Austin FC II will travel east to face in-state rival Houston Dynamo 2 for the second time this season on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CT, the team’s first rematch in its short history. The Verde & Black won the prior meeting by a scoreline of 2-1 in Austin’s inaugural MLS NEXT Pro match at a sold-out Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center on March 24.
Austin FC II Outlook
ATXFC II suffered their first home loss of the season last Friday, falling to Earthquakes II, 1-0. Despite the defeat, Austin controlled the possession battle with 66 percent to 34 percent and had four shots on target to their opponents’ three.
In the previous matchup between the two Texan sides on Matchday 1, Valentin Noël led a comeback for the Verde & Black, netting a second-half brace to secure the 2-1 victory. Both teams finished the match with five shots on target with ATXFC II goalkeeper Damian Las proving to be the difference, making four saves on the night including a crucial save in the last minute of added time to earn Austin’s first-ever victory.
The Verde & Black have only surrendered seven goals this season, which is tied for the second-fewest in MLSNP play. The team has yet to allow more than one goal in a game through the first 10 matches and is the only team in MLSNP to do so. The center-back duo of Kipp Keller and Sal Mazzaferro has aided Las, with Keller leading the team in interceptions (13) and Mazzaferro leading the team in clearances (35).
Houston Dynamo 2 Outlook
Dynamo Dos is coming off a 3-3 draw against North Texas SC after Houston forward Isaiah Reid found the net in the last moments of added time to force the match to penalty kicks. Houston won the ensuing shootout 6-5, earning an extra point.
In their last two games combined, Dynamo Dos has scored six goals and earned five points. On the attack, Houston ranks third in shots on target (58) and key passes (95). Diego Gonzalez and Papa Ndoye lead the Dynamo in goals scored with three each, as Gonzalez has netted two goals in the last two contests. Austin will look to put a stop to Dynamo Dos’ two-game unbeaten streak.
Sunday’s contest will be the second of three matchups this season between the two sides, as Dynamo 2 will return to Austin on July 7.
How to Watch
The match will be available to watch on the Apple TV app to MLS Season Pass subscribers.
