This Saturday, when Austin FC hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps at Q2 Stadium, there will be MLS action between two teams that are separated by two points in the standings of the Western Conference.
On matchday seven, the Verde and Black lost to Los Angeles FC 3-0, which was their biggest defeat of the season. Vancouver overtook them as a result of a 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers.
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Josh Wolff and the Austin team have had a difficult time of late - they have lost their last three games, tying their longest losing streak from a year ago.
They have missed multiple opportunities to improve their standing, including the one at BMO Stadium during their previous meeting when Zan Kolmanic's shot hit the crossbar and Austin struggled to maintain that early lead.
The Verde and Black finished the 2022 regular season with the third-most goals (65), making them one of the best offensive teams in the league. However, thus far in 2023, they have not had nearly as much depth or quality, scoring six goals to tie for third least in the league.
After a difficult start, the Whitecaps are starting to slowly but surely move up the Western Conference standings. The Caps' win over Portland at home on Saturday extended their unbeaten streak in this competition to five games. This is the best such streak for them in MLS since they earned at least a point in 10 straight games in 2021.
After losing their leading scorer Lucas Cavallini to Liga MX in 2023, this team's major concern has been where the goals will come from.
GOAL brings you everything you need to know about where to watch the game on TV and stream live online.