Austin FC and Colorado Rapids Seek First Win in MLS Clash

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin FC hosts Colorado Rapids on Saturday night at Q2 Stadium as both teams search for their first victory of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CDT, marking a crucial encounter early in the campaign.

Colorado enters the match after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Dallas, while Austin looks to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Portland Timbers last week. With both teams struggling to find their footing, the stakes are high as they aim to secure their inaugural win.

Austin FC suffered their defeat after a lackluster offensive performance, with Portuguese forward João Paulo scoring in the 89th minute for Portland. Austin head coach Josh Wolff expressed disappointment post-game, emphasizing the need for his players to improve their finishing, having scored just once across their first two matches.

Meanwhile, Colorado Rapids have yet to secure a win this season, having settled for two consecutive draws. They are determined to halt their streak of eight league matches without a victory that dates back to the previous season. Coach Robin Fraser remains optimistic, stating, “We must build upon our recent performances and go for the win this time.”

Austin aims to improve on last season’s 10th place finish in the Western Conference, largely attributed to their poor scoring record which saw them net the fewest goals in the league at 39. The team hopes that this week’s training will bolster their attacking options, as it has become evident they need to enhance their offensive output.

In injury news, Austin’s defender, Alexander Ring, is doubtful for Saturday following a late-game injury against Portland. If he cannot participate, Justin Che is likely to step into the starting lineup alongside Matt Hedges and Danila Yurov.

On the other hand, Colorado will be without several key players. Defender Auston Trusty and forward Younes Namli are both sidelined with injuries that continue to affect the team’s depth. As such, Fraser will look towards younger talent to fill those gaps, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience.

Despite their struggles, Austin has historically performed well against the Rapids at home, with an unbeaten streak in the last three encounters at Q2 Stadium. This statistic provides some hope for Austin’s faithful as they look to regain their form.

The upcoming match is critical for both teams as the pressure mounts. As the weekend approaches, fans from both regions are determined to show their support, adding to an electrifying atmosphere expected at the stadium.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. CDT at Q2 Stadium, promising an exciting battle on the pitch.