After a 1-0 nail-biter in Montreal, a re-energized Austin FC is back in the friendly confines of Q2 Stadium to take on fellow Texas rival, FC Dallas.

Austin will be without the services of Daniel Pereira after he received a red card in the 44th minute of last week’s match. In coach Wolff’s midweek press conference, he mentioned Owen Wolff or Felipe Martins as a possible replacement in the central midfield.

A lot is on the line this week for the Verde & Black. With a win, third-ranked ATXFC can add a buffer between its north Texas neighbors, who currently sit just two points behind in the upper echelon of the Western Conference table. Saturday’s winner will also take the lead in the race for the fan-created Copa Tejas trophy.

“We have a lot of unfinished business with FC Dallas. Last year they won Copa Tejas, they came into Q2 Stadium and we didn’t respond in the best way. They got the better of us here at home and that still sticks with a lot of us,” said Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver.

Austin has yet to beat Dallas since beginning MLS play in 2021.

Scouting Report

After a shocking 2-0 loss to Vancouver, FCD’s downhill form continues even after the break. They have lost three out of the last four matches as we near the halfway mark of the season.

In sharp contrast, the Frisco club had only lost one of their first 10 games to open the season. They currently sit fourth in the Western Conference, narrowly behind Austin by only two points.

Dallas’ firepower has clearly come from its USMNT internationals Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola. Oh so dangerous Ferreira leads MLS in goals scored with nine. Arriola is in the conversation too tied in fifth place, with seven goals.

Score Prediction

Austin really showed their defensive know-how last week in the win against CF Montreal. To be able to get a clean sheet against the highest goal-scoring team in the East, while being down a man the entire second half, solidified their position as a playoff contender among MLS pundits.

That same defensive effort will be needed to cancel out potent Ferreira and Arriola. ATX central defenders Cascante and Gabrielson will need to have their best game of the season to pull off the victory in Austin.

Final Score
Austin FC – 2
FC Dallas – 1

Odds: Austin FC +115 and Dallas +210. A draw is priced at +240.

Injury Report / Suspension

• Out: Frederik Kleemann (left knee)
• Out: Jhojan Valencia (right knee)

Suspension

• Out: Dani Pereira (red card)

Kit Matchup

Texas Derby kit matchup: Austin FC in the Verde & Black primary jersey. STUUU in red. FCD in glow blue? Plan your Saturday accordingly.

How to watch Austin FC vs. FC Dallas

Austin FC will have the pleasure of hosting Dallas at a raucous Q2 Stadium — 8:08 p.m. (CT) kickoff on Saturday.

• Tickets: SeatGeek (Use code CAPCITYSOCCER for $20 off your first purchase.)
• TV: The CW Austin
• Streaming: Austinfc.com, Austin FC app, UnivisionAustin.com (Spanish), ESPN+ (Out of Market)
• Radio: KASE-FM (Alt 97.5), KQLB-FM (104.3 HD2)

Going to the game? Check out these transportation options to the stadium. 

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