MLS kit assignments for Austin FC at FC Dallas, August 24, 2023. (Courtesy MLS)
The anticipation is high as FC Dallas (30 points, 8-9-6), currently 10th in the West, prepares to face off against Austin FC (32 points, 9-10-5), standing at 7th in the West, at Toyota Stadium tonight at 7:30 pm. As the teams take the field, they bring with them a series of quality performances in the Leagues Cup, promising an exciting match ahead.
Broadcast Info
If you can't make it to Toyota Stadium, don't worry! You can catch the action on TV through the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. For the English commentary, tune in to Mark Followill and Lori Lindsay, or switch to Spanish to hear Raul Guzman and Sonny Guadarrama. If you prefer to listen on the radio, you can tune in to 1190 AM or the FC Dallas App for English commentary by Owen Newkirk, Steve Davis, and Jon Arnold. Alternatively, you can listen to the Spanish commentary on Zona MX 99.1 with Carlos Alvarado and Rafa Calderon.
FC Dallas Lineup Prediction
FC Dallas seems to be in good shape, with most of their players now returning from injuries. This should provide a much-needed boost to the team's morale and performance. While some minute management or light rotation might be expected due to three games this week, the coach will likely field a lineup close to the current first-choice players. It's worth noting that the new midfield signings, Asier Illarramendi and Liam Fraser, may not start against Austin FC, but they are expected to make appearances during the match.
MLS Injury/Player Availability Report
In terms of player availability, Tarik Scott is the only player from FC Dallas who is out for the year due to an injury. Austin FC, on the other hand, will be missing Zan Kolmanic due to a right ACL injury, while Leo Vaisanen is questionable due to a right LCL injury.
MLS Kit Assignments
When the teams take the field, FC Dallas will be decked out in their iconic red and blue kits, while Austin FC will be sporting their secondary light green kits.
Other Game Info
Let's take a look at some interesting facts and statistics surrounding this matchup:
- FC Dallas has a strong historical record against Austin FC, with a 4-1-2 scoreline in their favor. They have scored a total of 13 goals while conceding only 10.
- Scoring first has proven to be crucial for FC Dallas, with a record of 7-1-3 when they find the back of the net first. Furthermore, they have an impeccable record of 8-1-0 when they score two goals or more.
- FC Dallas is just two goals away from reaching their 500th goal at Toyota Stadium, a milestone that the team will surely be looking forward to achieving.
- The team has shown their prowess in the second half of matches, with 19 out of their 27 goals scored during the 76-90 minute interval. This places them third in the MLS for goals scored in this time frame.
- On the defensive end, FC Dallas has struggled during the 31-45 minute interval, conceding the most goals (8) during this period.
- FC Dallas has gone an impressive 54 games without being awarded a penalty kick in the MLS regular season, tying the record set by Chivas USA for the longest such streak in league history.
- When playing at home, FC Dallas has maintained an undefeated record against Austin FC.
- FC Dallas has managed to sell out their stadium on 8 occasions this season, a testament to the incredible support they receive from their dedicated fans.
- Jesus Ferreira leads the MLS in game-winning goals, with six to his name. He is just one goal away from equalling the FC Dallas single-season record set by Jeff Cunningham in 2009.
- FC Dallas has a remarkable record of 16-2-2 in matches where Ferreira has scored since the start of last season.
- Maarten Paes, the goalkeeper for FC Dallas, ranks second in the MLS for save percentage (77%) and seventh in goals against average (1.10).
- Since Sebastian Driussi's arrival, Austin FC has been averaging 1.59 goals per game in the 74 matches played.
With all these exciting elements in play, the clash between FC Dallas and Austin FC is sure to be a memorable one. So grab your popcorn and get ready to witness a thrilling matchup between these two fierce rivals.
