How is everyone? Rested? Relaxed? Good. That’s what bye weeks are for.
Now wake the fuck up cause shit is getting real! The WORLD CHAMPION US Women’s National Team plays at Q2 Stadium Saturday afternoon and then Austin FC returns to action with a big road match against the defending MLS champions that evening. Basically, it’s a big weekend for ATX soccer.
It’s also a big weekend around MLS with some tasty matchups across the league. But first, we start with the game for our most deranged readers.
MLS Sickos Game of the Week
Sporting Kansas City vs Colorado Rapids – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Can I interest you in a match between two teams that are each averaging just one goal every three games played?
This game has the potential to make your eyes bleed. A 1-1 draw would be considered an offensive explosion. Honestly, we may have an early season contender for Sickos Game of the Year here. Sign me up.
6:30 p.m. Block (Apple TV – *Denotes Free Match)
FC Cincinnati vs Philadelphia Union
D.C. United vs Columbus Crew
Inter Miami CF vs FC Dallas*
New England Revolution vs CF Montreal
New York Red Bulls vs San Jose Earthquakes
NYCFC vs Atlanta United
Let’s be honest here: Austin FC plays a big, national TV match at the same time and none of us are going to be paying too much attention to these games. However, if you’re going to keep an eye on one, make it the match being played in the historic soccer confines of Yankee Stadium. This game could be an early season playoff preview with two teams having vastly different styles. Atlanta can score goals in bunches and have a free kick maestro in Thiago Almada, but the equalizer here may be the actual pitch in New York keeping Atlanta’s wide attack in check.
The Side: Bangers only
7:30 p.m. Block (Apple TV – *Denotes Free Match)
Chicago Fire vs Minnesota United FC*
Houston Dynamo vs L.A. Galaxy
Nashville SC vs Toronto FC
Houston: good at home, meh on the road. This match against the Galaxy will take place in Hellston, so seemingly advantage Dynamo. On the other hand, LA’s supporter groups have boycotted their home stadium in Carson all year, making games in Southern California feel like, well, games in Houston. So, advantage nullified. I expect this game to be tight and Chicharito breaking dozens of fans hearts would make me happy.
The Side: Boycotting SGs over Non-Existent SGs
8:30 p.m. Block (Apple TV – *Denotes Free Match)
Real Salt Lake vs FC Charlotte*
9:30 p.m. Block (Apple TV – *Denotes Free Match)
Seattle Sounders vs St. Louis CITY*
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers*
CITY finally tasted MLS casserole last week and as predicted, it led to defeat. Now they get to travel to face the Sounders in an early season battle for first place in the West. These two clubs have combined for 27 goals in their first 6 games, meaning this could easily get into MLS After Dark territory. Grab some popcorn and enjoy watching Jared Stroud’s demise.
The Side: The one that doesn’t employ Stroud
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.