Despite losing two key players to injury just before kickoff, the Austin Aztex overcame the PDL’s El Paso Patriots 2-0 in their second round U.S. Open Cup contest.

Just moments before the game was to begin, A.J. Godbolt and Yordany Alvarez, both in the starting lineup for Austin, were forced out of the game with sudden injuries. Godbolt pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Zack Pope, and Alvarez injured his foot, forcing Ciaran O’Brien into service.

Austin scored what turned out to be the winning goal just before halftime, when Kyle Brown sent a pass to a streaking Ryan McMahen, who easily converted to make it 1-0. Just minutes after the restart O’Brien made the most of his last minute start, sending a shot from 30 yards out to double Austin’s advantage.

Tensions flared in the 71st minute when an attempted bicycle kick by Austin’s Sullivan Silva led to a shoving match with El Paso defenders. When the dust settled, El Paso’s Jorge Muniz and Mario Garcia, as well Silva, were given their marching orders. A few minutes later, tempers flares again as a late tackle from El Paso’s Jonathan Camarena on Jeff Harwell earned him a straight red card, leaving El Paso with eight players.

Austin will host the Houston Dynamo at Nelson Field in the third round on June 30.