Two first-half goals by Rubio and Obrian saw Austin FC took down 2022 MLS Champions LA Galaxy in MLS gameweek 9 clash in Austin, Texas
The game, which kicked off by 18:00GMT, saw the two sides lock horns in a Western Conference rollercoaster at the 20,798-capacity 02 Stadium.
LA Galaxy went into the game top of the Western Conference table with 18 points from 9 games while Austin sat 9th on the table with 12 points from 8 games.
The home side needed victory against the league leaders as they pushed for a playoff finish. It was a strongly contested and nervy tie as the two sides crossed swords in the six-pointer clash.
With thousands of home fans trooping into the 02 Stadium to support the home team, LA Galaxy held their nerves to contest the game against the hosts and the 12th man in the stands.
Nevertheless, it was still a shaky start for the away side, reeling under pressure as the home fans matched every move and pass of Los Verdes with cheers and applause.
After a more brilliant start by the Los Verdes, Diegio Rubio sent the home fans bonkers as he fired Austin FC into the lead just seven minutes into the game.
LA Galaxy attempted to mount a response but were dealt a second blow 12 minutes later when Obrian doubled the lead for the hosts in the 19th minutes.
Going down by 2-0 before the half-hour was demoralizing enough for the away side but the Los Galacticos refused to give in as they stepped up their game and went on all-out attacks when in possession of the ball.
It was still Austin FC leading 2-0 after the half-hour but the visitors had begun to make inroads into the game. They recorded 6 attempts with 3 on target and completed more passes (91%) than the hosts.
However, they could not break the goal deadlock and slightly lost 2% of the ball possession to the Los Verdes.
At the break, Austin FC still led 2-0 and were looking set to condemn the 2022 MLS champions to their third defeat in 10 MLS games this season.
LA Galaxy stepped up their game in the second half but were struggling to break down the hosts’ solid defence. With a few minutes left to play, it was still barren with Austin FC closing in on securing all three points in the game.
Both sides made late substitutions to change the trajectory of the game but recorded no breakthrough going forward. Austin goalkeeper Riqui Puig made a late stunning save to deny a long-range effort by the visitors.
LA Galaxy continued on their late push to find a consolation goal but could not break the deadlock as the dogged home side held on to secure a 2-0 victory after the final whistle.
The visitors still retain the top spot on the Eastern Conference table with 18 points but with 2 games more while Austin climb to 5th on the table with 15 points after 9 games, one game less than the league leaders.
The Los Galacticos will travel to take on Seattle Sounders in their next MLS clash on Sunday, May 5 while Austin FC will travel to play Vancouver on the same date.
