Austin FC continues their homestand as they host LAFC at the Q2 Stadium. The Verde & Black are unbeaten in their new stadium, with draws against San Jose and Columbus with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Portland in their last match.
The Black and Gold are coming off of a 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake which saw them jump from tenth to fifth in the Western Conference standings. The win was their first on the road this season.
Team news
LAFC will be without Kwadwo Opoku due to a left knee injury while Austin will continue to be without Nick Lima, who is suffering from a hamstring injury, Ben Sweat, out for the season with a torn ACL, Aaron Schoenfeld, nursing a knee injury which he had arthroscopic surgery on, his return date unknown, Danny Hoesen, out with a hip problem and Ulises Segura, absent due to knee surgery.
Predicted lineups
Austin FC: Stuver; Jiménez, Cascante, Besler, Kolmanic; Pochettino, Fagundez, Ring; Stroud, Domínguez, Gallagher
LAFC: Romero; Farfan, Segura, Murillo, Kim; Atuesta, Blessing, Kaye; Baird, Vela, Rossi
Ones to watch
Both teams are struggling to score goals, which means they have largely relied on their defense and goalkeeping. For the Verde and Black, Brad Stuver has only allowed 12 goals in 12 matches, including three clean sheets.
The Black and Gold have seen injuries to Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi cripple their attack, but goalkeeper Tomas Romero has gone unbeaten in three starts in place of Pablo Sisniega with a pair of clean sheets while Jesus Murrillo and Eddie Segura anchor a stingy back line.
Previous meeting
The first-ever match in Austin FC history was at the Banc of California Stadium with LAFC running out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Corey Baird in the 61st minute and Jose Cifuentes in the first minute of second-half stoppage time as the Black and Gold became just the second team in MLS history to win their first four opening-day matches.
How to watch
As usual, ESPN+ will have live streaming coverage. KBVO has all of the action in Austin while Bally Sports SoCal and Estrella TV will televise things in Los Angeles. Kick-off is scheduled for 9pm Eastern.