Raise your hand if you expected Austin FC to be in a dogfight for 2nd place after beating LAFC last month.
Yeah, that’s what I thought. Austin’s large gap on 3rd place has shrunk faster than George Costanza coming out of a swimming pool.
The Verde & Black’s recent skid has allowed Frisco back into the race, as the Toros are just two points back of Austin. But the good news is that ATXFC has one game in-hand and that game is Wednesday night against RSL, so there’s a chance to quickly right the ship.
Speaking of mid-week games, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s get to it with mid-week quick hits!
- All ratings are on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most impactful towards ATXFC.
Games That Make You Go Meh
Sporting Kansas City vs D.C. United – Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Colorado Rapids vs San Jose Earthquakes – Wednesday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games With Playoff Implications That Don’t Affect ATXFC
Inter Miami CF vs Columbus Crew – Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Houston Dynamo vs New England Revolution – Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Orlando City vs Atlanta United – Wednesday @ 5:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games That Matter
Club de Foot Montreal vs Chicago Fire – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Finishing 3rd in the overall standings is still on the table for Austin FC. The would mean hosting MLS Cup if both #1 seeds fall in the playoffs. But we need Montreal to drop points somewhere. Channel your inner Rocky montage Chicago!
The Side: Chicago “Hearts On Fire”
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 3.75
Minnesota United vs LAFC – Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
This game only matters because if Minnesota loses, then they would continue to be in a battle for the final playoff spot. Given the choices, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing the Loons at Q2 Stadium in October.
The Side: LAFC
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 3.5
Vancouver Whitecaps vs L.A. Galaxy – Wednesday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
The Galaxy need this win and hope that Austin FC beats RSL. L.A. is 3 points back of the playoffs with a game in-hand. Of course we want (and really, really need) to beat RSL, but we also don’t want to see Chicharito and company come playoff time. Which leaves us with one option:
The Side: Let’s Go Caps!
ATXFC Impact Watch Score: 4.25
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.