Gyasi Zardes, short-handed Austin FC make statement with win over New York City FC

Striker Gyasi Zardes turned back the clock while helping Austin FC overcome a slow start to pick up a needed 2-1 win Saturday night against visiting New York City FC at Q2 Stadium.

Zardes, 32, once a fixture in the lineup for the U.S. men's national team, had been reduced to a part-time role before recent roster limitations forced Austin FC coach Josh Wolff to start the veteran twice in the past three matches. He responded with his first two goals of the season.

Here are some thoughts from the match as Austin FC (8-6-8, 30 points) continues to keep its head above water in the Western Conference playoff chase despite being short-handed.

More:USMNT returns to Q2 Stadium for international friendly match vs. Panama in October

Gyasi Zardes still has life left in his legs

Sure, it had been nearly a calendar year — 356 days, to be exact — since one of the most prolific scorers in MLS history had found the back of the net. But Zardes, one of only three players on the roster who earn at least $1 million annually, has justified his cost in recent weeks for a team that's been stymied by absences. His tap-in header on a cross by Jadier Obrian in extra time in the first half evened the score at 1-1, and he calmly collected a pass from Owen Wolff in the box and beat NYC FC keeper Matthew Freese to the far post for the go-ahead goal in the 67th minute.

With those two scores, Zardes moved into a tie with Dwayne de Rosario for 10th place on the all-time MLS goals list with 104.

More:What do Austin FC players make? Salaries released for 2024 MLS season for Verde & Black

“That's what he's capable of,” Josh Wolff said. “I mean, he's been doing that most of his career. He's a goal scorer, if he gets service consistently and gets consistent minutes.”

But will he get consistent minutes when Austin FC has its full complement of players? Zardes started against New York City FC (11-3-8, 35 points) because Diego Rubio missed the match due to yellow card accumulation. The Verde & Black will have even more choices up top once Ghanian winger Osman Bukari arrives when the MLS summer transfer window officially opens July 18.

Wolff just likes to have options, especially after nagging injuries and roster decisions have left his squad thin.

“It creates some competition, obviously, in that (forward) group,” he said. “It's something we’ve lacked all year — competition. Our numbers are so light. You know, we look forward to getting Bukari and some other guys. That will instantly give us more competition and will also give us more depth.”

Zardes says he will fill whatever role best helps the team.

“I support every decision that the coaches make,” he said. “I'm just going to work hard, whether I'm starting the game or coming off the bench. I was fortunate to get the start today, and I just have to keep going and keep working hard and keep doing whatever (Wolff) is asking me. I'm a team player, and I will always be one.”

Copa America players back in fold for Austin FC

Center back Julio Cascante returned to the squad for the first time in three weeks after competing for Costa Rica in the Copa America tournament. He came off the bench in the 68th minute for Leo Väisänen but will probably assume his regular starting role soon.

Or will he? Väisänen played well in Cascante's absence, and veteran Brendan Hines-Ike has become a fixture in the starting lineup. The team will have even more options once Ukrainian center back Oleksandr Svatok joins the squad in the upcoming transfer window. Svatok, who plays professionally in his native country, spent much of his last match with his national team at the European Championship man-marking Belgian star Romalu Lukaku in a grueling 0-0 group-match loss that eliminated Ukraine from the tournament. He won’t shy away from MLS competition.

Oh, and starting midfielder Dani Pereira arrived back in Austin just a day after his Venezuelan squad was eliminated in Copa America. That means he was able to serve his one-game suspension for card accumulation and will be eligible to play against visiting Seattle next Saturday.

One final roster note: The team will also welcome Danish veteran right back Mikkel Desler in the transfer window, meaning that versatile Irishman Jon Gallagher could eventually shore up another spot in the formation.

Man of the match: Gyasi Zardes

Could it be anyone else? Zardes not only picked up the brace but also worked back to disrupt a New York City FC attack that leans heavily on the midfield while patterning itself after parent club Manchester City. Keeper Brad Stuver deserves some honorable mention for making three difficult saves, and Owen Wolff had an assist in one of his stronger performances of the season.

Bottom line: Austin FC doing more than treading water

From a practical approach, Austin FC wanted to get through its current midsummer stretch within shouting distance of the playoffs, especially with reinforcements arriving. But a win over an Eastern Conference contender and its accompanying three points did much more than help Verde tread water. The team is now tied for seventh place in the Western Conference and just four points behind the coveted fourth spot, which would ensure home-field advantage in the first round of the eight-team conference playoffs.

Better yet, Zardes said, the team has plenty of room to grow.

“It's going to be exciting to have everybody healthy and to have everybody back, especially the guys that were gone for the national team,” he said, referring to Cascante and Pereira. “Just to have their presence in the locker room. These guys are all leaders, and I'm excited to have everybody back.”