THE VERDE REWIND: DC UNITED
The Result - Austin FC 1, DC United 0
Christian Ramirez is Austin FC’s newest hero, heading in a winning goal in the 82nd minute as the Verde and Black suffocated visiting DC United in a 1-0 win at Q2 Stadium for Austin’s first win of the new MLS season. Ramírez finds himself in Austin following an 11th-hour roster cut by the LA Galaxy on February 21st, which left the accomplished veteran forward without a club. Despite only arriving in Austin this week, Manager Nico Estevez’s trust in Ramírez with a 68th-minute substitution paid dividends after a well-placed free kick by Facundo Torres found its way to Besard Sabovic, whose kick toward the goal Guilherme deflected to an eager Ramírez. The stalemate ending goal came after many missed chances and sent the Q2 Stadium crowd into a frenzy, spoiling DC United’s hopes of stealing a result and a fantastic performance by goalkeeper Sean Johnson. Jon Gallagher won a foul on the right touchline and handed the ball to Torres, who had kicked off both of Austin’s successful set-piece plays in 2026.
Austin FC forward Christian Ramírez. Photo courtesy of Dante Valencia (dyvmedia)
How it Happened
For the second match, a shorthanded Austin showed signs of offensive vibrance and a vertical attack often lacking in 2025. Still, missed chances and the limitations of still-developing chemistry hampered Austin on a warm, sun-soaked afternoon. Austin outshot DC 18-7, with DC goalkeeper Sean Johnson (8 saves) delivering a stellar performance in the loss. Austin’s backline of Biro, Hines-Ike, Svatok, and Gallagher, along with strong midfield performances from Dani Pereira and Ilie Sanchez, allowed them to bottle up and frustrate DC striker Tai Baribo as Brad Stuver (2 saves) got his first clean sheet of the season. In the 91st minute, Myrto Uzuni broke past the DC backline one-on-one against Sean Johnson with a chance to put the match away, but defenders recovered after he took an extra touch.
Team celebration after the goal. Photo courtesy of Dante Valencia (dyvmedia)
Early On
The match started quickly with Austin on the early attack, during which DC United goalkeeper Sean Johnson denied a close chance from Ilie Sanchez off a Facundo Torres corner kick in the 5th minute. Sanchez’s header was close to where Brendan Hines-Ike scored on a similar play against Minnesota. The pace of play settled for the remainder of the first half. Facundo Torres had his best chance for a goal denied by Sean Johnson’s sensational fingertip save in the 57th minute. Austin again played without the usual starters, Brandon Vazquez (ACL Surgery), Owen Wolff (Sports Hernia), and Mikkel Desler (Groin). Forward Robert Taylor also missed the match after picking up a knee injury in the opener. The loss was DC United’s first of the season.
Unsung Hero
Left Back Guilherme Biro’s hard work and solid performance at both ends helped Austin FC stay on the front foot throughout. He won 6-of-7 aerial duels and effectively assisted the winning goal. Biro also made thirteen passes into the final third, had eight clearances, and only one foul.
Austin FC forward Christian Ramírez & left-back Guilherme Biro. Photo courtesy of Dante Valencia (dyvmedia)
Up Next
With the win, Austin is 1-1-0 with 4 points through 2 matches. The team travels east on Saturday for its first road test of 2026 against Dean Smith’s Charlotte FC.
- Jordan Stew for WAATV
