Josh Wolff content after Austin FC victory over Minnesota United

After a record-breaking start to the 2022 Major League Soccer season with five goals in two consecutive victories, Austin FC saw their form reach a plateau.

A loss against the Portland Timbers in the third week stumped the Texas team, forcing two consequent draws after failing to recuperate. 

In the build up to the Minnesota match, MLS announced the suspension of Designated Player Cecilio Dominguez for off-field malconduct, causing fans to fear that the news and string of negative results would send Austin FC into a spiral. But head coach Josh Wolff had other plans. 

"Sure, there was something that happened this week that, obviously, it affects our group to some degree, but that was never going to be an excuse," the Austin head coach said.

 "I told our guys when we met that the process that needs to take place will take place. We've got one hour to work in our training session, and everything we have going forward was going into preparing for this game on Sunday."

And Austin FC delivered. The Western Conference side defeated Minnesota United 1-0 with a lone goal by Maximiliano Urruti to earn the three points. 

"I think the goal settled us. Prior to the goal, I wouldn't say we were as fluid and certainly as structured with our setup when we were finishing attacks. But the goal settled us, and fresh legs also helped us," the coach said. 

"As this game went on, I think our guys executed in a really, really good way. There's still some things to correct and fix, but it's not easy. Minnesota is a good team, well-coached. We'll see them again [on Aug. 20]. It's a battle every time we play them."

The victory boosted Austin FC to fourth place on the Western Conference table with 11 points in six games and a record of 3-2-1. The team will continue to prove itself on Saturday when traveling to Audi Field in Washington D.C. to face D.C. United.