Winless Austin FC host undefeated St Louis City at the Q2 Stadium on Sunday in the third game of this year's MLS campaign.
The hosts were defeated by Minnesota United in their opening game before drawing to Seattle Sounders FC in their previous outing, whilst Bradley Carnell's side drew to Real Salt Lake in their first game and beat New York City FC 2-0 in their second.
Match preview
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Austin FC had a rather miserable season in 2023 compared to the heights they reached during the 2022 campaign, which saw Austin finish second in the Western Conference, going on to reach the semi-finals of the playoffs where they were beaten by eventual MLS Cup winners Los Angeles FC.
Following this, expectations were high ahead of the 2023 season, but Austin never quite got going as they failed to even qualify for the playoffs, ending the season 10 places worse off in 12th spot.
Austin have stayed loyal to coach Josh Wolff through both the good times and the bad, and they will be hoping this loyalty bears fruit for them this season.
However, things have not started in the ideal way for Wolff with his side picking up just one point from their opening two games. Austin have been by far the worst side in both of these performances, managing a measly two shots in their previous outing against Seattle Sounders.
If Wolff, and Austin, are to have better seasons this time around then they must perform better in the upcoming game against St Louis.
This will be no easy task for Austin though, as St Louis proved themselves as a top side in their maiden season in MLS last year.
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After being founded in 2019, St Louis finally made their first appearance in MLS last campaign, with former New York Red Bulls assistant manager Carnell coaching the side.
Ironically, they won 3-2 at the Q2 Stadium against Austin in their inaugural MLS game, the first of 17 wins as they finished the season top of the Western Conference.
Carnell's side had gone five games without a victory in the regular season or playoffs prior to their last game against New York City FC, but a 2-0 home win saw them put an end to this negative run.
St Louis will now be looking to beat Austin for the third time in three meetings, winning both of last season's matchups with an aggregate score of 9-5, as they look to repeat the fantastic feats they achieved throughout 2023.
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Team News
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Both sides are heading into this game missing three players for a variety of reasons.
Austin FC will be without Leo Vaisanen (foot) and Sebastian Driussi (hamstring), with both expected to return later this month.
Brendan Hines-Ike is also reportedly out for personal reasons.
As for St Louis City, Kyle Hiebert (knee), Joshua Yaro (hamstring), and Rasmus Alm (hip) will all be absent until late March/early April.
Austin FC possible starting lineup:
Stuver; Gallagher, Cascante, Hedges, Kolmanic; Ring, Valencia, Pereira; Obrian, Rubio, Rigoni
St Louis City possible starting lineup:
Burki; Totland, Parker, Nilsson, Markanich; Vassilev, Durkin, Lowen, Martins; Adeniran, Jackson
We say: Austin FC 1-3 St Louis City
St Louis City have had the better of Austin FC in both the previous meetings between these two sides, scoring a massive nine goals in just two games. We expect the hosts to continue this record against their upcoming opponents with another big victory at the Q2 Stadium.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Ellis Stevens
