Well there’s good news and there’s bad news this week for us Austin FC fans.
The bad news: We have to travel to Houston and watch an abysmal road team play a rivalry match.
The good news: It’s on 4/20 so at least we can be high as fuck! The game doesn’t actually happen if we’re too baked to remember it, right?
Saturday, April 20th
Columbus Crew vs Portland Timbers – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Normally this fixture would elicit national attention with huge cross-conference appeal. But Portland isn’t very good right now, so it’s just another game. Expect the Crew to roll at home with Wilfried Nancy’s fancy new contract.
Inter Miami vs Nashville SC – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
These two played an intense CONCACAF Champions Cup tie earlier this year. It marks the 5th time Miami has faced Nashville since Messi’s arrival, but just the 2nd league game. Basically, these two have played a ton since August but in much higher profile matches. It’s becoming a legitimate rivalry.
Club de Foot Montreal vs Orlando City – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Montreal finally got to go home last week and immediately picked up an impressive win over Cincy. Orlando may be figuring some things out too. This is a sneaky good matchup.
NYCFC vs D.C. United – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
NYCFC is at least entertaining at home. D.C. is the definition of being a box of chocolates.
Toronto FC vs New England Revolution – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Welcome to the second most important Toronto vs Boston sports matchup this weekend.
Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
This game should rock. Both teams are pretty evenly matched and Atlanta tends to play very open, free flowing soccer at home. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
Sporting KC vs St. Louis CITY – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
As long as these two teams play three times each season, I would like to petition for one of them to be contested on the campus of the University of Missouri. It’s almost exactly half-way between the two cities on a major interstate, has a 70k seat stadium, and one of my favorite college bars ever.
I miss you and your cheap drinks, Shiloh.
Chicago Fire vs Real Salt Lake – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Chicago is a decent team at Soldier Field and could cause RSL some headaches. Upset of the week pick here.
Colorado Rapids vs FC Dallas – 8:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
The Rapids are pretty damn good and a Colorado win would seal Frisco’s early season fate as a Wooden Spoon contender. Have fun in the altitude you Toyota driving freaks.
LAFC vs New York Red Bulls – 9:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Game of the day. LAFC are flawed, but also a fantastic home squad. The Red Bulls have lost just once all season and look to be much improved. This has prime MLS After Dark energy.
Seattle Sounders vs Vancouver Whitecaps – 9:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Cascadia Cup! The second most important three team cup being played for this weekend.
Sunday, April 21st
FC Charlotte vs Minnesota United – 5:00 p.m. (FS1/Apple TV)
I have no idea what to make of this match. Both teams are 7th in their respective conference and siting on 11 points. At the very least, it should be close.
L.A. Galaxy vs San Jose Earthquakes – 7:15 p.m. (FS1/Apple TV)
California Clásico time! The Galaxy crushed San Jose 3-1 last month on the road. I think a worse drubbing may be in store this weekend.
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.