Austin FC aims to keep sizzling in San Jose
Two teams on opposite ends of the MLS Western Conference standings will meet when Austin FC faces the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at PayPal Park.
The Verde & Black are one of the hottest teams in the league with 19 points in their last nine games, a stretch that has pushed them up to third in the conference, while San Jose sits in last place in the West with only three wins and 10 points.
Here’s what you need to know about the match as Austin FC embarks upon another three-games-in-eight-days stretch:
Austin FC will have a limited roster … again
With the waiving of designated player Emiliano Rigoni as the Verde & Black bought out his contract Tuesday, the trend of having extremely limited depth continues.
However, this time it’s exacerbated by the fact that outside backs Guiherme Biro and Jon Gallagher are questionable for the game with injuries, and Austin FC coach Josh Wolff noted that he might have only 16 players available.
Austin FC will be helped by the fact that it had a full week off, but if Biro and Gallagher can’t provide substantial minutes, Wolff will have some finagling to do with his lineup.
Expect veteran Hector Jiménez to see significant minutes, and maybe even start, at right back.
Owen Wolff also seems to be an option to play at one of the outside back spots, even though he played a solid game on the left wing against Kansas City.
With Jáder Obrian, Ethan Finlay and CJ Fodrey, Austin FC is currently in better shape on the wings than at outside back if Biro and Gallagher are sidelined.
“We are thin at a lot of spots, but it doesn’t matter,” Josh Wolff said. “We have to go out and get results. … With these numbers, we have to approach games in a real meticulous way and a responsible, disciplined way.”
Dani Pereira has high goals for career
Midfielder Dani Pereira played arguably the best game of his career vs. Kansas City.
He provided two assists, was aggressive in taking on and beating defenders, and was easily one of the top players on the field.
Pereira told the media after the game
Austin FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes prediction
Austin FC 2, San Jose 2: Predicting road wins in MLS is never wise, and with the Verde & Black possibly having no depth at outside back or on the wing, I’m not going to do so here. As with all road games, picking up a point is the goal.
But with a tough road match at Western Conference leader Real Salt Lake looming June 1, when a result looks almost impossible for travel and roster reasons, taking three points here would go a long way.