' for Berry) - 6/10 - Didn't bring the required impact off the bench.
SUB: Jalen Neal (46' for Caceres) - 6/10 - Helped stabilize the Galaxy defense and prevent them conceding a third.
SUB: Edwin Cerrillo (65' for Brugman) - 6/10 - Provided relief in the middle of the park for Brugman but couldn't inspire a comeback on his own.
SUB: Jonathan Perez (79' for Aude) - N/A
SUB: Mauricio Cuevas (79' for Yamane) - N/A
Manager
Greg Vanney - 6/10 - Picked his strongest starting lineup and there isn't much he could do about his players going through the motions in the first half, especially after how they've been in top form in 2024.
Player of the match - Jader Obrian (Austin FC)
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Austin FC 2-0 LA Galaxy: Player ratings as Verde and Black shock the Gs in home triumph.
