So. Many. Games. Saturday will mark a nearly full slate of MLS action, with the lone exception being a Friday night match north of the border. The playoff picture is starting to become a bit clearer and Austin FC controls it’s own destiny for 2nd place, but a little help never hurt anyone. Plus we’ve got to start figuring out who we’d like to see ATXFC play in Round 1 of the playoffs next month.
- All ratings are on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most impactful towards ATXFC.
Games That Make You Go Meh
FC Charlotte vs NYCFC – Saturday @ 12:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Atlanta United vs Toronto FC – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Houston Dynamo vs Sporting KC – Saturday @ 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Colorado Rapids vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Saturday @ 8:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games With Playoff Implications That Don’t Affect ATXFC
New York Red Bulls vs New England Revolution – Saturday @ 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
FC Cincinnati vs San Jose Earthquakes – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami CF – Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games That Matter
Club de Foot Montreal vs Columbus Crew – Friday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Yes, you read that right. You need to care about this game. If the season ended right now, Montreal would be the over #3 seed and Austin the overall #4 seed. Why does that matter? Well, two reasons:
- If Austin and Montreal were to play in MLS Cup, then the game would be in Montreal and not at Q2 Stadium.
- If either Philadelphia or LAFC were to win MLS Cup, the final CONCACAF Champions League spot goes to the #3 overall team in MLS.
So yes, watch this game and begrudgingly hope the Crew do some damage with that stupid jackhammer of theirs.
The Side: Columbus Crew
ATX Impact Watch Score: 4.75
Nashville SC vs L.A. Galaxy – Saturday @ 2:30 p.m. (Univision/TUDN/Twitter)
This is going to sound weird, but I’m hoping that Nashville stays hot for another week and smashes Los Angeles. The Galaxy are currently below the playoff line by three points but have two games in-hand. Every loss they take makes their job that much harder and I still have no desire to play them in Round 1. Nashville is just far enough behind Austin that I’m not concerned about them taking over 2nd from us, especially when you look at total possible points.
The Side: Music City SC
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 4
FC Dallas vs LAFC – Saturday @ 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
The dream of the Supporters’ Shield is most likely gone. Either LAFC or Philadelphia is going to hoist that trophy. FC Dallas is nipping at ATXFC’s heels for 2nd place in the West. Having them drop points would not be the worst thing in the world.
The Side: LAFC
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 4.25
Real Salt Lake vs D.C. United – Saturday @ 8:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Barring a major collapse, RSL isn’t catching Austin. But they are battling for playoff positioning. I don’t really care where RSL ends up, but a win keeps them in the mix for a home game. A loss will likely put them on the road in round 1, potentially at Q2.
The Side: It doesn’t really matter
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 3
Portland Timbers vs Minnesota United – Saturday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Hoo boy, this is a massive game. Portland needs the win to stay above the playoff line and in 7th place. Minnesota needs the victory to stay in the race for a home playoff match. I’m expecting this to be fun for the neutral fan, but oddly I’m rooting for Portland to win, as that result keeps the Galaxy away from the playoffs. Yeah, we’re 0-2 vs Portland this year, but I like our chances if that’s the matchup next month in Round 1.
The Side: Timbeerrrrrrssss
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 4.5
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.