Ethan Finlay shines as Austin FC scores big 2-1 road win over Seattle Sounders

If you’re trying to figure out the MLS on a game-to-game basis, you might as well stop before you even start.

In a road game in which it was without a half-dozen key players and was taking on Western Conference-leading Seattle, Austin FC snapped an eight-game winless streak Wednesday night with a 2-1 victory at Lumen Field.

It wasn't a stunning win as El Tree has generally had quality play the past month and anything can happen in the MLS. But this wasn’t a game you pointed to on the schedule before the season as likely to bring three points — even with a healthy roster. In fact, in this space it was noted that a tie should be considered an overwhelming success.

Here are some thoughts from the match as Austin FC (3-5-4, 13 points) has brought home a much-needed win entering Saturday’s contest at Q2 Stadium vs. Toronto FC:

Man of the match: Ethan Finlay

There were clutch performances all over the field for El Tree, but it can’t be overstated how good Ethan Finlay was.

The veteran midfielder arguably had his best performance for the club with a clinical left-footed finish on the first goal and a great cross for an assist on Gyasi Zardes’ header, which turned out to be the difference in the contest.

With Austin FC extremely shorthanded in the midfield, this was a performance the club needed from someone, and Finlay turned out to be the one to provide it. He's not usually someone El Tree counts on for goal contributions, but his showing proves he still has a lot to provide roughly 10 weeks from his 33rd birthday.

He also joined MLS’ 50-50 club, recording both his 50th career goal and 50th assist, which speaks to the consistency he’s had in a career that is now in its 12th year.

Finally: Gyasi Zardes gets his first goal

Credit where credit is due when it comes to Zardes.

The target of much angst among the fan base and media for his lack of production, Zardes had his best match since joining the club as its high-profile offseason signing and scored his first goal for Austin FC with a brilliant header in the 57th minute.

Also of note was his defense in the box on set pieces and at other moments, when he won headers to clear the ball out of danger.

It’s not often you see a striker having a noteworthy game defensively, but Zardes had his moments Wednesday.

Defense, Stuver continue trends of excellence

The defense and goalie Brad Stuver again had strong performances.

Stuver made at least three phenomenal saves that probably prevented goals, and center back Alex Ring continued a season-long run of being one of the best players on the field.

One thing that might have gone unnoticed was Ring’s hustle play to win a ball and start the sequence that led to Finlay’s goal. Without that play, it’s possible Austin FC wouldn’t have come away with the win.

We also got our first real look at center back Aleksandar Radovanovic, who in 60 minutes had one of the better first-time appearances a defender can make. He made a key clearance in which he sprinted back to prevent a one-on-one with Stuver and had several long crosses that were impressively accurate.

In a situation where El Tree needs as much depth as possible, Radovanovic’s quality showing is certainly welcome.

Can't get Dani Pereira off the field

Dani Pereira has played every single minute in all 12 of Austin FC’s league matches.

That’s something that flies under the radar, but the stability and reliability he’s provided as a defensive midfielder when players all around him were dropping with injuries has kept El Tree from being worse off. The club might not have him for too long as he’s drawing heavy interest from clubs overseas and could provide Austin FC a nice payday, so fans should enjoy his presence while they can.

Club needs to build off noteworthy win

This was Austin FC's best performance of the season.

It’s rare that a team goes into Lumen Field and comes out with three points, and El Tree needs to turn it into momentum Saturday against one of the weaker teams in the Eastern Conference.

What the club accomplished Wednesday can’t be overstated, but that needs to be a building block and not just a blip.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC beats Seattle Sounders behind Ethan Finlay, Gyasi Zardes