Twelfth-place Austin FC (4-9-4, 16 points) goes on the road to 8th-place Real Salt Lake (5-6-6, 21 points) Saturday at 9:00 p.m. (CT). It’s the first-ever meeting between these two MLS clubs.
Expect a reinvigorated Austin side ready to put up points early against RSL at Rio Tinto Stadium. Wolff has something to prove after facing the wrath of fans following a 2-nil loss to rival Dallas. The big storyline last match was that none of the three DPs started; the script could be flipped this week, with all three DPs, including Driussi, on the pitch at kickoff.
Stalwart Fagundez and healthy Pereira add another level of danger to this ATX attack not seen in a long time, if ever. Backing up these starters should be a healthy bench that includes Gallagher, Perez, and Stroud.
Real Salt Lake has had their own share of woes recently, having lost its last two matches. Last week RSL visited Portland and gave up two goals in less than 30 minutes, eventually losing 3-2 to the Timbers. Most notable player absence against Austin FC will be goalkeeper David Ochoa.
Score Prediction: a 2-1 Austin win against an RSL side that has bounced back to reality in terms of results on the pitch. I fully expect number 25 to slot one in for his first score in Verde. We can dream right?
Match Day
Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium, Saturday (8/14), 9:00 p.m.
- TV: The CW Austin
- Streaming: Austin FC app and AustinFC.com, Univision 62 Austin app (Spanish)
- Radio: Alt 97.5FM, TUDN Radio 104.3 (Spanish)
Predicted Lineup
We go with a lineup similar to one that got Austin FC its biggest win of the season — Portland at Q2 Stadium. A very well rested Dominguez, Pochettino, and Kolmanic make their way back into the starting XI. The big twist is that we start Driussi up top (not Gallagher) — no. 25 saw 30 solid minutes against Dallas and looked match fit. Jimenez’s recent strong play keeps Lima on the bench to start.
Player Injury Report (Confirmed 8/14)
- OUT: Danny Hoesen (Left Hip)
- OUT: Aaron Schoenfeld (Left Knee)
- OUT: Ulises Segura (Left Knee)
- OUT: Ben Sweat (Left ACL)
- OUT: McKinze Gaines (Right Adductor Strain)
Kit Colors Matchup
Austin FC puts on the all white Legends kit for the second week in a row. Let’s hope for a better outcome this week.
