Austin FC will play their first home match ever on Saturday when the San Jose Earthquakes visit Q2 Stadium for what is slated to be the first MLS match ever to be played at the stadium. The Verde & Black are expected to play in front of a sellout crowd at home after playing their first eight matches on the road to start their expansion season.
Austin FC Outlook
ATXFC will finally be able to host a home match in their inaugural season, as they are the only team yet to play a match at home this season. Josh Wolff’s team started the year with eight matches on the road and they were able to collect eight points in the eight matches.
The last of the eight matches came on Saturday when Austin played at Sporting Kansas City for the second time this season. Unlike their first visit, Austin were able to come away with a point at Children’s Mercy Park.
Cecilio DomÃnguez opened the scoring in the 26th minute after creating some space for himself just outside the box, but Sporting were eventually able to find an equalizer through Daniel Salloi.
Brad Stuver continues to put in star performances and that was the case again on Saturday. The goalkeeper made a career-high nine saves, while also showing his ability on the ball by completing over 90% of his passes. Taking a look at some expected goal figures, Stuver has conceded over eight fewer goals than he would be expected to based on the quality of chances that he has faced.
This match is the first in a run that will see Austin play seven of their next nine matches at home.
San Jose Outlook
After reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time under Matias Almeyda in 2020, San Jose’s 2021 started just as brightly. After dropping their first match on the road in Houston, the Earthquakes reeled off three straight wins. The Quakes had a goal differential of +6 in those matches and things were looking up for Almeyda and co.
Since then, the Quakes have hit the skids as they have dropped four in a row, three of which coming at home. They have been outscored 7-1 in those matches, which have been against tough opponents including the Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City.
Their last loss came against the rival LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park as the Galaxy were able to win 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Tanner Beason. San Jose forced LA ‘keeper Jonathan Bond into 12 saves, but were unable to get anything past the Englishman.
Probable San Jose Lineup
(4-2-3-1, R-L) - GK: JT Marcinkowski; Tommy Thompson, Florian Jungwirth, Tanner Beason, Paul Marie; Eric Remedi, Jackson Yueill; Cristian Espinoza, Chofis Lopez, Carlos Fierro; Cade Cowell
