Normally in this space, I spend time doing research on the opposition and making light-hearted jokes. Today is different.
396 days ago, Austin FC entered Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles. 396 days ago, Austin FC played for the very first time. 396 days ago, Austin FC became reality.
Tonight, the Verde & Black return to the site of their unveiling under wildly different circumstances. Gone are the “just happy to be here” vibes of an expansion team, having been replaced with a gritty mix of veterans and young talent fighting early in the season for a playoff spot. Sure, they’ve lost the last two games (thanks Red Card City, Utah) and will be down a key player tonight as Dani Pereira serves a suspension, but the club returning to downtown L.A. is a far different one than the club that was last here 396 days ago.
Austin FC enters the game trailing LAFC by three points in the standings. A win would put Austin, at worst, 2nd in the West (Frisco is currently 2nd and plays tonight) with a chance at first place. A draw or loss could drop ATX down to 4th. It’s a big game for many reasons, but maybe none more so than the idea that this game could turn to be a proving ground for Austin.
Despite the early success this year, pundits belittled Austin’s start and said, “wait until May”. So far, they have been proven right. Three games remain in May. Six points felt like the minimum that Austin needed to achieve this month to feel OK about themselves heading into the international break. Those six points look tougher to come by as each game passes and a schedule that only gets harder.
Tonight – at LAFC (1st West)
Sunday – vs Orlando City (2nd East)
5/29 – at L.A. Galaxy (4th West)
But as Billy Ocean once sang:
It’s time to see what kind of resolve this club possesses. Tonight will probably feature some rotation. Playing an entire half at altitude with 10 men last Saturday had to take something out of the boys. With Dani out, we will most likely see Jhohan Valencia make just his second MLS start. But other spots are less sure. Do we see Kipp Keller? Is Maxi Urruti or Danny Hoesen the option up top? What about the fullbacks? Where does John Gallagher fit into the equation right now after being playing forward in the last two games? Is he the answer at RW? How is the team’s confidence after losing back-to-back games for the first time all year? And what outfit will Tik Martins be wearing in the California sun?
A team that had a magical April is now half-way through May with some questions to answer. This game isn’t a final so much as it is a mid-term exam. Will it make-or-break the season? No. But it’s vital that we start understanding if this team is a top-tier playoff contender or one that will go into Decision Day battling for the last spot or two.
If you haven’t seen it, Verde is a +500 underdog this evening. That’s 5-to-1 odds. These are about the same odds bettors gave Austin FC 396 days ago. So LAFC is a lock to win, just like they were then, right?
It’s MLS After Dark. Fuck ‘em up ATX.
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.
Good stuff. I expect heavy rotation tonight. Actually, I desire it. I hope Valencia missed the flight though. 2-2, We get a much needed point tonight.