Austin FC II heads back to the Golden State for the second consecutive week to face Earthquakes II on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT. The second meeting this season between the two sides will take place at St. Mary’s Field at St. Mary’s College.
Austin FC II Outlook
The Verde & Black played to a scoreless draw on Sunday night against LAFC2. Austin won the ensuing shootout 4-3 to claim two points on Matchday 20. Austin outshot LAFC2 12-1 as goalkeeper Damian Las kept his 11th clean sheet of 2023.
Austin FC Academy product Anthony De Anda earned his first start of the season on Sunday, starting alongside fellow former Academy player Micah Burton. Burton drew a red card in the 22nd minute after his takeaway forced LAFC to commit a last man foul.
ATXFC II is currently second in the Western Conference standings, just six points behind first-place Colorado Rapids 2. Austin will look to get further attacking help from Sébastien Pineau, who has scored two goals in the last four matches. On the defensive side, ATXFC II has held its opposition scoreless in four of their last five matches.
Earthquakes II Outlook
Sunday’s match will be San Jose’s third match in seven days to start the month of August. On Sunday, San Jose defeated Galaxy II 4-1. Ousseni Bouda led the Quakes with two goals and an assist. Most recently, they played to a 1-1 draw against Real Monarchs on Wednesday then won the ensuing shootout, 10-9. The result keeps Quakes II unbeaten for their fourth consecutive match.
One of the standout players for Quakes II is Cruz Medina, a 16-year-old talent who has also played for the U.S. U-17 MYNT team alongside Burton. Medina has contributed two goals and two assists in 17 matches this season. Eduardo Blancas is the team's top scorer with six goals, including three in the last six games.
Quakes II is the only visiting team in MLSNP to win at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center, defeating ATXFC II 1-0 on May 19. They are currently sixth in the Western Conference standings. A victory on Saturday would help them narrow the gap and move closer to the top of the table.
How to Watch
The match will be available to watch on the Apple TV app to MLS Season Pass subscribers.
