Austin FC II returns to action after a 15-day hiatus on Sunday, July 23 at 5:00 p.m. CT against Colorado Rapids 2 at University of Denver Soccer Stadium. The match will be a meeting of the top two teams in the Western Conference, and it will be the second and last time they face each other this season. Rapids 2 won the first matchup with a score of 1-0.
Austin FC II Outlook
The Verde & Black aim to continue their strong form from the past seven matches where they hold a 5-1-1 record claiming 17 points during that stretch. On July 7, Austin defeated Houston Dynamo 2 by a 3-0 scoreline, securing the season series.
In their last three away games, Austin has earned five points while only allowing one goal. Defensively, ATXFC II has been the toughest team to score against in MLS NEXT Pro, having conceded a league-low 10 goals in 18 matches and just one goal in their last seven games.
In the first matchup between the two sides, ATXFC II dominated possession with 58 percent compared to Colorado’s 42 percent, and both teams had two shots on goal. CJ Fodrey and Sébastien Pineau have been in great form, with Fodrey contributing a goal and an assist against Houston and Pineau scoring three goals in the last four matches. They will be key players in Austin's mission to claim victory.
Colorado Rapids 2 Outlook
For most of the season, Rapids 2 has held the top spot in the table. They have the best goal differential in the league, with 25. Having played 17 games, they have earned a league-best 43 points and have only lost one match this season. Their most recent victory was over Real Monarchs, with a score of 4-1 on July 14th.
Yosuke Hanya leads the attack for Rapids 2, with 14 goal contributions this season. He is tied for second in MLSNP with 10 goals and four assists. Hanya recorded a goal and an assist in the last match against Real Monarchs. Oliver Larraz has the second-highest number of goal contributions on Rapids 2 with 12 (six goals, six assists) this season. Larraz has also landed 24 shots on goal, the third-best in MLSNP. Defensively, Rapids 2 has allowed 17 goals this season, second-best in MLSNP.
On Tuesday, Colorado participated in the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, where they fell 1-0 to TSG Hoffenheim, a professional football club from Germany.
How to Watch
The match will be available to watch on the Apple TV app to MLS Season Pass subscribers.
