April had everything. I feel like a Stefon sketch from Saturday Night Live when I talk about all of the wild shit that happened. But it’s time to turn the calendar as Austin FC finds itself firmly in 2nd place in both the West and the Supporter’s Shield race. First things are always first, which is taking care of our own business. But the game isn’t until Sunday night, meaning we’ve got to figure out who to root for all weekend. To the list!
Games That Make You Go Meh
The following list of games have no bearing on Austin FC in the standings and thus we do not care about the outcome. I only ask that these be entertaining.
- FC Charlotte vs Inter Miami FC – 2:30 p.m. (Unimas/TUDN/Twitter)
- Club de Foot Montréal vs Orlando City – 3:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Atlanta United vs Chicago Fire – 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- New York City FC vs Sporting Kansas City – 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
- New England Revolution vs Columbus Crew – 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs Toronto FC – 3:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Let’s get to the games that actually matter for us ATXFC fans.
New York Red Bulls vs Portland Timbers – 6:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
The standings are a little weird because some teams like Seattle have played just seven league games while others like Portland have played 10. And I feel like we’re starting to figure out that maybe Portland’s traditional slow start is a bit too slow this year as they are averaging just 1.1 points per game. That won’t get them in the playoffs. If the Red Bulls want to help keep it that way, who am I to argue?
The Side: New Jersey Energy Drinks
ATX Impact Watch Scale: 2
D.C. United vs Houston Dynamo – 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Know what both of these teams have in common? They each blew leads at home to Austin FC in April. How fun! Easy call here, though their fans can all yell at everyone on the pitch like Billy Madison when thinking about ATX.
The Side: D.C. United
ATX Impact Watch Scale: 3
Minnesota United FC vs FC Cincinnati – 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
The following statement is real and 100% factual: If the season ended today, FC Cincinnati would be in the playoffs. MLS is wild yo! Meanwhile, Minnesota is currently in 6th in the West and could still be fighting the Verde late in the season for playoff positioning. Let’s go Knifey-Lions!
The Side: FC Terrible “Chili”
ATX Impact Watch Scale: 3
FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders – 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
This screams trap game for Seattle after winning the World’s Greatest Continental Tournament at home Wednesday night. FC Frisco is undefeated in the suburbs this season and haven’t taken a loss since March 5th. Weird game here as Seattle is currently below the playoff line and keeping them there would be prudent, but we don’t want FCD to climb either.
The Side: A draw would be nice
ATX Impact Watch Scale: 4
San Jose Earthquakes vs Colorado Rapids – 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
As Austin well knows, San Jose can be dangerous at home. Colorado currently sits just below the playoff line and we want them to drop points for our own long term prospects. The Quakes aren’t likely a playoff threat. Give ’em three!
The Side: San Jose Earthquakes
ATX Impact Watch Scale: 2.5
LAFC vs Philadelphia Union – 10:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
GAME OF THE WEEK! Stay up for late this one folks. The top teams in each conference square off under the Hollywood lights. The last two weeks, Austin FC has woken up on Sunday morning in first place, only to see LAFC take the spot away with a Sunday victory. Could this be the week that flips?
The Side: Philadelphia Union
ATX Impact Watch Scale: 5
Nashville SC vs Real Salt Lake – 4:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Nashville opened their new stadium just like ATX did last year with a draw. They are back at the new digs this week to play a sneaky good RSL team. These clubs have met once already this year in a game that got very chippy at the end, including a Dax McCarty red card because apparently you aren’t allowed to kick another player while they are down. Wouldn’t be shocked to see some animosity carry over.
The Side: A draw…..and a brawl
ATX Impact Watch Scale: 3
Uncle Tony P.
Uncle Tony P. is a lifelong Austin FC supporter and overall handsome son of a bitch who always has a full supply of mustard on hand for his Verde friends.
Very good article. I certainly appreciate this website. Keep writing!