Houston Dynamo Faces Austin FC in MLS Showdown This Weekend

HOUSTON, Texas — Houston Dynamo will host Austin FC at Shell Energy Stadium this Sunday, April 27, as both teams aim to improve their standing in Major League Soccer. The match is set to kick off at 1:30 a.m. UK time.

The Dynamo, who finished fifth in the Western Conference last season, are struggling this year, sitting second from bottom after only seven points from nine matches. They are coming off a disappointing 2-2 draw against Colorado Rapids, where they conceded a late equalizer despite leading for much of the game.

Houston has managed to score only eight goals this season, making it the joint-third worst record in the league, while they have conceded 14 goals. Manager Ben Olsen highlighted the need for improvement: “We need to tighten up in defense and be more clinical in front of goal if we want to turn things around.”

Meanwhile, Austin FC has had a more successful start to the season, sitting second with 16 points. After three consecutive victories in March, they had a brief setback but bounced back with a 1-0 win over LA Galaxy last weekend. Coach Josh Wolff expressed optimism, stating, “We need to keep this momentum going against Houston.”

Both teams will be missing key players due to injury. Houston will be without American defenders and a goalkeeper recovering from injuries, while Austin will miss a few players including a defender serving a suspension.

Austin FC is expected to field the following starting lineup: Stuver; Gallagher, Cascante, Svatok, Guilherme Biro; Wolff, Pereira, Sabovic, Bukari; Uzuni, Vazquez, aiming to secure another win against their Texas rival.

The match promises to be an exciting contest as Houston seeks their first win in three games and Austin pushes for back-to-back victories. Predictions lean towards a tight game, but Austin’s current form gives them an edge.