The schedule for Austin FC's 2024 season has been released, and fans can now begin to look forward to spending Saturday evenings at Q2 Stadium once again in the not-too-distant future. The path to the MLS Cup Playoffs for ATXFC is a 34-match schedule over nine months, starting on February 24 and concluding with Decision Day on October 19.
Q2 Stadium, which currently owns the league's longest active sell-out streak of 53 MLS matches, will play host to a vibrant matchday atmosphere on 17 occasions throughout the regular season campaign. Of those 17, below are five matches to circle on your calendar that could be crucial to the team's success this year. You can watch all 34 of Austin FC's MLS regular season games in English or Spanish with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with no regional blackouts or restrictions.
Austin FC vs. Minnesota United FC
- Saturday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m CT
Austin’s 2024 home opener presented by Q2 will see the Verde & Black host Minnesota United FC. The two teams have faced each other seven times since Austin joined the league, with ATXFC holding a narrow 4-3 edge in the all-time series. In 2023, Austin swept the season series, scoring six goals to Minnesota's two – including a dominant 4-1 victory for the Verde & Black at Allianz Field. ATXFC captain Sebastián Driussi scored three goals in those matches against the Loons. Austin fans will be hoping for more magic from their Argentine talisman on opening night, as Driussi has scored in both of the past two home openers at Q2 Stadium.
Austin FC vs. FC Dallas
- Saturday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. CT
The first time Austin takes on a Texas foe at home in 2024 will be against FC Dallas in late March. In the last outing between the in-state rivals at Q2 Stadium, Austin won 3-0 as midfielder Ethan Finlay registered a goal and an assist. Whenever Austin and Dallas face each other, it's always an exciting and highly anticipated match. After winning Copa Tejas in each of the last two seasons, Austin will once again look to defend that trophy this year.
Austin FC vs. LAFC
- Wednesday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m. CT
The lone Wednesday match out of the five on this list sees the team that has won the Western Conference title in each of the past two seasons visit the Texas capital. LAFC is always a tough opponent, and matches between the two teams usually tend to be high-scoring. The Verde & Black would certainly love to repeat the 4-1 victory they earned over LAFC at Q2 Stadium in August 2022, after falling to the California club in their last three meetings since then.
Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC
- Saturday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. CT
Austin's final match against an in-state rival – and a could-be Copa Tejas decider – will be against Houston in September. The last time the Dynamo visited Q2 Stadium, Ethan Finlay, Gyasi Zardes, and Julio Cascante all scored as the Verde & Black won 3-0. Zardes' goal in that match was his 102nd in MLS and his second of the 2023 season against Houston. This game is also the fifth-to-last on Austin’s schedule, and is likely to have playoff ramifications as all teams scrap for vital points down the homestretch.
Austin FC vs. Colorado Rapids
- Saturday, October 19 at 8:00 p.m. CT
The final home contest of the 2024 season for the Verde & Black will be against Colorado Rapids on Decision Day, known for its chaos and unpredictability as all teams play simultaneously and the playoff picture shifts in real time. Even if either side has already secured its spot in the playoffs, the teams will be eager to build momentum and secure home-field advantage for as many rounds as possible. Colorado has failed to make the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, but with the appointment of Chris Armas as head coach, the Rapids are aiming to recapture the form that earned a first place finish in the Western Conference in 2021.
