Best road trip EVER.
That’s what Austin FC is saying after winning their last three consecutive away games. Colorado was the latest roadkill when ATX overcame another two-goal deficit to grind out a comeback victory. In that match, Gallagher earned MLS Team of the Week honors for his multi-assist effort.
The win came at a heavy price for ATX. Kipp Keller and Dani Pereira both earned suspensions from cards, a red and yellow accumulation, respectively. To add to the Verde’s defender dilemma, center backs Julio Cascante and Jhohan Romana are listed as questionable. This week Wolff said the injured players did some light training, but we don’t expect either to get the nod on Saturday. That leaves Ruben Gabrielsen as the lone available center back.
From a stats perspective, you’ve got to love our odds going into Georgia. Against Eastern Conference opponents this season, the Verde and Black have a perfect 3-0-0 record. Also, Austin is currently tied for the league’s best road record, earning 19 points in 10 away games.
Tale of the Tape
- Austin FC – 2nd Western Conference (35 GF/22 GA, 13 GD)
- Atlanta United FC – 11th Eastern Conference (24 GF/34 GA, -10GD)
It will be the first-ever meeting between Austin FC and Atlanta United.
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Austin FC vs. Atlanta United Kickoff
Scouting Report
Josh Wolff talked at length about Atlanta’s offensive firepower in his midweek press conference.
“They have a lot of individual quality. All over the field. Certainly, in their front five. They have 1v1 guys. Guys that can play between lines. Certainly [Thiago] Almada can make final passes. [Marcelino] Moreno and [Luiz] Araujo are 1v1 that can get away from their opponent. And those cause issues.” Coach Wolff went on to say, “They’re a very good attacking team. They’ve had very good performances in the last two outings. And they’re at home. Playing at Mercedes-Benz [Stadium] is challenging. It’s a different surface. It’s a fast surface even though it’s turf.”
Don’t let Wolff scare you. Atlanta is a shell of its 2018 heyday. The club has won just two of its last 12 MLS matches. And this season, #UniteAndConquer has zero wins against teams currently above the playoff line.
To be fair, the Five Stripes have suffered more than their share of injuries, including dominant U.S. international center back Miles Robinson. Josef Martínez is coming back into form after knee surgery in April — he has scored in each of his last three home starts in MLS play.
Side Note: it was recently announced that Tyler Wolff, eldest son of Josh Wolff, is going on loan to Belgian second-division side SK Beveren for the 2022-2023 season.
Score Prediction
Depleted backlines on both sides should make for some exciting goal opportunities from the likes of Sebastian Driussi and Luiz Araujo. Even in the face of 60,000 Five Stripes fans at Mercedes-Benz, we expect Austin to remain calm and carry on earning points on the road.
Final score
Austin FC – 2
Atlanta United – 2
Odds: Austin FC +275 and Atlanta -129. A draw is priced at +300.
Injury Report
- OUT – Freddy Kleemann (left knee)
- OUT – Jhojan Valencia (right knee)
- QUESTIONABLE – Julio Cascante (hamstring)
- QUESTIONABLE – Jhohan Romana (concussion)
Kit Matchup
Austin FC visits Atlanta for the first time and we keep going in our Glory Mint. STUUU is back in red. Plan your Saturday accordingly.
How to watch Austin FC
Austin FC goes to Georgia to take on Atlanta United at Mercedes Benz Stadium — 6:08 p.m. (CT) kickoff on July 9.
- TV: The CW Austin, UniMas Austin
- Streaming: Austinfc.com, Austin FC app, UnivisionAustin.com (Spanish), ESPN+ (Out of Market)
- Radio: KASE-FM (Alt 97.5), KLQB-FM (104.3-HD.2)
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