Josh Wolff believes Austin FC’s new signings have given them a much-needed boost and hopes that will carry on against Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.
Austin added Mikkel Desler, Oleksandr Svatok, and Osman Bukari, who scored in their 2-0 win over Nashville SC last time out, helping to snap a three-match winless streak.
It means they sit ninth in the Western Conference, though only have a one-point advantage over the two teams sitting just below them.
However, Wolff says he is excited to see how the team continues to grow in the second half of the season.
“The guys that we got in the summer have performed well and that helps create better overall performances for the team and creates competition in the group and I think it’s helped us immensely,” he said.
“We labored through 24 games, but I think you see a team now that’s competing home and away and generating goals.
“We’re coming into good form, but we need to maintain that.”
Meanwhile, Vancouver sit three places and four points above their opponents, with their form on the road particularly eye-catching in MLS this season, going unbeaten in the last three.
They return to league action after an extended break due to their Canadian Championship semi-final, and head coach Vanni Sartini aims to get his team back up and running in the competition as soon as possible.
“We need to go there knowing that we need to make points because that’s the only curse when you’re doing well,” he said.
“We want to stay in the high position. We’ve done well on the road this season, and we need to keep doing it by being smart.”
Preparandonos para volver a casa. pic.twitter.com/BqhfUlrIcw
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) August 29, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin FC – Jon Gallagher
Jon Gallagher scored his 12th goal for Austin in their win over Nashville last time out.
Only Sebastian Driussi (43) and Diego Fagundez (15) have scored more in regular-season play for the Verde.
Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White
Brian White has scored a goal in each of his last three regular season away matches.
White had a four-match road scoring streak in 2023 and could become the first Whitecaps player to score in four straight MLS road games more than once.
MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
Vancouver have lost only one of their seven all-time meetings with Austin (winning four, drawing two), though Austin have managed draws in two of the last three meetings, including a scoreless match in Vancouver on May 4.
The Whitecaps are unbeaten in five straight road matches in all competitions (three wins, two draws) for the second time in 2024 (also in March-May). This is the first time since the club joined MLS in 2011 that they have had multiple five-match road unbeaten runs in a single year.
However, Austin have won three of their last four matches in all competitions, including a 2-0 win over Nashville (lost one). Austin had managed just two wins in their previous 11 matches beforehand (three draws, six losses).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Austin FC – 30.8%
Draw – 25.1%
Vancouver Whitecaps – 44.1%
As the clash between Austin FC and Vancouver Whitecaps draws near, the anticipation is palpable for fans on both sides. With Austin looking to build on their recent momentum and Vancouver seeking to solidify their position in the standings, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.
With key players like Jon Gallagher for Austin and Brian White for Vancouver in top form, the stage is set for an exciting battle on the field. Both teams have shown resilience and determination throughout the season, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
For fans of MLS and soccer in general, this match is not to be missed. Stay tuned for what promises to be a riveting clash between two talented teams vying for victory.
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