Austin FC has reinforcements on the way, but first they face Seattle

Austin FC forward Gyasi Zardes (9) stretches to shoot the ball away from Los Angeles FC defender Eddie Segura (4) during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Austin, Texas, Wednesday, June 19, 2024. ( AP Photo/Eric Gay)

AUSTIN (KXAN) – As the League Cup approaches and the 2024 home stretch begins to heat up, Austin FC is making a playoff run with help along the way.

New signings Osman Bukari and Mikkel Desler will be available for the first time on July 20 against Charlotte, just before the Verde and Black open the Leagues Cup against Pumas six days later, but manager Josh Wolff is trying his best to stay focused on a tight western conference. table.

Austin FC host the Seattle Sounders at 7:30pm on Saturday, and only one point separates them in the standings. If the playoffs started now, Austin would enter the postseason with the bottom seed at No. 9 while Seattle would qualify as the No. 1 seed. 7. A win on Saturday would move Austin above the Sounders into a more comfortable spot, and with it being a home game, Wolff said it was all the more important to put their best foot forward.

“The pressure is going to increase with every game with how you get the points or don’t get them, and I’m quite honest, I’m extremely pleased with the effort of our group to get where we are this season and to be in the playoffs. line,” Wolff said. “You’re four points from being in a higher place and four from being lower, but that’s what this league is.”

Navigating through a thin list of different rush hour periods hasn’t been the easiest thing to do, but the results speak for themselves. Austin is in a position to return to the postseason after last season’s disappointing early finish. Something that would help improve their chances it would be if veteran striker Gyasi Zardes continued his impressive form.

Zardes moved into 10th place on Major League Soccer’s career goals list after he netted two on July 6 against NYCFC, giving him 105 goals in a 13-year career. It was the first time Zardes had scored in nearly a year and Verde needed both to earn the win. Zardes said he was excited to help his team take home critical points.

“Scoring goals is one of the best feelings in the world,” he said. “Any time you see the ball hit the back of the net and help the team go up, it’s the best feeling. In this league, you focus on the moment, and when you see teams putting together back-to-back wins, you can make a big jump.”

Zardes was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for his performance.

Julio Cascante came on as a substitute against NYCFC and Dani Pereira will be available on Saturday after serving a one-match suspension for picking up yellow cards, making the Verde squad full after their Copa America commitments. Wolff said the team was missing both players while they were playing for their countries.

“We are delighted that they are both back,” he said. “I was delighted to bring Julio on against NYC and we’ve missed Dani. He is a different player for us. When we have the ball, we become more fluid and reliable in our formation, and he will improve us in that space.”

While Pereira was on Venezuela’s Copa America roster, he never saw the pitch at the tournament, so Wolff is unsure of his fitness level and how long he can play. Wolff said he would “push it and make adjustments.”