For the first time in the Major League Soccer 2024 regular season, Austin FC and New York City FC will face each other on Saturday at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
This clash promises to be an intriguing contest, with both teams having contrasting forms and ambitions as they look to secure vital points.
Team Form
Austin FC
Austin FC currently sits below the playoff line in the Western Conference, struggling with inconsistency.
They ended June with a 2-0 defeat against Sporting Kansas City, a result that highlighted their issues away from home.
Austin FC has lost six domestic away matches this season, placing them in 10th position, just one point behind the Seattle Sounders in the playoff race.
Despite their struggles on the road, the Verde and Black have been stronger at home, winning five matches at Q2 Stadium this season. However, they are winless in their last two home league matches, managing only one goal in those games.
New York City FC
New York City FC, on the other hand, has shown better form recently. They began July with a 2-0 victory over CF Montreal, following a poor run that saw them lose two consecutive matches.
The Boys in Blue are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with 35 points, a significant improvement from their tally at this stage last year.
NYCFC is embarking on a four-game road trip, having accumulated 10 points away from home this season.
However, they are winless in their last five away matches against Western Conference opponents, a statistic they will be eager to change.
Team News
Austin FC
Austin FC will be missing Diego Rubio, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card in their last match.
Julio Cascante is expected to return following Costa Rica’s elimination from Copa America, but Daniel Pereira is likely to miss out as Venezuela faces Canada in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
New York City FC
NYCFC may have to cope without Maxi Moralez, who was injured in their midweek win. Birk Risa and Malachi Jones are also doubts, with Jones sidelined due to a broken tibia.
Julian Fernandez and Strahinja Tanasijevic could feature after making substitute appearances in the previous game. Alonso Martinez, who scored twice against Montreal, will be a key player to watch.
Prediction
Given NYCFC's struggles on the road and Austin's relatively strong home form, this match could be closely contested.
A 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, with both teams having the potential to score but also weaknesses that could prevent them from securing a win.
Austin 
New York City 
