It’s MLS rivalry week and Austin is getting a double dose of it in Texas.
The Verde took a big win against Houston on Tuesday and look to turn Tejas totally Verde with a result over FC Dallas on Saturday. Austin can win OR draw to hoist the Copa Tejas trophy, where Dallas must win outright.
An impressive 3-1 win against the Dynamo midweek extends ATX’s unbeaten streak to six games. A three-goal flurry came after Houston’s lead was leveled when Fagundez struck a perfectly-placed free kick into the net from just outside the 18. The shot left keeper Steve Clark totally rooted in his stance. At the 57-minute mark, Urutti finished off a chance with a clean shot into the bottom corner. The nail in Houston’s coffin was when Finlay sent in a peach of a cross that Ring put in goal with a devastating header in the 70th minute.
As for Dallas, repeat after me: if ATXFC gets down early on Saturday, don’t sweat. The Verde have recovered a league-high 15 points after being down this season.
Tale of the Tape
- Austin FC – 1st Western Conference (41 GF/23 GA, 18 GD)
- FC Dallas – 6th Western Conference (30 GF/24 GA, 6 GD)
It will be the second meeting of the season between Austin FC and FC Dallas. The first match at Q2 Stadium ended in a hectic 2-2 draw.
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Austin FC vs. FC Dallas Kickoff
Scouting Report
Austin has never collected three points when facing their fellow Texans up the road on I-35. Los Verdes’ overall record in this matchup extends to three losses last season and that lone draw earlier this year.
It must be emphasized that the draw came in 2022. As in, we broke the losing streak. Austin is obviously a totally different squad from its inaugural season. Wolff’s philosophy is fully ingrained in the players, and by their recent match results. Austin will finally get over this small speed bump in North Texas.
After a strong start, FCD has seriously nose-dived as the season progressed. The red and blue are winless in their last six games, most recently falling 1-0 to New York City on Wednesday.
With that said, the combo of U.S. National Team players Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira can be deadly on the attack. The duo has combined for 19 goals in 2022. Defensively, FCD has averaged just one goal allowed per match at Toyota Stadium this season.
Score Prediction
The defense will be crucial for the fixture. In every match Austin has played against Dallas, Verde and Black have conceded two or more goals. If they can hold Nico Estevez’s side to one goal at most, we can finally see Austin win one against Big D. The other option is the Oaks just need to outscore them. As a fan, I wouldn’t mind a scoring fest in this one.
Final score
Austin FC – 3
FC Dallas – 2
Moneyline Odds: Austin FC +260 and Dallas +100. A draw is priced at +230.
Injury Report
- OUT – Freddy Kleemann (left knee)
- OUT – Jhojan Valencia (right knee)
- OUT – Hector Jimenez (left groin)
Kit Matchup
Austin FC to turn Tejas verde on Saturday wearing the Mint kit. STUUU in grey again. Plan for Frisco accordingly.
How to watch Austin FC
Austin FC goes to Frisco to take on rival FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium — 8:08 p.m. (CT) kickoff on July 16.
- TV: The CW Austin, UniMas Austin (Spanish)
- 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)
(Cover Photo Credit: Austin FC Instagram)
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