Austin FC are hoping to use Leagues Cup as a springboard to success in 2026.

They took a big first step towards that goal on Thursday, beating 10-man Club Tijuana, 2-0, at Q2 Stadium. 

Could this impressive Leagues Cup opener be the moment that turns things around for a Verde & Black side that entered the tournament just three points off last place in the Western Conference, with one win in their last seven matches? 

"I know things haven't gone well so far this year, but we still have a lot to play for," said interim head coach Davy Arnaud. "Everyone is starting from scratch again, right? And you could see it in the way they played tonight. They put everything on the line, they were brave, and they competed.

"That's the most important thing, man. That's what we can be proud of. If we go out and we compete like that every single week, good things happen."

Strong display

First-half goals from Joseph Rosales and Jon Gallagher gave Austin all three points against an opponent featuring 17-year-old phenom Gilberto Mora, fresh off a star-making 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico.  

Xolos appeared to cut into the hosts' lead in the 66th minute, but the goal was disallowed after review.

Midfielder Iván Tona saw a straight red card shortly after, ending any hopes of a Tijuana comeback and boosting Austin's hopes of making a Leagues Cup run.

Quarterfinals in sight

Austin will look to build on their momentum on Sunday as they host Puebla at Q2 Stadium (9 pm ET | Apple TV).

A win would take them even closer to the tournament knockout stages. Only the top four clubs per league table (MLS & LIGA MX) advance. 

"Yeah, [the margin of error] is really small," said Arnaud. "Every time that we go on the field, we have a group of guys back there that expect to win, and they want to win, and this club wants to win.

"Every time we're out there on the field, we want to play with pride, we want to play with passion, we want to play with desire to win and compete. These guys have it, and they do."