Uzuni Is Magical: He Leads Austin into the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals

Myrto Uzuni continues to make Albania proud in American soccer. The Albanian international was once again Austin FC’s great hero, this time against Club América—one of the biggest and most successful clubs in Mexican football.

On an emotional night at Q2 Stadium, Austin FC earned a 1–1 draw in regulation before winning the penalty shootout 6–5 and securing qualification for the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.

Austin entered the tournament with significant ambitions. The 2026 Leagues Cup features 18 MLS teams and 18 Liga MX clubs, with the four highest-ranked teams from each league advancing to the knockout stage. The tournament’s top three finishers also qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Uzuni Refused to Let Austin Surrender

Club América took the lead in the 48th minute when Jon Gallagher accidentally diverted the ball into his own net.

It was a heavy blow for Austin, which was suddenly in danger of losing not only the match but also the opportunity to continue its Leagues Cup journey.

But Austin had Myrto Uzuni on the field.

The Albanian striker took the team by the hand and scored a brilliant equalizer in the 67th minute to make it 1–1. It was a superb finish that restored hope, ignited the Q2 Stadium crowd and gave Austin the chance to fight until the end.

Uzuni did not merely score the equalizing goal. He changed the atmosphere and the destiny of the match.

When Austin needed him most, the Albanian stepped forward again.

Perfect from the Penalty Spot

The 1–1 draw sent the match to a penalty shootout, where the pressure reached its highest point.

Austin was flawless. Joseph Rosales, Besard Sabovic, Christian Ramirez, Myrto Uzuni, Jorge Alastuey and Ilie Sánchez all converted their penalties.

Uzuni stepped forward to take Austin’s fourth penalty and, with the composure of a great player, calmly sent the ball into the net.

Raphael Veiga, Israel Reyes, Alan Cervantes, Sebastián Cáceres and Kevin Álvarez scored for Club América. Cristian Borja then missed the decisive penalty, sealing Austin FC’s 6–5 victory.

Once again, Uzuni demonstrated that he does not feel the pressure of the moment. Since moving to the United States, he has successfully converted all three penalties he has taken—one during regular match play and two in penalty shootouts.

Three attempts, three goals: a 100-percent success rate.

From an Own Goal to a Memorable Celebration

The match appeared to be moving in the wrong direction for Austin following Gallagher’s own goal. Club América controlled more possession and finished the match with 61 percent of the ball, 13 shots and six corner kicks.

Austin produced only five attempts, but it was more clinical during the decisive moments.

When the team needed a goal, Uzuni was there.

When it needed a penalty converted, Uzuni was there again.

When it needed a leader, the Albanian became Austin FC’s leader.

This was a victory built on character, discipline and resilience. Above everything else, however, it was another memorable night bearing Myrto Uzuni’s signature.

Four Goals in Three Matches

The Leagues Cup has become the Albanian striker’s favorite stage.

Uzuni has scored four goals across three matches in this phase of the tournament. Before finding the net against Club América, he produced a spectacular hat trick in Austin’s victory over Puebla.

Three goals inside the opening 34 minutes against Puebla, followed by the crucial equalizer against Club América—it has been an extraordinary run of performances for the Berat-born striker.

He finished the opening phase as the focal point of Austin’s attack and one of the tournament’s most decisive players.

Uzuni joined Austin FC from Granada in January 2025 in what the American club announced as the most expensive transfer in its history. He signed a contract through the end of 2027, with an option for the 2028 season.

When he arrived in Texas, the Albanian promised that he would score goals and help the club achieve its objectives.

He is now delivering on that promise.

The Best Player on the Field

Uzuni was named Player of the Match—and it was difficult to imagine anyone else receiving the honor.

He scored the equalizer, converted his penalty and led Austin into the quarterfinals.

The statistics may show that Club América enjoyed more possession and attempted more shots. But football is decided by moments, and the most important moments belonged to Uzuni.

Against one of the greatest names in Mexican football, the Albanian striker did not hide.

He accepted responsibility.

He scored.

He sent Austin through.

Austin’s Dream Continues

Austin FC completed the opening phase without defeat, recording two victories in regulation and one penalty-shootout triumph.

Its journey toward the trophy now continues in the quarterfinals, where the opponent will be determined by the final Liga MX standings.

Under the official format, the Leagues Cup guarantees MLS-versus-Liga MX matchups through the quarterfinals. Austin’s next opponent will therefore be another Mexican club, and the level of difficulty will increase significantly.

However, with Uzuni performing at this level, Austin has every right to dream.

From Berat to Granada, and from Spain to Texas, Myrto Uzuni has carried the same hunger for goals wherever he has played.

Against Club América, he did not merely score the equalizer. He gave his team hope, belief and a ticket to the quarterfinals.

Myrto Uzuni is magical. Austin’s journey continues. The Leagues Cup dream is still alive!

Club América 1–1 Austin FC Austin Won 6–5 on Penalties

Goals: Jon Gallagher 48’ (own goal), Myrto Uzuni 67’ Player of the Match: Myrto Uzuni Stadium: Q2 Stadium, Austin Competition: 2026 Leagues Cup Next stage: Quarterfinals