Breakfast at Q2!
What do you call a match where a team with one of the most potent attacks in the league squares off against the team that is dead last in xG against per game?
You call it L.A. Galaxy at Austin FC!
On the bright side, the Galaxy also have a terrible defense. Unfortunately, Austin also has the lowest xG in MLS at 0.82 per match, meaning it would be a bit surprising if the Verde & Black could turn form and take advantage of a porous opponent.
Basically, what I’m saying is that unless things change in a hurry, the underlying numbers don’t like Austin’s chances moving forward against better competition.
On to the rest of MLS.
Saturday, April 27th
Philadelphia Union vs Real Salt Lake – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
This is a really intriguing cross-conference matchup that you should watch. Philly is doing Philly things, having gone unbeaten in their last five since being ousted from CCC. RSL are also unblemished in their last five after destroying Chicago last week at Soldier Field.
Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
This match really comes down to what the XI looks like for the Crew. Columbus beat Monterrey in leg one of their CCC tie on Wednesday, with the return leg next week. Do they rest everyone with eyes on potential final berth? I think so. If they do, Montreal can steal this match.
D.C. United vs Seattle Sounders – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
New England Revolution vs Inter Miami – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
If Miami decides to play the stars on artificial turf, they win by 4. If they don’t, the Herons only win by 2.
New York Red Bulls vs Vancouver Whitecaps – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
The following sentence is factually accurate:
The New York Bulls host the Vancouver Whitecaps in a battle of 2nd place teams within their respective conferences.
I know, I’m just as flabbergasted as you are. What’s next?!
NYCFC vs FC Charlotte – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
If the playoffs started today, this would be the play-in game for the Eastern Conference. So its kind of a playoff preview if you squint hard enough.
FC Cincinnati vs Colorado Rapids – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Cincinnati is good. We knew this coming into the season. But Colorado? COLORADO?!!! The Raps are so damn good that they beat Frisco last week without actually scoring a goal themselves. (Yes, that’s real. I wouldn’t lie to you.)
Orlando City vs Toronto FC – 6:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Toronto is the most Jekyll and Hyde team in MLS this year. They can be interesting to watch, but never, and I mean NEVER, bet on them for anything. Orlando is beginning to find their footing. I still think they are a playoff team.
Chicago Fire vs Atlanta United – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Chicago forgot that Chicho Arango plays for RSL and is pretty good at scoring goals during last week’s 4-0 pasting at home. Let’s see if they remember that Atlanta has a guy named Thiago Almada.
FC Dallas vs Houston Dynamo – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
A draw here puts Austin in a very comfortable position for Copa Tejas after the first round robin. But a Frisco win would be downright hilarious considering how bad that team has played.
Minnesota United vs Sporting KC – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
The Nicest Rivalry in Sports is renewed this weekend in Loon-land. Minnesota found their first win in a month last time out, while KC blew another lead. Expecting a fun draw in this one.
Nashville SC vs San Jose Earthquakes – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
Sickos Game of the Week!
LAFC vs Portland Timbers – 9:30 p.m. (Apple TV)
The only late game for Saturday night is more evenly matched than you may think. LAFC is middling so far this season. Playing at home should be the deciding factor here for the Black & Gold.
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.