Verde Reveals Full Truth: Austin FC vs. Real Salt Racing Epic Unveiled

SANDY, UT - MARCH 14: Victor Olatunji #17 of Real Salt Lake gets past Joseph Rosales #30 of Austin FC during the second half of their game at America First Field on March 14, 2026 in Sandy, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) (Chris Gardner/Getty Images) Austin FC ’s first substitution Saturday summed up its current roster situation . Jorge Alastuey, a player on the club’s second team who was signed to a short-term contract Friday afternoon, made his MLS debut in the 59th minute of the team’s 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake at America First Field.

And while the 22-year-old Spaniard had a respectable performance — though he did hesitate on a wide-open shot in the box — it speaks to how slim the Verde & Black’s options off the bench are. Jon Bell gave Austin FC a brief lead with his first-half header on a set piece, but an own goal by Oleksandr Svatok and Stijn Spierings’ brilliant shot from 25 yards out eventually gave the hosts the win. Here are some key takeaways from the match as the Verde & Black (1-2-1, 4 points) return home Saturday to face LAFC.

Austin FC hindered by injuries Austin FC may be in a “treading water” mode until it starts to get healthy. The Verde & Black played without starters Guilherme Biro, Mikkel Desler, Owen Wolff and Dani Pereira. Winger Jayden Nelson also isn’t 100%, which is why Alastuey came in for him early in the second half.

It’s a set of circumstances that isn’t conducive to getting points on the road or against good teams. And while Austin FC wasn’t necessarily poor Saturday, outside of a couple of stretches, it certainly wasn’t impressive, either. Biro, who missed the game due to drawing a red card March 7 against Charlotte, should return against LAFC.