Match Preview
Austin FC II (2nd in West, 16 pts.) makes their first trip up to the Pacific Northwest to take on Timbers2 (13th in West, 3 pts.) at Providence Park on Sunday, May 7 at 7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. Sunday’s match will be the first of three road contests for the Verde & Black in the month of May.
Austin FC II Outlook
ATXFC II has fought to remain unbeaten in 2023 MLS NEXT Pro play, with their latest effort at home netting two points as they won their first penalty kick shootout this season against MNUFC2. ATXFC II has played to a 1-1 draw in both of their previous two away matches this season, earning two total points on the road thus far.
MLSNP Goalkeeper of the Month for March/April, Damian Las made the game-winning save in PKs in the match against MNUFC2, keeping the Verde & Black unbeaten at home. Las has the lowest goals conceded average (0.71) of any goalkeeper to appear in at least five matches and ranks fourth in the league in saves (21). ATXFC II has limited the opponent’s chances early this season, ranking in the bottom 10 in shots faced (26) and top 10 in interceptions (72). ATXFC II enters Sunday’s match with only five goals surrendered through seven matches, tied for third-best in the league.
Emmanuel Johnson netted the equalizer against MNUFC2 in the 86th-minute last Friday, forcing the match to PKs where ATXFC II picked up an extra point. The goal was Jonhson’s first of the season, and he became the eighth ATXFC II player to find the net this season. On the attack, ATXFC II winger David Rodríguez is tied for fourth in the league with 13 chances created while tallying a goal and an assist this season. The Verde & Black will look to add to their +7 goal differential in Portland, as Timbers2 have allowed nine goals in their last three matches combined.
Timbers2 Outlook
Timbers2 is coming off a 1-5 defeat to Real Monarchs on Sunday. Searching for their second win of the season, T2 will look to win their second consecutive home match at Providence Park, holding a 1-1-0 record at home.
Leading the attack for Timbers2 is Noel Caliskan, who has three goals and one assist on the season. T2 struck first in their past two matches, as Tega Ikoba found the lone goal on a penalty kick in the 11th-minute in their previous match against Real Monarchs. Sunday’s match will be the first of two meetings between the two sides this season, as Timbers2 will visit Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center on June 18 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
How To Watch
The match will be available to watch on MLSNEXTPro.com.
