THE VERDE RECAP
Kelvin Yeboah scored a late equalizing goal as Minnesota United stole a point out of Q2 Stadium on opening night of the 2026 MLS season. Yeboah, who had a quick shot denied by Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver at close range early in the half, found his way between Austin defenders and leapt to head a cross from substitute defender Devin Padelford past a defenseless Stuver. Minnesota controlled the final two minutes of play to ensure the result on a cool, brisk evening in the Texas State capital.
Austin FC players Brad Stuver, Oleksandr Svatok, and Jayden Nelson. Photo courtesy of Dante Valencia (dyv.media)
Yeboah’s goal spoiled what had been an atmospheric and vibrant night for fans who packed Q2 Stadium. It was a disappointing conclusion for supporters who were minutes away from celebrating a victory after Austin center forward Myrto Uzuni chested in a header from Jon Gallagher to give Austin a 76th-minute lead. Gallagher, an original Austin FC player and fan favorite, started the match in place of Mikkel Desler (groin injury) and played energetically throughout.
The dropped points belied an up-tempo and active night on the pitch for Austin, who were noticeably more entertaining to watch compared with the bland and tepid play fans often endured in 2025. Austin created chances through everything from long balls to triangular tiki-taka passing that, at times, had a disabling effect on Minnesota’s defense. Substitute Robert Taylor, who struggled with injuries and inconsistent form last season, appeared more at home in a side playing quick, attacking football.
Austin FC forward Myrto Uzuni & winger Robert Taylor. Photo courtesy of: Dante Valencia (dyv.media)
With Austin up 2-1 and trying to put the match away, Taylor headed a long ball from Brad Stuver to a streaking Facundo Torres, whose shot missed the far post in a near pitch-length play that took only six seconds to develop. It was also Taylor who delivered a laser-accurate cross to the head of Jon Gallagher in open play that facilitated Austin’s go-ahead goal.
Newcomers Canadian international Jayden Nelson and DP Uruguayan international Facundo Torres impressed in Austin’s new secondary kits, though a reasonably expected lack of connectivity among the new players was evident at times. Nelson and Torres eagerly attacked the Minnesota backline but were unable to connect on a quick counter in the 39th minute. Fellow newcomer and Honduran international Joseph Rosales played well in his Austin debut against his former team following an intra-league cash transfer in December.
Austin FC Designated Player Facundo Torres. Photo Courtesy of Dante Valencia (dyv.media)
Austin began the season without key midfielder Owen Wolff (sports hernia), All-Star left back Guilherme Biro (short-term suspension), and still awaits the return of DP striker Brandon Vazquez from last season’s ACL injury. Midfielder Dani Pereira did well to make up for Wolff’s absence with excellent runs, smart decision-making, and an impressive work rate. Homegrown signees Micah Burton and Ervin Torres were part of the matchday lineup but remained on the bench.
Facundo Torres needed only six minutes to record his first assist for Austin, delivering a perfect corner kick that Brendan Hines-Ike headed past Minnesota goalkeeper Drake Callender to give Austin an early lead in front of a raucous supporter section. Shortly after a sensational fingertip save by Stuver on Tomás Chancalay, Minnesota’s Morris Duggan found space and headed Joaquín Pereyra’s corner kick past the Austin keeper in the 40th minute.
Austin FC hosts D.C. United at Q2 Stadium on Sunday.
WRITTEN BY JORDAN STEWART FOR WAATV
