On Saturday, the math is simple (and familiar) for Austin FC. Just as when Austin visited FC Dallas in July of 2022, the Verde & Black can lift Copa Tejas with a win or draw against their in-state rivals.
The supporter-created trophy, now up for grabs for a third season between MLS’ three Texan teams, continues to take on significance for Austin’s players, coaches, and fans.
“Copa Tejas is important, obviously,” said Head Coach Josh Wolff at the Club’s midweek media availability on Thursday. “We saw the celebration last year in Dallas. We’re the current holders and we have every intent to maintain that hold on the cup.
“It’ll be a competitive match. They’re a good team, as are we, so we’ve got to go there understanding what they are, who they are, but also with the idea of what we need to do to hurt them. We know a win, a tie, that would sum it up for Copa Tejas, so that’s what we’re looking forward to try and do.”
Austin fell in its Copa Tejas opener against Houston back in May but responded with a resounding pair of 3-0 victories over Dallas and the Dynamo just three days apart in June. Gyasi Zardes has scored in all three Copa Tejas games so far this season, and club captain Sebastián Driussi has also proved a key figure in recent rivalry matches.
The Argentine netted the winner in Austin’s 2-1 MLS Cup Playoff victory over Dallas last October, and provided the assist for the equalizer in the 1-1 draw at Toyota Stadium which clinched the 2022 Copa Tejas for the Verde & Black.
“We know it’s a very important game not only for us, but also for all of the fans,” said Driussi. “I believe Copa Tejas is very important for the city, and we want to win it again like we did last year.”
Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CT in Frisco, and is free to watch in English or Spanish on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
