AUSTIN, TEXAS – In a crucial early-season matchup, Austin FC will host D.C. United at Q2 Stadium on Sunday, seeking their first victory of the season after a 1-1 draw in their opener against Minnesota United. Both teams will take the field at 1:30 p.m., with Austin FC keen to secure three points to avoid a sluggish start.
Despite the long MLS season ahead, which has been extended due to the World Cup this summer, Austin FC is aware that dropping points at home is not ideal, especially with a challenging schedule to come. Five of their next seven games will be away, including a highly anticipated clash against Lionel Messi on April 4, along with matches against the star-studded LA clubs.
Fortunately for Austin FC, defender Guilherme Biro is set to return from suspension, alongside midfielder Besard Sabovic, bolstering a squad that previously missed his influential presence. Coach Nico Estévez’s decision to sit Biro during their inaugural match proved costly, as the backup performed below expectations on both goals conceded.
Owen Wolff and Mikkel Desler remain questionable for Sunday due to injury, with their absence creating a gap in Austin’s lineup. Wolff was last season’s standout player, while Desler is regarded as one of the league’s top right backs when fit. The team is cautious not to rush these players back to ensure their long-term availability.
On a positive note, offseason acquisitions Facundo Torres, Joseph Rosales, and Jayden Nelson showed promising chemistry in their first performance, providing Estévez with versatile attacking options. Torres, in particular, has impressed, with his experienced style poised to elevate a struggling offense that has faced difficulties in recent seasons.
D.C. United enters the match after a significant investment in their roster, acquiring forwards Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu with the aim of turning around their fortunes after finishing last in the league last year. Baribo’s recent standout performance included scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia, making him a key player for Austin FC to monitor closely.
This match marks the beginning of a series of early afternoon kickoffs for Austin FC, and the projected warm weather may serve as a slight advantage over their visitors from the Northeast. With optimism surrounding the potential contributions of newly signed forward Christian Ramirez—an eight-year MLS veteran—Austin FC aims to capitalize on these opportunities as they look to establish momentum in their season.
With a predicted score of 2-1 in favor of Austin FC, the team is expected to leverage their home-field advantage against a D.C. United squad that, although improved, still faces questions regarding its overall depth. A well-coordinated effort from Austin FC can set the tone for the matches that lie ahead.