Becher’s goal lifts CITY SC over Austin FC in Coachella Valley Invitational match

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - St. Louis CITY SC defeated Austin FC 1-0 in its first of two matches in the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational.

The first 15 minutes of the match saw each team take turns on offense.

Austin FC took the first shot on goal, which was corralled by Roman Bürki.

It was CITY SC, however, that struck first. After stealing possession in Austin’s half, St. Louis forward Simon Becher found the back of the net in the 16th minute to give CITY a 1-0 lead.

St. Louis continued to dominate with multiple chances, while also keeping Austin’s attack at bay, and ended the first half with a 1-0 lead.

The second half started with an opportunity to extend the lead, as Sang-Bin Jeong found himself wide open in Austin’s box. But his shot was barely deflected out of bounds by Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver to keep the match within one score.

A few minutes later, Becher followed up with another shot at goal, but Stuver was there once again.

Just as it did in the first half, St. Louis was able to maintain a majority of possession, keeping Austin’s defense on its toes.

Finally, time ran out, and the match ended with a 1-0 victory.

Following this match, CITY SC will face LA Galaxy on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m., which you can also watch live on Matrix Midwest.

You can watch the game live on Matrix Midwest (over-the-air channel 32/channel 6 on Spectrum).

For more on St. Louis CITY SC, click here.

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