When Sporting Kansas City host Austin FC on Saturday, it will be a matchup of clubs at the bottom of the MLS Western Conference table looking for their first win this month.
While Sporting KC (6-20-4, 21 points) has long been eliminated from playoff contention, Austin FC (7-13-10, 31 points) still has life as it is eight points shy of the postseason cut-line with four matches left.
“We’re a little bit on life support, with needing some things to go our way, as well as a few victories,” Austin forward Christian Ramirez said. “But as long as we’re still in it, it’s still the same mindset and continuing to build on the good things that we have done.”
Austin’s top achievement so far this year was a recent eight-game unbeaten streak (3-0-5), which included a win at the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps.
But October has brought a harsh reality as The Verde have dropped three straight matches, including a 2-1 home loss last week to the Whitecaps.
“We’ve had a tough run in these last three games in terms of results. We’ve played against three really good teams,” Austin interim coach Davy Arnaud said. “But I’m proud that at this point of the year, we’re still in position to make a run.”
Ramirez (nine goals) is the top threat for Austin, combining with Myrto Uzuni (seven goals, four assists) and Facundo Torres (four goals, seven assists) to lead the attack.
After winning two of four matches (2-2-0) in September, SKC are winless in October (0-3-1).
Sporting KC’s 3-1 home loss last Saturday to Real Salt Lake was another defeat which exposed their defensive flaws. SKC have surrendered more goals (75) than any team in MLS.
“We don’t track. We don’t follow,” coach Raphael Wicky said. “At the end of the day, it’s hard work. You gotta work. You gotta follow the guys. You gotta run back. That’s the game. That’s the reality. It’s too easy to score against us.”
Newly acquired Andre Luiz has been a bright spot for Kansas City, scoring seven goals in nine appearances to bolster an attack that includes Dejan Joveljic (eight goals, three assists) and Calvin Harris (four goals, six assists).
–Field Level Media
