Austin FC will cap off their inaugural season against a Portland Timbers squad on a two-game win streak. With this final match in mind, the green and black are sure to want to end the season on a high note in the Pacific Northwest.
The Verdes are coming off of an emotional 3-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City — their last home game of the season at Q2 Stadium.
While Sporting went on to monopolize possession in that match, Austin uncharacteristically struck in the very first minute with a Driussi tap-in header — the fastest goal in ATXFC history. Soon after the first goal, Austin doubled their lead with a header by Cascante off a Kolmanic free-kick. The Verde’s transition game reared its head again on the final goal. Jared Stroud took a touch before easily putting it in goal in full view of the supporters section to cap off wet and chilly night.
The defending and counter play the Oaks displayed was promising, and something we’ll look forward to in Sunday’s fixture. Sporting held 62 percent of the possession to Austin’s 38 percent, with Kansas City also having 543 passes to Austin’s 341.
Our Opponent
Portland currently sits 4th in the Western conference table and really have nothing to gain from this game, other than possibly saving face against an Austin side that has beaten them twice this season.
The last two match-ups were massive victories for Austin. The first match ended 4-1 and the second was just as dominating to the tune of 3-1. So far this season, Austin has Portland’s number.
With Portland’s eye on the playoffs, we might not see Timber heavy hitters, but instead youngsters, like Pablo Bonilla and Cristhian Paredes. You’ll know it’s serious in the Rose City if Blanco, the Chara brothers, and other veteran players make an appearance. Claudio Bravo is suspended for the match due to yellow card accumulation.
Score Prediction
In this end of season scenario, you have two teams with different philosophies pertaining to their current situation. We have Austin who wants to win their last game of the 2021 season. Then there’s Portland who are now mentally and physically preparing for the playoffs. Either they’ll overlook Austin or try to get redemption for all the losses in their previous matchups. For me, I think they’ll overlook them, and Austin will get a 2-0 win.
Injury Report
- OUT: Ulises Segura (Left Knee)
- OUT: Ben Sweat (ACL)
- OUT: Aaron Schoenfeld (Left Knee)
- OUT: Danny Hoesen (Left Hip)
- OUT: Matt Besler (Concussion)
- OUT: Rodney Redes (Left Knee)
- OUT Jhohan Romana (Hamstring Strain)
Matchday Notes
Austin FC vs. Portland Timbers at Providence Park, will be regionally televised on Sunday (11/7), 5:00 pm CDT.
- TV: The CW Austin, UniMas Austin (Spanish)
- Streaming: Austin FC app
- Radio: ALT 97.5 FM, TUDN Radio Austin (104.3-HD2)