Austin FC II will take to the pitch at Parmer Field with its season on the line on MLS NEXT Pro Decision Day this Sunday. The league’s best home atmosphere will once again be on display as the Verde & Black host The Town FC for a 3 p.m. CT kickoff. The match will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Austin FC II Outlook
Though the exact qualification scenarios are complex and varied, the simple version is that Austin FC II needs at least two points to clinch the eighth and final playoff spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference. Fans of the Verde & Black will also be rooting for dropped points by Houston, Real Monarchs, Kansas City, and Portland.
The team, though, will be focused on what is within its control, which is picking up maximum points vs. The Town. Austin will be buoyed by the fact that it has recently made Parmer Field into something of a fortress. ATXFC II is unbeaten in its last seven home matches with 18 of a possible 21 points earned in that span.
The Town FC Outlook
The Town FC is in third place in the Western Conference and already assured of a playoff place but is still fighting for seeding to ensure they have home field advantage in multiple rounds. The team has gathered 17 points from 13 away games this season, fifth-most in West.
When they hosted Austin earlier this season, the match ended in a 0-0 draw. That defensive performance was a fitting example of what TTFC can do, as their 0.9 goals allowed per match are the fewest of any team in MLS NEXT Pro. If ATXFC II can find a way to break through early and force The Town to commit more players higher up the pitch, they’ll boost their chances of coming away with a victory.
