450 minutes to save the season. That’s what is left in front of Austin FC to try and salvage something, anything, out of this disastrous 2023 campaign.
Normally in this space, we try to have some fun and keep you abreast of what’s happening around MLS and tell you, the adoring Austin FC supporter, who to cheer for this weekend in other matches. But that’s not today. Josh Wolff said after the match Wednesday that this is when you start scoreboard watching a bit.
He’s wrong.
The only scoreboard that matters now is the one that has Austin FC on it, because no amount of toe-stubbing by other teams will save us if the Verde don’t take care of our own business first. If we’re strictly looking at making the play-in match, which I think is the best that the Verde could hope for at this point, then here’s where things stand.
| Position | Team | Points | Games Left | Max Points Possible | Remaining Schedule |
| 8 | Portland | 39 | 4 | 51 | COL, @LAG, @MON, HOU |
| 9 | FC Dallas | 38 | 6 | 56 | CLB, @PHI, @HOU, COL, SJ, @LAG |
| 10 | Minnesota | 37 | 5 | 52 | STL, SJ, @LAFC, LAG, @SKC |
| 11 | Sporting KC | 35 | 4 | 47 | HOU, @STL, @RSL, MIN |
| 12 | Austin | 34 | 5 | 49 | LAG, @COL, D.C., LAFC, @SJ |
| 13 | LA Galaxy | 33 | 6 | 51 | @AUS, POR, @SEA, @MIN, RSL, FCD |
The first thing you’ll notice is that it is impossible for every team here to max out their points, as there are a bunch of “6 pointers” on the schedule. So, what is my best guess for where everyone else finishes up?
Portland: 44 points
FC Dallas: 45 points
Minnesota: 42 points
Sporting KC: 40 points
LA Galaxy: 41 points
IF, and its nothing more than educated guess right now, these are even close to accurate, Austin needs to nab at least 11 points in the final 5 games to have a shot at the postseason.
The next three games are ALL must win contests for ATXFC, especially considering the favorable matchups over that time. Anything less than 9 points from those games would likely be the nail in this season’s coffin.
It starts Sunday with the return of Diego and the L.A. Galaxy. Diego, I love you and hope you are finding joy in Los Angeles. You deserved a better exit here and will forever be our first. But Sunday night, you’re just in the way.
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.