Austin FC II hits the road for its first away match of 2024 this Thursday night. ATXFC II will make the short trip east to face in-state rivals Houston Dynamo 2, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. CT at SaberCats Stadium. The match will also stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Austin FC II Outlook
The Verde & Black’s ability to win away was the difference-maker in their run to the MLS NEXT Pro title last season. The team became the first in MLS or MLSNP history to win four road playoff matches in a single postseason, and they’ll look to recapture that mentality on Thursday.
The home team won all three matchups between ATXFC II and Dynamo 2 in 2023. CJ Fodrey and Sébastien Pineau both scored in the most recent meeting, a 3-0 victory for Austin. Pineau opened his account for the 2024 season last time out, netting a goal in the team’s U.S. Open Cup match.
In that same match, six Austin FC Academy players saw the field, including professional debuts for defenders Mason Miller and Drake Fournier. Academy product Bryan Arellano scored Austin’s goal in its only other league match this season, as ATXFC II continues to provide a platform for the club’s young talents.
Houston Dynamo 2 Outlook
Houston finished seventh in the MLSNP Western Conference last season, with an even record of 12-4-12. Dynamo 2 lost both of its opening matches in 2024, falling 2-1 to SKC II at home and 3-2 to LAFC II on the road.
19-year-old Honduran midfielder Exon Arzu scored in both of those defeats. At the other end of the pitch, the team is anchored by goalkeeper Xavier Valdez, one of MLSNP’s top shot-stoppers in 2023 and a Dominican Republic international.
Kenny Bundy once again leads Houston this year, returning for his third season as head coach. Bundy has been with the Dynamo organization since 2016.
