Austin FC II defeats Columbus Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro Cup championship game 3-1
A goal in the 78th minute by Valentin Noel and an own goal in the 80th propelled Austin FC II to a 3-1 victory over Crew 2 in the MLS Next Pro Cup championship game at Lower.com Field Sunday night.
Crew 2 were the defending champions.
As the first half unfolded, it was clear that these were two well-matched teams and that this championship game was going to have a different tone than inaugural version. Nobody was going to roll to the title like the Crew did with a 4-1 romp over St. Louis City in 2022.
Both teams sustained possession and got up the field. Both goalies were tested, although Austin's keeper was called on to be brilliant: Noah Fuson, Clay Holstad and Marco Micaletto of Crew 2 each had a good crack at scoring but were thwarted.
Crew 2 earned a break early in the second half when Fuson was fouled in the box and Thomas Roberts scored on the ensuing penalty kick. The referee returned the favor to Austin II when he gave the Green Yetis a penalty in the 70th minute. Autsin II's Alonso Ramos tapped a cheeky little PK inside the right post. Valentin's game-winner was a no-mistake strike from the top of the box.
Get more Columbus Crew news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Austin FC II defeats Columbus Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro Cup championship game 3-1
