Austin FC needs to improve its discipline to break a two-match losing streak as they host Charlotte FC on Saturday in Texas. The Verde (8-10-6, 30 points) have played their last two matches with a player sent off. In Wednesday’s 3-1 loss at FC Dallas, Austin played the final 30 minutes with 10 men after Sebastian Driussi received a red card for violent conduct. In the previous match, Brendan Hines-Ike was sent off in the 77th minute, leading to a 1-0 defeat against the Seattle Sounders.
Coach Josh Wolff emphasized the importance of maintaining composure, despite the team’s passion and energy. He stated, “We have to make good decisions. We’ll need to refresh and prepare for Saturday’s game.”
Driussi and defender Julio Cascante (yellow card accumulation) will miss the upcoming match. However, midseason transfers Osman Bukari and Mikkel Desler will be available. Austin, currently 10th in the Western Conference, has lost three of its last four matches and is just below the playoff line due to a tiebreaker with Minnesota United.
Charlotte FC (10-8-6, 36 points), in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, comes to Texas after a 1-1 draw at Columbus Crew on Wednesday. Patrick Agyemang scored the equalizer for Charlotte, who has a record of 2-2-1 in their last five matches and has earned 14 points on the road this season, including a recent 3-1 win at FC Cincinnati.
Agyemang noted, “We know we can do better, but this shows our potential. It’s about focusing on the next game and carrying this momentum into the Leagues Cup.”
Saturday’s match is the final game for both teams before MLS takes a month-long break for the Leagues Cup competition.
