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Aiming to bolster playoff hopes, Austin FC host Real Salt Lake
Austin FC will face off against Real Salt Lake (RSL) this Saturday in a pivotal late-season Western Conference matchup. For Austin, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they look to revive their fading playoff hopes, while RSL, already assured of postseason participation, seeks to solidify their position near the top of the standings.
Austin FC: Fighting for Survival in the Playoff Race
Austin FC (Verde) enters this match in 11th place with just 35 points (9-13-8), desperately needing a victory to keep their slim postseason chances alive. With only four matches left, Austin sits seven points below the playoff line, even for a wild-card spot. The pressure is mounting for Josh Wolff’s squad, which has failed to secure a win in their past four games (0-1-3). Their most recent outing was a disappointing 1-0 home loss to in-state rival Houston on September 21.
Scoring Woes: Austin’s Biggest Problem
The primary issue for Austin FC has been their lack of goals. The team has managed just 32 goals all season, the second-worst total in MLS. Despite creating chances, they’ve struggled to convert opportunities into goals, a trend that has persisted over the past month. Austin has not scored more than two goals in a game since a 3-2 home win against Sporting Kansas City back in May. Coach Wolff expressed his frustration, acknowledging that more clinical finishing is needed:
“I can tell the players to be more ruthless, more clinical, but in order to win games, we’ve got to score goals. And it gets old,” Wolff admitted.
Key players like Jader Obrian, who leads the team with just six goals, and Alexander Ring, who tops the assist charts with seven, have not provided enough firepower to push Austin into playoff contention. Without a consistent goal-scoring threat, Austin faces a significant challenge in turning their season around.
Real Salt Lake: Building Momentum for the Playoffs
Real Salt Lake (14-7-9), on the other hand, has already clinched a playoff berth and currently sits in second place in the Western Conference with 51 points. While RSL has secured their postseason spot, they are chasing the Los Angeles Galaxy for the top seed and have a game in hand over their competitors. The Claret and Cobalt head into Austin on the back of a 3-3 home draw against Portland, which assured their participation in the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
Though they’ve gone 2-2-1 since returning from the Leagues Cup, Pablo Mastroeni’s squad has shown resilience and determination in recent matches. Mastroeni praised his team’s fighting spirit, saying:
“These last two performances were gritty, and that comes from the players’ mindset. This group is coming into its own at the right time, and now we just need to minimize silly situations that we have control over.”
RSL’s Potent Offense: A Key Advantage
A major strength for RSL has been their offensive prowess. With 60 goals in MLS play, they rank fourth overall and third in the Western Conference. Leading the charge is Cristian “Chicho” Arango, who has netted 17 goals, tied for the second-most in the league. Additionally, recent signings like Diogo Goncalves and Dominik Marczuk have bolstered RSL’s attack, with both players scoring in their last match against Portland.
Head-to-Head: RSL’s Historical Edge
In their all-time series, Real Salt Lake holds a slight edge with a 4-3 record and one draw against Austin FC. In their most recent meeting on June 1, RSL demolished Austin 5-1, showcasing the gap between the two sides. That victory could give RSL a psychological advantage heading into this weekend’s clash.
What’s at Stake?
For Austin FC, this match is a must-win if they hope to keep their fading playoff chances alive. Their inability to score goals consistently puts them in a precarious position, especially against an RSL side that boasts one of the most potent attacks in the league.
On the flip side, Real Salt Lake aims to strengthen their position near the top of the Western Conference and build momentum heading into the playoffs. While RSL doesn’t have the same urgency as Austin, they will be motivated to secure a strong finish to the regular season and possibly challenge for the top seed in the West.
Final Thoughts
Saturday’s match will be a clash of teams with vastly different trajectories: one fighting for survival, and the other looking to cement its status among the league’s elite. For Austin FC, the time is running out, and anything less than a win will likely dash their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake will aim to capitalize on Austin’s vulnerabilities and continue their push toward the top of the Western Conference.
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