Late Heroics and Road to Glory: Austin FC II Seizes MLS NEXT Pro Cup Triumph

By Nicole McCray

Oct 22, 2023

Austin FC II demonstrated their ability to maintain their performance late in the game, securing the MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Sunday night with a 3-1 victory over Columbus Crew 2.‍

Austin FC II demonstrated their ability to maintain their performance late in the game, securing the MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Sunday night with a 3-1 victory over Columbus Crew 2. This win was made possible by Valentin Noël's goal, which helped Austin FC II come from behind to take the lead.

Valentin Noël's decisive goal in the 77th minute earned him the title of MLS NEXT Pro Cup MVP. Noël's well-placed shot from the top of the penalty box found the top right corner of the net, reversing Austin FC II's fortunes and putting them ahead. The match had initially seen Crew 2 take the lead in the 49th minute, thanks to Thomas Roberts' successful penalty kick.

Nicole McCray/Undrafted

In the latter part of the second half, Noël was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Alonso Ramirez converted this penalty in the 70th minute, leveling the score. Ten minutes later, Austin FC II further solidified their lead by causing an own goal.

Crew 2 had their best chances to score in the first half, with four shots on goal, but Austin FC's Damian Las made four critical saves to keep his team in the game. Las finished the match with a total of six saves, while Crew 2 managed 14 shots with seven on target. In contrast, Austin FC II generated eight shots with five on goal.

This championship victory marked the conclusion of a remarkable season for Austin FC II, with Brett Uttley's team establishing themselves as one of the league's top defensive teams, conceding only 23 goals during the regular season.

Nicole McCray/Undrafted

Valentin Noël's pivotal performances in the playoffs were a consistent factor in his team's success.

Notably, he scored the game-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Tacoma Defiance in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Austin FC II's playoff journey was defined by their ability to win on the road, with all their playoff matches taking place away from home. Their victories included notable wins over Sporting Kansas City II, Tacoma Defiance, Colorado Rapids 2, and, ultimately, Columbus Crew 2.