Austin FC allows goals late in 2-0 loss to Houston Dynamo
HOUSTON (KXAN) — Austin FC fell on the road to the Houston Dynamo 2-0 on Saturday at Shell Energy Stadium.
Amine Bassi connected on a penalty kick in the 71st minute for Houston following a handball in the penalty area by Austin FC defender Adam Lundkvist. Hector Herrera put the match away in the 86th minute after his left-footed shot found its way past Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Griffen Dorsey served a short cross into the middle of the box for Herrera, and then he beat Stuver to the left side.
It was Houston's first win of the season and gives them an early advantage in the Copa Tejas standings.
Austin FC nearly got on the board in the 12th minute, but Maxi Urruti's header rang off the right post following a nice feed by Jon Gallagher. Houston goalkeeper Steve Clark was injured in the first half but played through and made saves on all five of Austin's shots on goal.
Austin FC midfielder Jhojan Valencia, left, brings the ball down in front of Houston Dynamo midfielders Artur, center, and Hector Herrera, right, during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Austin FC midfielder Emiliano Rigoni, left, attempts a shot on goal against Houston Dynamo midfielder Artur, right, as Hector Herrera and Griffin Dorsey, center, look on during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo midfielder Amine Bassi (8) is grabbed by Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira (6) as they chase the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Austin FC forward Maxi Urruti, left, passes the ball in front of Houston Dynamo forward Tate Schmitt, right, during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo forward Ivan Franco (7) attempts to block an advance by Austin FC defender Zan Kolmanic (23) during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Austin FC defender Leo Vaisanen, second from right, collides with Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark (12) as Clark makes a save during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo midfielder Amine Bassi, right, mimics a bow and arrow as he celebrates his goal on a penalty kick against Austin FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo midfielder Amine Bassi scores on a penalty kick against Austin FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera, left, attempts a shot on goal in front of forward Sebastian Ferreira (9) and Austin FC midfielder Alexander Ring (8) during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo midfielders Hector Herrera, left, and Adalberto Carrasquilla hug after a goal by Herrera against Austin FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo forward Ivan Franco falls next to Austin FC forward Diego Fagundez (14) as he tries to win a head ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen yells to players during the first half of the team's MLS soccer match against Austin FC on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Austin FC defender Zan Kolmanic, right, moves the ball against Houston Dynamo forward Ivan Franco during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Austin FC defender Adam Lundqvist, left, slide-tackles Houston Dynamo forward Ivan Franco (7) during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Austin FC midfielder Daniel Pereira, left, kicks the ball away in front of Houston Dynamo forward Corey Baird (11) during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) 
Houston Dynamo midfielder Amine Bassi, left, pulls on Austin FC forward Jon Gallagher, right, as Gallagher moves the ball during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Austin held 52% of the possession but was outshot 15-13 and 7-5 in shots on goal. Houston had seven corner kicks to Austin's four and Houston was whistled for 14 fouls and two yellows cards. Austin FC committed 12 fouls and was handed three yellow cards. Leo Väisänen, Diego Fagundez and Lundkvist were all put in the referee's discipline book.
Austin FC (2-2-0, 6 points) is back on the pitch March 25 at home against the winless Colorado Rapids.