Austin FC Seek Another Road Win vs. Lowly Sporting KC
Austin FC hits the road to play Sporting Kansas City in an important Western Conference match for both teams on Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas.
Austin FC’s Playoff Push
Current Standing
Austin (7-7-6, 27 points) is in a three-way tie for sixth place in the Western Conference. They are two points out of fifth place but also just two points above the playoff cutoff line. A road win would be valuable for maintaining their playoff position.
Road Performance
Austin has struggled offensively on the road, averaging just 0.5 goals per match. Their five road goals are the fewest in MLS. However, they managed to earn a crucial 1-0 win on the road last weekend at Minnesota United, snapping a five-match winless streak (0-3-2). Diego Rubio scored in the first half, helping Austin secure their sixth shutout of the season.
“I thought the guys started really well,” Austin head coach Josh Wolff said following the match. “The guys had a willingness to go out and compete for each other and with each other. There was a real onus that we had about us at the start of the game. We deserved the goal and we took the goal.”
Sporting Kansas City’s Struggles
Current Standing
Sporting KC (3-12-5, 14 points) has been struggling significantly, losing three straight matches and going 1-10-0 in their last 11 league matches. They had a particularly poor performance in a 4-0 road loss at Columbus last Saturday, where they gave up a hat trick to Cucho Hernandez and allowed four goals for the third straight match.
“That second goal didn’t help right before halftime,” SKC coach Peter Vermes said. “After that, I think we just got incredibly tired.”
Sporting KC has now trailed in each of their past 13 matches.
Long-Range Goals
SKC’s saving grace is their ability to score from long range. They are the top team in MLS for scoring goals from outside the box, with 10 goals – two more than any other team. The highest percentage of their shot attempts in MLS, nearly half (48 percent), originate from outside the box.
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In summary
Austin FC aims to capitalize on their recent away victory and secure their playoff spot, while facing a Sporting Kansas City team in need of a win. Although SKC has been facing difficulties, their capacity to score goals from a distance could present a problem for Austin. This game is essential for both teams as they strive to reach their individual season objectives.