There is no hotter home team in MLS than Austin FC right now.
With five consecutive wins at the Q2 Stadium, the Green & Black have become one of the five best-performing home teams across almost every metric.
They will look to continue that streak on Wednesday when they host the Portland Timbers in one of only two matches at the Q2 Stadium between now and July 6th.
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Here’s what you need to know about the matchup as Austin FC (6-4-5, 23 points) plays the second of its three games in eight days:
Austin FC has a different vibe in the second quarter
There is a noticeable difference in Austin FC’s level of aggression when they are in the second quarter.
Both Brendan Hines-Ike and Owen Wolff mentioned this last month, with Wolff stating on Tuesday that: “When we’re at home, there’s definitely a change in the tempo of what we play.”
While it’s not surprising news that teams might have a little more energy at home or that they might perform better there, it’s worth pointing out that players note the big difference, which could be compounded this season with the Green & Black’s limited squad. .
Austin FC may not be ultra-conservative away from home or sit back in a bunker-style defense – or low block for football purists – but 17 of their 20 goals and 17 of their 23 points have come at the Q2 Stadium.
Driussi is probably ready to go
Austin FC coach Josh Wolff said on Tuesday that playmaker Sebastián Driussi and full-back Jon Gallagher trained this week and should be available.
Driussi left Saturday’s 1-1 draw in San Jose late in the second half with a minor injury and Gallagher missed the game after a groin injury suffered May 18 against Kansas City.
Josh Wolff seemed to suggest that he should have every lineup option to use, meaning the team’s health situation is better than it was against the Earthquakes.
What to watch
The rearguard and, in particular, the right flank.
If Gallagher is only available to come off the bench, don’t be surprised to see Owen Wolff start at right back.
Substitute Hector Jimenez played 72 minutes in the position on Saturday and isn’t the best matchup against Portland’s attack, while Owen Wolff – who has the ability to play anywhere except striker or defender – finished the game in the position and has speed and athleticism to hold the spot in Gallagher’s absence.
Austin FC also have more depth on the wing with Ethan Finlay and CJ Fodrey than they do at right back.
Expect Zan Kolmanic to start at left-back after Guilherme Biro played the entire game there on Saturday.
A look at Portland
The Timbers (4-7-4, 16 points) are 10th in the West but have won two of their last three, including Saturday’s 2-1 home victory over Kansas City.
Striker Felipe Mora scored seven goals in 10 games after missing the first five matches of the season due to injury. He combines with midfielder Evander to lead an attack that has the second most goals in the West with 28.
The flip side of this is that Portland has the second worst defense in the conference, with 30 goals conceded.
Väisänen called up by Finland
Center back Leo Väisänen will be back in the Finnish squad during the upcoming international break.
He will be part of the squad that competes in exhibitions against Portugal on June 4th and against Scotland on June 7th.
Väisänen, who will not miss a game for Austin FC during his call-up, has played 26 games for the Finnish national team in his career.
Austin FC vs Portland Timbers Prediction
Austin FC 2, Portland 1: If Driussi and Gallagher are indeed healthy enough to play, this is a game that Austin FC needs – and must – face with a road game looming 72 hours later against Conference-leading Real Salt Lake West. Portland has one of the worst away defenses in the league, with 17 goals scored in eight games, so the Green & Black attack is expected to take advantage of that. The Timbers should also have some difficulty with the heat, as this is the first game of the year in hot weather and because they are used to temperatures in the 50s.
Wednesday’s game
Austin FC (6-4-5, 23 points) vs. Portland Timbers (4-7-4, 16 points), 7:30 p.m., Q2 Stadium, Apple TV, 97.5, 104.3 (Spanish)
This article originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC vs Portland Timbers: Our preview and prediction are in
