If it’s possible to build off two consecutive draws in which they scored just two combined goals, Austin FC look to carry that momentum when they host the LA Galaxy on Saturday afternoon.
The Verde & Black return home after splitting the points at Inter Miami CF on April 4, in the process spoiling the home side’s inaugural game at Nu Stadium. Guilherme Biro is on the books as scoring the first-ever goal at the venue six minutes into the match off a Facundo Torres corner kick, while Jayden Nelson recorded Austin’s second goal of the night in the 53rd minute — his first tally with the team.
“We just have to continue and keep building on (the Miami result),” Nelson said. “The results will come because you can see that each game we’re getting better.”
It was the first time that offense-challenged Austin (1-2-3, 6 points) had scored multiple goals since a 2-2 home draw against Minnesota in its Feb. 21 season opener. Austin has not won since a 2-1 home decision over D.C. United on March 1.
“I think everyone is believing in what we are doing,” Austin coach Nico Estevez said Thursday. “And you can see that the reward is going to come.”
The Galaxy (1-3-2, 5 points) head to Texas after a 4-2 midweek loss at Liga MX side Toluca FC in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. LA’s most recent MLS game was a 2-1 home setback to Minnesota United on April 4 in which Marco Reus scored the Galaxy’s lone goal in the 57th minute off an assist from Joao Klauss.
Klauss, acquired from St. Louis City in the offseason, has been the Galaxy’s offensive catalyst this year with six goals and two assists in 10 games across all competitions.
LA starts the weekend in 12th place in the Western Conference, one spot behind Austin.
“It’s very important that we stay positive,” Reus said after Wednesday’s loss. “We still have a good chance, but we have to start winning.”
“It’s not good enough — we’ve given up too many points,” LA coach Greg Vanney said. “We’ve got to be much cleaner and just better.”
Austin swept both meetings against the Galaxy last season, winning 1-0 at home and 2-1 in Carson, Calif.
–Field Level Media
