Damian Las' strong debut in net leads Austin FC past skidding Sounders

Facundo Torres and Guilherme Biro scored second-half goals and Damian Las recorded six saves in his MLS debut as visiting Austin FC notched a 2-1 victory over the struggling Seattle Sounders on Wednesday night.

Las, 24, made some stellar second-half stops, including stymieing Albert Rusnak's right-footed blast in the 85th minute when Austin led 1-0.

Austin FC (5-10-5, 20 points) ended a three-match MLS losing skid. Their most recent MLS win also was against Seattle on July 22.

Stuart Hawkins scored his first career MLS goal and Andrew Thomas made six saves for the Sounders (7-9-3, 24 points), who extended their franchise-worst MLS losing streak to eight games.

The injury-prone Sounders were again without stalwarts Jordan Morris (quadriceps) and Cristian Roldan (quadriceps). Also, Jesus Ferreira (hamstring) was out after being injured in the team's Sunday loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Austin played without forward Owen Wolff for the third straight game and didn't bring forwards Myrto Uzuni (team-best six goals) and Christian Ramirez (five goals) on the trip.

In addition, standout goalkeeper Brad Stuver didn't start in goal for the first time since 2022, opening the door for Las' fabulous performance.

Seattle's first shot on target came in the 50th minute when Paul Rothrock's right-footed shot was saved by Las.

Five minutes later, Rothrock had another opportunity when his right-footed attempt was again stopped by Las.

In the 58th minute, Las came up with a big save on Snyder Brunell's hard right-footed shot. Then he stopped Danny Musovski's close right-footer in the 61st minute.

Austin then went in front when Torres struck in the 66th minute. Zan Kolmanic had the ball on the left wing when he sent a pass to Torres, who fired a left-footed shot into the right corner of the net.

In the 78th minute, Rothrock was in front of the net when his left-footed shot went just wide left.

Then in the 87th minute, Brandon Vazquez sent a cross toward the left goalpost and a flying Biro met the ball in mid-air with his left foot to volley it into the net for a 2-0 lead.

Seattle finally got on the board in the 90th minute. Rusnak delivered a cross off a free kick, and Hawkins, 19, headed it past Las.

Austin placed the only shot on target in the first half, and it came during a two-shot sequence just before intermission.

Jorge Alastuey took a left-footed shot that caromed off the right goalpost. Seconds later, Kolmanic ripped a left-footed blast that was stopped by Thomas.

--Field Level Media