Tenth-place Austin FC (3-5-4, 13 points) hosts 5th-place Los Angeles FC (4-4-3, 15 points) Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. (CT). It’s the second-ever meeting between these two clubs—Austin faced the black & gold in their historic MLS debut back in April, losing 2-0 at Banc of California stadium.
Expect a reinvigorated Austin side ready to put up points early against LAFC coming off their emotional 4-1 victory last week. Wolff loves his chances at home. He’ll use the opportunity to set the tempo early and turn up the intensity to 11.
A front line that was so successful against Portland—Domínguez, Fagundez, and Gallagher—will get reshuffled this week. Jon Gallagher, first-ever Verde goal scorer at Q2, will miss the match due to a foot injury, according to Coach Wolff. We’ve tabbed Stroud to fill his spot. Midfielder Manny Perez is back in the roster this week.
ATXFC defense will get tested early and often by Mexico international Carlos Vela—a player that exited early in the last match between these two clubs. In other player news for the bad guys, Wolff indicated LAFC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye would miss the match.
Verde fans will no doubt be in full force at Q2 on Wednesday night, very likely louder than ever, having tasted sweet victory just 6 days ago. Fans have really embraced Austin FC’s songs and chants to create Q2’s rockin’ atmosphere.
Score Prediction: a 2-1 Austin win against a LA squad that has struggled to score all year. I fully expect number 10 to slot one in from the box with a thundering crowd yelling “Cecigoooollll”.
Match Day
Austin FC vs. Los Angeles FC at Q2 Stadium, Wednesday (7/7), 8:00 p.m.
- TV: KBVO
- Streaming: Austin FC app and AustinFC.com, Univision 62 Austin app (Spanish)
- Radio: Alt 97.5FM, TUDN Radio 104.3 (Spanish)
Going to the game? Check out these transportation options to the stadium. There’s also plenty of watch parties around town, if you didn’t score tickets but want a fun atmosphere with fellow Verde fans.
Predicted Lineup
After a stellar performance at home against Portland, I don’t expect a huge shakeup in the Starting XI. Austin does lose a key piece on the attacking side—forward Jon Gallagher, who took a knock last match, according to Coach Wolff. Manny Perez is available after having to sit out against the Timbers.
Player Injury Report
- OUT: Danny Hoesen (Left Hip)
- OUT: Nick Lima (Left Hamstring)
- OUT: Aaron Schoen (Left Knee)
- OUT: Ulises Segura (Left Knee)
- OUT: Ben Sweat (ACL)
- OUT: Jon Gallagher (Left Foot)
Pre-Match Quotes (7/5 media event)
Josh Wolff on the injury status of Jon Gallagher: “The prognosis is it’s going to be a little bit. He’s walking around gingerly at the moment. I expect he’ll be out for a little bit.”
Josh Wolff on LAFC’s formation: “They have changed their structure from a 4-3-3 to a 5-3-2 at times, so we’ll just have to see what they bring.”
Kit Colors Matchup
The lineup was a disaster without Pochettino and with the nightmare game for Pereira. There was nothing left on the bench, really. Berhalter is the last option. Redes is totally useless.
The only thing that might have saved this game is if Manneh had capitalized on some early opportunities. But, he’s not great at finishing, just good at creating some chaos.
Send reinforcements fast, Claudio Rayna!!