After a two-week hiatus, Austin takes the pitch one last time in 2023 to play San Jose Quakes on Saturday.

The Verde sit firmly outside the frenzied excitement of Decision Day, having already been eliminated from the MLS Cup playoff race a full 14 days ago. In a year when MLS lowered the playoff bar to 9 teams per conference, ATX finished in lowly 12th place.

So, what’s left to root for? We’ve wracked our brains to think of four reasons why you should tune in to the season finale on Saturday night.

Celebrate Austin’s Last Match of 2023

Rejoice Verde fans, this disastrous season is finally coming to an end. Pop the champagne! We can now pour our hopes and dreams into the offseason where we trust Sporting Director Rodo Borrell will give us something to cheer about. With six free agents, and several other players with expiring contracts (Redes, perhaps?), there can be some serious rostering-building this winter.

Juicy Matchday Roster Changes from Wolff?

Play the kids. Well, maybe not. With Austin FC II playing in the MLS NEXT PRO Cup final on Sunday, it’ll be all hands on deck for FCitos. A legit trophy for an Austin club is within reach. CJ Fodrey and other Los Dos stars will be boarding a plane to Columbus instead of San Jose.

Here’s what to look for though: regular first team players entirely missing from the roster in San Jose. Could that be a sign that some players have already been shown the door?

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Play the Role of Spoiler

San Jose Earthquakes are teetering on the playoff bubble in 9th place. Austin FC has the chance to play spoiler and drag a conference foe down with them. No doubt the Quakes will throw everything they can at ATX to secure the win.

Here are five scenarios where San Jose will clinch a berth in the Playoffs.

Austin must do their part to boot San Jose from the postseason…and WIN!

Meaning in a Match Result

Until a dub against DC United in early October, Austin endured a pitiful 81-day winless streak. Pride should be on the line for players and technical staff in this last gasp match.

Here’s what Josh Wolff had to say leading up to the San Jose game, “We’ve had so many opportunities that we’ve missed this year from start to finish, this is another great opportunity to go out and win. Anytime you get out here, you represent the club and our fan base…and there’s obviously been plenty of disappointment…but put it behind us and end the season in a good way and get ready for 2024.”

Leave a comment about why you are (or are not) watching Austin FC’s last match of the season.