Austin FC II hits the road this week for a match at University of Denver Soccer Stadium vs. Colorado Rapids 2 on Friday night. The match is set to kickoff at 9:00 p.m. CT/8:00 p.m. MT.
Austin FC II Outlook
ATXFC II picked up a point in its last outing, tying 2-2 with Ventura County FC at home. Both goals came from forward Sébastien Pineau, who leads the team with three goals across all competitions so far in 2024.
Austin has fared well on its travels thus far this season, picking up four points from its first two away games. The Verde & Black drew one and lost twice in three regular season meetings with Rapids 2 last year, but had the last laugh by beating Colorado in penalties in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Final.
The arrival of left back Rubén Bonachera has provided a boost in recent matches. In his second start for ATXFC II last Friday, the Spaniard led all players with three successful tackles and eight duels won while picking up an assist.
Colorado Rapids 2 Outlook
Rapids 2 won the Western Conference regular season by nine points in 2023 but have been off to a slower start this season. Colorado has one win, one draw, and four losses through its opening six games, and currently sits in 12th place.
The team has struggled at home, earning only one point from three matches at University of Denver Soccer Stadium so far. Colorado’s 15 goals allowed are currently tied for the most in MLS NEXT Pro, but at the other end of the field, Marlon Vargas has been on a tear.
The 23-year-old midfielder has four goals, tied for fourth-most in the league.
