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For the first time this season, Austin FC will play a midweek match with three days off.

The Verde & Black host Houston Dynamo FC on Wednesday at Q2 Stadium for their second Copa Tejas match in five days, but after a 2-1 defeat at Dallas on Saturday, the chance to lift the trophy is no longer an option with a win .

Here’s what you need to know about the matchup as Austin FC (4-4-4, 16 points) hopes to earn its second win over its eastern rival in less than a month after a 1-0 win outside on April 20:

Two matches in four days offer intrigue

With their short roster, playing only once a week for the first 12 games of the season has been beneficial for the Verde & Black, and how they handle the rest of this week will be interesting.

Another home game looms on Saturday, so it’s possible Austin FC coach Josh Wolff will make several changes to his traditional starting lineup.

However, Wolff hinted in his postgame press conference after Dallas’ loss that the changes would more likely come against Kansas City on Saturday.

The Verde & Black are not at a disadvantage in terms of rest since Houston also played on Saturday when they recorded a 2-1 victory at Kansas City, but it will be remarkable to see how the team performs in their first game of short rest.

Out the back might suddenly be thin

One spot to watch for Austin FC is left back.

Guilherme Biro left Saturday’s match shortly before the second half due to injury and appears doubtful he will be able to play.

Zan Kolmanic replaced him and played extensively for the first time since returning from injury and will likely start for the first time since March 9.

But if Biro isn’t available, that leaves Austin FC extremely short in depth at the back.

More:Austin FC’s new defenders add more than depth

Veteran Hector Jimenez would be the only real option off the bench, and with Kolmanic probably not ready to play 90 minutes fitness-wise, don’t be surprised to see him in the second half.

It could also leave Austin FC in a tough position for Saturday assuming the club doesn’t want fullback Jon Gallagher playing 90 minutes three times in eight days – Owen Wolff would be the likely option to play some minutes – but it’s something. worry from Thursday.

More Herrera or less Herrera?

The exact identity of Houston’s Austin FC may also vary.

Dynamo’s star midfielder Hector Herrera returned from injury to make his first appearance of the season as a second-half substitute in the clubs’ first meeting.

Although he has appeared in every match since, he also started Houston’s last two matches, which included 120 minutes in a US Open Cup match on May 7.

At 34 years old and still relatively fresh from injury, Austin FC may only see him for a half or as a second-half substitute.

The flow of the game will be important

Houston has been solid defensively all season. He has only allowed 11 goals, and goaltender Steve Clark is one of the best at his position in the league.

But Dynamo also struggled offensively with the 11 worst goals in the Western Conference.

Forward Ibrahim Aliyu is the only Houston player to score more than once, and his four goals don’t really stand out from the stat sheet.

As reported in this space Sunday morning, the Verde & Black looked more like their home version against Dallas. It was easily their best performance of the season away from Q2 Stadium, and if they repeat this performance and most of their other performances at home on Wednesday, it will be a good sign to put Houston more on the back foot – which does not was not the case. during the first meeting between the two.

Prediction Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC

Austin FC 2, Houston Dynamo FC 1: While there are no must-win wins in MLS until September, this is a game in which Austin FC would be better off taking three points, as Saturday’s match against a Kansas City club with a full week rest is going to be difficult. The Green and Blacks should still have their legs and should be motivated after a good performance in the loss to Dallas where they felt they had given up a victory.

Two matches in four days offer intrigue

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