In the final match of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro regular season, Austin FC II will face in-state rival North Texas SC at Choctaw Stadium on Sunday, September 24 at 4:00 p.m. CT. Sunday’s contest is the first meeting between the two sides since Austin’s 3-0 victory over their in-state rival on April 12.
Austin FC II Outlook
With Decision Day on deck, ATXFC II is in control of the #3 seed in the upcoming MLSNP Playoffs which would earn them a home playoff game in the first round and the opportunity to pick their opponent in the new MLSNP playoff format.
The Verde & Black suffered just their second home loss this season on Friday against Colorado Rapids 2. Alfonso Ocampo-Chávez’s goal in the 26th minute was his third of the season and his second consecutive game with a goal.
Austin has gone unbeaten in their last six away fixtures, garnering nine points over that span. Additionally, in three of those away matches, ATXFC II has kept their opponent scoreless. The Verde & Black have surrendered a league-low 20 goals this season to go with a league-high 12 clean sheets and will aim for their first shutout since August 12.
North Texas SC Outlook
North Texas SC was eliminated from playoff contention on Matchday 25. In their last match, they defeated Houston Dynamo 2 by a scoreline of 3-1.
José Mulato scored his team-leading 10th goal in the team's latest victory over Dynamo Dos. Mulato has now scored in three consecutive matches and has registered four goals in the last five contests. Henri Santos has played the most minutes for North Texas SC and scored his second goal of the season in Sunday’s win.
North Texas holds a home record of 4-5-4 and has only held two home matches since the beginning of August, playing to a 2-2 draw against Tacoma Defiance and a 3-2 loss against Colorado Rapids 2.
How to Watch
The match will be available to watch on the Apple TV app to MLS Season Pass subscribers.
