Austin FC II returns to Parmer Field to play its 11th home match of the season this Friday against Ventura County FC for a 7:30 p.m. CT kickoff. The match will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Fans should note that due to the recently announced construction of a new PopStroke facility at The Pitch, food and beverages will not be available for purchase on Friday. Fans are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to the match.
Austin FC II Outlook
Austin FC II is coming off a loss against Colorado Rapids 2. A slow night for the Verde & Black resulted in one goal scored with a header by Ervin Torres putting ATXFC II on the board. New signing Batuhan Arıcı subbed in to make his debut in Verde & Black and get some minutes under his belt.
Despite the defeat, ATXFC II remains in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs having lost only twice in its last 10 games. Points are at a premium for both teams this Saturday though, as Austin (sixth) and Ventura County (fourth) are separated by only five points in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference standings.
The Verde & Black will hope to slow VCFC and distance themselves from the chasing pack by putting an additional buffer between themselves and the playoff cutline.
Ventura County FC Outlook
Ventura County FC lost 4-1 against The Town FC at home in the team’s last match. Their only goal came from a penalty kick by Jeorgio Kocevski, who is tied with teammate Luis Müller as VCFC’s top-scorer.
Head coach Matt Taylor continues his second season with Ventura County. Austin will need to be wary that Taylor’s team has the best away record in the Western Conference, having lost only once on the road this season and collected 19 points from 10 matches.
Austin won the only prior meeting between the two clubs this season, getting a 1-0 victory in California thanks to a second-half strike by Jimmy Farkarlun.
