After a victory in California to land in first place atop MLS, Austin FC (7-3-2) will take on Orlando City SC (6-4-2) in a primetime match on Sunday.
Austin is returning to Q2 on the heels of a midweek 2-1 statement win over Los Angeles FC. In that one, Austin opened the scoring with a 12th-minute goal from center back Ruben Gabrielson. The goal that doubled their league came from Diego Fagundez in the 80th minute, thanks to a mind-blowing Seba Driussi rabona assist that’s gone viral. LAFC won a penalty in the latter stages of the match, which was converted by Carlos Vela.
With confidence restored, Verde & Black now set their sights on an Orlando City side that is coming off of a win themselves. But, the Lions are snakebit in Texas, winless in its last five visits to the Lone Star state. They’re about to face a whole new level of hell from the players and fans (and lovable Tik Martins!) in Austin.
This will be the first meeting between Austin FC and Orlando City.
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Austin FC vs Orlando City Kickoff
Scouting Report
Orlando garnered a 1-0 win over lower table Toronto to propel themselves to fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They punched in the winning goal via a Kyle Smith header in the 90th minute. The victory was the Lions third in its last five road games. Prior to that win, ORL was blown out 4-1 by CF Montreal — perhaps a precursor to playing Austin, a similar top-tier MLS team.
The Florida squad relies on veterans Alexandre Pato and Mauricio Pereyra to get victories. Another really important player is defender Joao Mouthino — third in tackles in MLS.
Pato and Pereyra use their former European experience to create goal-scoring opportunities. Mouthino is a major threat on that left-hand side in terms of slowing down attacks and supplying opportunities to his own attackers in the middle of the oppositions 18-yard box.
Check out Orlando City SC blog The Mane Land where we gave them the inside scoop on Austin FC’s squad.
Score Prediction
Austin is nearly unbeatable at The Fortress this season. Dani Pereira recently said playing at home isn’t like having a 12th man; it’s like having five more men on the pitch. I like those odds.
The Lions are a very good team that has won four of its last six matches. But at the end of the day, numbers don’t lie: Austin has scored a league-leading 25 goals in 2022, while ORL has 15 goals and a -1 overall goal differential. Andrew Wiebe and other soccer pundits will tell you ATX can’t keep up this scoring pace. Please, please keep doubting us.
Final Score:
Austin – 2
Orlando City – 1
Odds: Betway odds have Austin FC +105 and Orlando City +230. A draw is priced at +240
Injury Report
- Out – Freddy Kleemann (left knee)
Kit Matchup
Austin’s in their Sunday best. Verde & Black OG kits. Brad Stuver is back in blue. Plan accordingly for matchday.
How to Watch Austin FC
Austin FC will host Orlando City SC at Q2 stadium at 7:00 pm on May 22, 2022.
- Tickets: SeatGeek (Use code CAPCITYSOCCER for $20 off your first purchase.)
- Streaming: Austinfc.com, Austin FC app, UnivisionAustin.com (Spanish), ESPN+ (Out of Market)
- TV: KBVO
- Radio: KASE-FM(Alt 97.5), KLQB-FM (104.3-HD2)
Going to the game? Check out these transportation options to the stadium.
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