Yes, this weekly MLS preview still exists. Much like our team’s offense for the better part of 6 months, I’ve been on a self-imposed sabbatical. But we’re both back baby!!!
Austin FC finally found some rhythm last week, scoring six goals and picking up two massive Copa Tejas wins. The attack looked more fluid and direct. Some attempts at counterattacking were made, which while not netting a goal, still provided a glimpse of improvement. And most importantly, Frisco and Houston were put in their rightful places as the after thoughts of Texas soccer. Basically, all is right with the world again. It’s not close to time for a #WolffOut mea culpa, but things at least trended in the right direction for a week.
And on top of all of that, this happens:
Now let’s see if we can convince Pep to come here one day and prove that he can win with a salary cap.
I DON’T THINK YOU CAN PEP AND I DARE YOU TO COACH AUSTIN TO PROVE ME WRONG! DO IT YOU COWARD!!!
On to the rest of the league.
MLS Sickos Game of the Week
FC Dallas vs LAFC – 7:30 p.m. (Apple TV – Free)
Wait, how can two teams above the playoff line be the Sickos GOTW? Let me give you a bulleted list.
- LAFC’s form is shit right now by LAFC standards. They are 2-3-1 since losing the CCL final.
- LAFC hasn’t won a single point in their last four trips to the state of Texas.
- LAFC may be looking ahead to a massive El Tráfico coming up on Independence Day where 80,000+ people are expected to attend at the Rose Bowl.
- Only one player on FC Frisco has scored more than two goals this season: Jesus Ferreira. He’s currently on national team duty at the Gold Cup.
- On that same note, Frisco is missing key players everywhere.
- South Oklahoma’s form is also shit. They have lost 4-of-5.
This game has shitshow written all over it. Let’s just hope the locals in Frisco don’t celebrate the Fourth early by storming the field, given that they do have some practice at storming buildings.
6:30 p.m. Block (Apple TV – *denotes free match)
FC Cincinnati vs New England Revolution
Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls
Club de Foot Montreal vs NYCFC*
Orlando City vs Chicago Fire*
Toronto vs Real Salt Lake
Luckily the early block of games only has one matchup that has any impact on the Western Conference playoffs, meaning we can focus our full attention on the Austin match. If you are going to keep an eye on anything, make it the Toronto/Salt Lake game. The West is a jumbled mess and Austin sits just two points behind Real. We’re always happy to see the teams that Austin is battling with for playoff positioning drop points.
The Side: FC no longer coached by Bob Bradley
ATXFC Impact Rating: 3.5
7:30 p.m. Block (Apple TV – *denotes free match)
Sporting Kansas City vs Vancouver Whitecaps
Minnesota United FC vs Portland Timbers
Nashville SC vs D.C. United*
St. Louis CITY vs Colorado Rapids
While I fully expect attention to be on the Sickos GOTW during this block, the showdown in KC has my curiosity. Sporting have worked themselves to being just four points below the playoff line after an absolutely dreadful start to the year, but they’ve lost 2-of-3 since beating Austin like a drum earlier in June. If the playoffs started today, Vancouver would have the final playoff spot and would face ATXFC in a play-in game at Q2 Stadium. Austin needs to start putting distance between itself and those fighting for the last spot or two. A draw would be tremendous here.
The Side: Be like Wang Chung. Everybody have fun.
ATXFC Impact Rating: 4
9:30 p.m. Block (Apple TV – *denotes free match)
San Jose Earthquakes vs L.A. Galaxy
Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo
3rd through 9th place in the West are separated by four points. Three of these four teams are in that group. L.A. is not one of those teams. Naturally, we want all three of those in contention to drop points so that Austin can climb the standings. Here’s hoping the Galaxy can get a California Clásico victory and that Steven Clark remembers how to stop shots on the road while playing to a tidy draw in Seattle. Do that and Austin could vault as high as 4th place.
The Sides: Puig & ties
ATXFC Impact Rating: 4.5
Sunday Funday!
Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union – 3:00 p.m. (FOX/Apple TV – Free)
This game means nothing to Austin fans. Just sit back and enjoy it with a frosty beverage of your choice.
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.