NYCFC vs Austin FC preview: The first MLS matchup

New York City FC will start their road trip with a stop in the Lone Star State.  The Pigeons will face Austin FC for the first time in Major League Soccer.  This will be an exciting game since nobody knows how the teams will play against one another.  Some might expect the visitors to win based on their better record.  However, it does not matter how the opposition is doing since the road is not always kind.

Also, the Bronx side is going into uncharted waters.  NYCFC must be at their best if they want to bring home any points.  It would probably help if Alonso Martínez starts again.  The striker scored a brace during the midweek game.  He also contributes in other ways, whether it is an assist or by moving the ball forward.

NYCFC needs to start well.  With four road games in a row, there is a huge possibility they could fall down the table.  The team that faced the likes of Toronto FC and the Philadelphia Union away from home must show up.

Let’s not waste more time.  Here is a preview of the upcoming fixture between NYCFC and Austin FC.

Date

NYCFC and Austin FC will play the first match on Saturday, July 6.

Time 

The fixture is at 8:30 PM ET.                  

Location

The game will occur in Austin, TX at Q2 Stadium.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the match on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

Saturday will be extremely hot at around 91 degrees, with the humidity at around 45%%.  As of now, there is a slight chance of thunderstorms and showers, but there is a higher chance right before the game.

Injury report

NYCFC's injury list is one of the longest of the season, with four players out. Malachi Jones (right leg), Christian McFarlane (right leg), Maxi Moralez (right leg), and Birk Risa (right leg) are all out.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should pay attention to Martínez.  The Costa Rican has been doing great when he is on the pitch, regardless of whether he scores. He leads the team, tied with Santiago Rodríguez, with eight goals in the regular season.  It will be interesting to see whether he can continue to score or contribute to one.

On Austin, supporters should watch their old goalkeeper, Stuver.  He was the backup to Sean Johnson, but everyone loved him.  It was known he was talented in his few matches played with the team.  When he is on his A-game, he is difficult to score against.  Los Verdes' struggles this season are not helping his ability to be one of the best keepers in MLS.  So, which Stuver will show up?

Prediction

Since NYCFC is going on the road, the history of not doing great still haunts fans despite those three road wins in a row earlier this season.  With that in mind, the prediction is that the Pigeons will draw with Austin 1-1.