Soccer Happenings In Austin

AUSTIN, TX —The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team made a successful debut in Austin Thursday night, defeating Qatar 1-0 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal at Q2 Stadium. The contest attracted a sellout crowd of 20,500.

U.S. forward Gyasi Zardes, a second-half substitute, scored the winner in the 86th minute with a sliding shot past Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. The assist came from fellow substitute Nicholas Gioacchini. Another sub, Eryk Williamson, also played an important role in the buildup to the goal

"When the subs came in, there was much more movement, much more of a threat to the (Qatar) backline," U.S. head coach Greg Berhalter told ESPN after the game.

The U.S. team, which is missing several of its top overseas-based players for the tournament, nearly fell behind earlier in the second half when Qatar was awarded a penalty kick for a trip in the box by U.S. defender James Sands. However, Qatar's Hasan Al Haydos put the penalty kick over the crossbar.

The U.S. moves on to face Mexico in Sunday's Gold Cup Final in Las Vegas.

However, local fans will get another chance to see the U.S. Men's National Team again in a few months. On Oct. 7, the U.S. team, likely featuring more of its regulars, is scheduled to face Jamaica in a World Cup Qualifier. It will be the first time the U.S. men's team plays a World Cup Qualifier in the state of Texas.

Driussi Signs

Austin soccer fans may have been so focused on the U.S. National Team Thursday that they may have missed the news that Major League Soccer's Austin FC announced the signing of Argentine forward Sebastian Driussi on a Designated Player deal.

Driussi, 25, recently was bought out of his contract by Russian club Zenit S. Petersburg, a club he joined in 2017 in a deal worth a reported $17 million, according to MLSoccer.com. Driussi, who came up with Argentine powerhouse River Plate, had 22 goals in 138 appearances for Zenit.

"Sebastian is a phenomenal and versatile player who will elevate our attack and make us more dangerous going forward," Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff told MLSoccer.com. "We've had our eye on him for quite some time. We are confident that Sebastian's international experience and pedigree will raise the level of our entire group and help us compete for a playoff spot this season."

Austin's Own

On Friday, Austin FC announced the signing of forward McKinze Gaines to a contract through 2022, with two additional option years. Gaines, 23, was born in Austin and is the first native Austinite to join the first team, the club said.

Gaines spent last season in Germany playing with Hannover 96 in the German second division.

"I'm happy to be back in the city where it all started and pleased to represent my hometown doing what I love the most," Gaines told Austin FC.com "I've come back to Austin to work hard and elevate our playing style. I look forward to making an impact in our ongoing season."