Austin FC II will host the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational against Cancún FC of Liga de Expansión MX on Saturday night. The match between a pair of defending league champions will kick off at 8:00 p.m. CT at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center. Tickets are on sale now via SeatGeek and the game is also available to watch for free on MLSNEXTPro.com.
Austin FC II Outlook
Austin FC II earned its place in the first-ever match between an MLS NEXT Pro team and a Mexican team by virtue of winning the 2023 league title. In doing so, ATXFC II became the first team in MLS or MLS NEXT Pro history to win four consecutive away playoff matches on their way to a league title.
Last time out in league play, Austin earned a point away at Minnesota United FC 2. Jimmy Farkarlun and Bobosi Byaruhanga both scored in the game. The team also added a new face last week with the signing of center back Nico Van Rijn. Van Rijn brings experience competing in the Spanish third and fourth divisions.
The match vs. Cancún will be an opportunity for the Verde & Black to test themselves against a high-quality international opponent in front of home support at Parmer Field.
Cancún FC Outlook
Cancún FC was founded in 2020 and won their first-ever title in the 2023-2024 season. The team finished top of the table in the Liga de Expansión MX Apertura and defeated Venados, Zacatecas, and Atlante on its way to lifting the trophy last December.
Cheick Traoré netted two goals in the second leg of the final against Atlante to lead Cancún to victory and will be a key man for Austin to keep quiet on Saturday. The team is led by Head Coach Luis Arce who previously served as an assistant at Liga MX side Mazatlán FC and Club Bolívar in Bolivia.
The team will begin its new league season on Thursday against Correcaminos, two days before facing Austin FC II.
