Austin FC II stays at home to face Minnesota United FC 2 for the third and final time this season on Sunday night. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be available to watch on OneFootball and MLSNEXTPro.com.
Austin FC II Outlook
Austin FC II extended its league record winning streak to double digits last weekend with a 10th consecutive victory, this time over Colorado Rapids 2. The Verde & Black continue to hold tight to first place in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference standings as they look to build on one of the best runs in club history.
Erik Lauta has anchored a backline that has conceded only 11 goals in 15 matches this season, the fewest in MLS NEXT Pro, and was just announced as the league’s Goalkeeper of the Month for the second consecutive month. The team as a whole also earned the league’s Team of the Month honor for both May and June, while Head Coach Jason Shackell was named Coach of the Month for June.
Last time out against Minnesota United FC 2, the Verde & Black avenged its season opening loss on the road for a 3-1 win. Ervin Torres and Micah Burton scored in the opening 10 minutes to display a strong offensive front as Erick Feliciano tucked in a third goal before the half to secure Austin’s win.
Minnesota United FC 2 Outlook
Minnesota United FC 2 comes into Sunday’s match with a strong showing from forward Marcus Caldeira, who was named the league’s Player of the Month for June. Caldeira tallied five goals and two assists across five appearances with an impressive hat trick against St. Louis City 2 that powered MNUFC 2 to collect all three points.
MNUFC 2 has taken a few hits since its 5-2 victory over City2. With a pair of losses to LAFC 2 and Houston Dynamo 2, Minnesota picked up the extra point in a draw against Tacoma Defiance 2 to take home two of the possible nine points. The Loons will be looking to recapture their winning form on the road in a match that will decide who takes bragging rights in the regular season series between Austin and Minnesota.
