After defeating the Western Conference-leading Seattle Sounders 2-1 on Wednesday in Washington, Austin FC returns home to host Toronto FC on Saturday night at Q2 Stadium. Kickoff in the first-ever competitive meeting between Austin and Toronto is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
The match is 4ATX Foundation theme night, celebrating the great work Austin FC's nonprofit arm does throughout Central Texas communities. Be on the lookout for several 4ATX activations, including team logo and player drawings done by Verde Leaders students.
Tune-In
Fans can watch the match in English, Spanish, or French in over 100 countries via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
- Stream: Click here to watch the match, or access it through any device compatible with the Apple TV app. An MLS Season Pass subscription is required.
- Radio: The match will be broadcast live locally in English on iHeart Radio’s Alt 97.5, and in Spanish on Univision’s TUDN Radio Austin (104.3-HD2, KLQB-FM).
Austin FC Outlook
The Verde & Black picked up a big result midweek, earning a road win over first-place Seattle. Austin became only the second team to score against the Sounders at Lumen Field this season, with Ethan Finlay recording a goal in the first half and assisting Gyasi Zardes’ excellent header in the second. The assist was the 50th of Finlay’s MLS career, making him the league’s sixth active player to tally at least 50 career goals and 50 career assists.
Emiliano Rigoni also continued his sizzling run of form, recording his fourth goal contribution in the team’s last five matches. Center back Aleksandar Radovanović made his first start in Austin colors, winning all four of his aerial duels to go with two interceptions and two clearances.
The win moved the Verde & Black back to within a point of the playoff line, with the season about one-third complete. Another victory against Toronto on Saturday would likely lift Austin back above that line.
Toronto FC Outlook
Toronto has perhaps been the hardest-hit team by the injury bug this season, and they find themselves in 15th place in the Eastern Conference. Make no mistake though, the Reds have plenty of top quality players, not least former Serie A attackers Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi.
Richie Laryea is one of the league’s top defenders, capable of playing just about anywhere along the backline. He’s contributed at the top end of the pitch as well this season, chipping in two goals and two assists.
While Toronto hasn’t won a lot of matches in 2023, they haven’t been easy to beat either. Their seven draws - three of which have come on the road - are tied for the most in MLS.
The status of midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye is a big question mark for TFC coming into the match. The Canadian international is listed as questionable for Saturday after missing the team’s midweek match against New York Red Bulls.
Possible Toronto Lineup
(4-3-3, R-L) - GK: Sean Johnson; Kobe Franklin, Richie Laryea, Aime Mabika, Raoul Petretta; Brandon Servania, Kosi Thompson, Mark-Anthony Kaye; Federico Bernardeschi, CJ Sapong, Lorenzo Insigne
