Austin FC II (19 pts., 2nd in West) returns home to Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center to face San Jose Earthquakes II (11 pts., 9th in West) on Friday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. CT. The Verde & Black look to remain unbeaten at home, holding a 4-0-1 record in Austin.
Austin FC II Outlook
ATXFC II will look to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season to Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday. Friday’s match against Earthquakes II will be the Verde & Black’s only home match in the month of May.
The Verde & Black have scored six goals in their last three home contests dating back to mid-April. Valentin Noël remains the club’s leading goal scorer with four on the season, while Alfonso Ocampo-Chávez and David Rodríguez each have two goals of their own. ATXFC II ranks third in MLS NEXT Pro in pass percentage, completing 84.7 percent of their passes to go with four assists on the season.
ATXFC II’s defense has proven to be tough to break through in their first nine matches. Austin’s defense ranks third in save percentage (80.7 percent) and goals allowed (six) this season. First-team loanee Kipp Keller has limited the opposing attack from creating chances, leading ATXFC II in interceptions (14) and duel percentage (71.4 percent). Captain Joe Hafferty has contributed to the defense with 17 tackles won, ranking third-most in MLSNP.
Earthquakes II Outlook
Earthquakes II played to a scoreless draw in their last match against North Texas SC but won the ensuing penalty shootout 5-3.
Eduardo Blancas enters the match as the leading goal scorer for Quakes II, netting two goals on eight shots this season. Cameron Cilley leads Quakes II in accurate passes (361) and interceptions (12). Quakes II bring a strong defense of their own to Austin, ranking second in save percentage (80.8 percent) to go with three clean sheets.
Friday will be the first of two matchups between the two sides, as the Verde & Black will travel to Paypal Park on August 12.
How to Watch
Fans can purchase tickets to watch the match at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center, and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment at The Pitch, immediately adjacent to the stadium. For those who can’t make it, the match will be available to watch on the Apple TV app to MLS Season Pass subscribers.
