Austin FC face a near-must-win situation in their quest for the postseason when they host San Diego FC on Saturday in a crucial Western Conference clash.
The Verde (7-10-9, 30 points) have been on an unexpected surge toward the playoff line. Austin is riding a seven-match unbeaten streak (3-0-4) that includes a scoreless draw on the road against FC Dallas on Sept. 19 in their most recent outing.
The clean sheet was the first for the Verde since May 3 and one of just five on the season for stalwart goalkeeper Brad Stuver, who is questionable for the San Diego match due to an illness.
Austin is in 12th position in the Western Conference but just two points (and three spots) below ninth place and a berth in the conference play-in match with eight games to play. The Verde’s next three matches after Saturday are against league-leading Nashville, Los Angeles FC and West-leading Vancouver.
“We should do everything we can to continue this streak, but of course, (the end of the season is) getting closer and closer,” Austin midfielder Besard Sabovic said Thursday. “We need to start winning if we’re going to make it to the playoffs, which is everyone’s goal.”
The Verde’s minus-12 goal differential is still next-to-last in the West. However, Austin’s defense has been the key to its recent success, allowing only six goals during its current unbeaten streak.
San Diego (8-11-7, 31 points) is in much the same boat as Austin but comes into Saturday’s match in less impressive form. SDFC earned a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami on Sept. 20, with the result snapping a three-match losing streak. Anders Dreyer scored his 10th and 11th goals to account for all of the team’s offense.
The recent skid has dropped San Diego to 11th in the standings, two spots shy of the postseason. San Diego was outscored 9-2 in its three consecutive setbacks.
“We showed a lot of unity and cohesiveness and (found) a way to earn a point (against Miami), which is a big emphasis at this point in the season,” San Diego coach Mikey Varas said. “Ultimately we’re all committed, and we know exactly what we’ve got to do going forward.”
San Diego dominated the Verde in their first meeting this season, a 5-0 home result that gave them a 2-1 all-time advantage against Austin.
–Field Level Media
