We’ll be honest: at halftime on Wednesday, as Austin was staring down another multi-goal defeat, another humiliating US Open Cup exit, and another game without scoring any damn goals, it was approaching serious “dark night of the soul” hours. Indeed, as the whistle blew after the first 45 minutes and the boos rained down, we turned to our compatriot Vinho Verde and commented that this felt like the nadir of five years of Austin FC fandom. As such, we didn’t even know if we’d have the strength to write this week’s edition of the Murga Report when spending any additional time thinking about this team felt masochistic at best and “potential evidence of a full-blown mental health crisis” at worst.
But then the second half happened, and our spirits were buoyed to a sufficient degree that we can at least write a post this week. We still aren’t thrilled by the fact that we came so close to getting pantsed by a USL squad for the second time in four years (and this one at home), and the cracks in this team’s construction are no less pronounced than they were a week ago, but we’ll take the victories as they come. Now let’s get to the numbers!
What Songs Were Played, and How Many Times?
Versus Minnesota:
Versus El Paso:
Random Thoughts: “Feliz Feliz” wasn’t played at all against Minnesota and wasn’t played until Austin scored against El Paso. This is the longest that it’s gone without being played since it was introduced last season.
There was an extra “Alright Alright Alright” played for a disallowed goal against Minnesota. Had the goal counted, “Carnaval” would have been credited with the assist.
What Songs Were Playing When Austin Scored
Versus Minnesota: (none)
Versus El Paso:
Random Thoughts: This part of the second half setlist is a beauty:
We don’t have the numbers handy, but believe us when we say that it’s been years since they’ve played “Alright Alright Alright” three times in a six-song span.
What Songs Were Playing When (Opponent) Scored
Versus Minnesota:
Versus El Paso:
Random Thoughts: What a wild week for “Dale Austin.” Two goals against on two different days, but also responsible for the first goal on Wednesday that sparked the comeback. It’s a far cry from the days of 2022, when it was played 36 times before recording a goal on decision day in late October.
Season Totals
Final Thoughts
Given what we now know about the dearth of “Feliz Feliz” during Austin’s recent run of goalless form, is it being set up for deployment only when things are going well and the crowd really does se siente muy contento? Time will tell, but it’s an interesting development, and one which potentially explains how it sits atop the current leaderboard.
If we exclude the “clapclapclap ATX” chant (which is really more of an interstitial than anything), then the title of “Most Irrelevant Song of 2025” is currently held by “El Equipo de la Cinco Doce,” which has been played 16 times so far without a goal scored for or against. In contrast, “Dale Austin” has been played 14 times and is responsible for almost a third of the goals scored at McKalla this season.
H.E. Pennypacker
H.E. Pennypacker spends far too much time thinking about Austin FC, much to the consternation of his friends, family, and employers. He could really go for a sandwich right about now.