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Josh Wolff hopes Austin FC can regain some urgency after their midseason break, starting with their trip to the Colorado Rapids.
Austin is on a three game winless streak, losing their last two outings, leaving them sixth in the Western Conference.
With the teams below them reaching up to 23 points, Wolff admitted there is still room for improvement but remained optimistic about his side’s progress this season.
“We’re happy with where we are. There’s still a long way to go, there’s a lot to improve,” Wolff said.
“The second half of the season will be challenging. You have to quickly create the urgency to get back on the field and perform. Colorado is the most important game – because it’s the next game.
“I want to create urgency and focus on the things we need to improve on by keeping our guys healthy. We’re going to do everything we can in this game.”
Colorado is one of the teams closing in on Austin, with just one point and two places below them in the table.
The Rapids have won just one of their last five MLS games, but coach Chris Armas is confident his side can turn their good performances into results.
Armas said, “We really want to get these performances back on point. We think we’re doing well, but we know there’s room for improvement, so all our energy went into the break.
“We’ll get there. We’ve got a good group, they’re hungry and they’re coming to learn. They’re giving it their all. We’re still a work in progress, but I still believe in it.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
After failing to contribute a goal in his first five appearances for the Rapids, Mihailovic has 10 contributions in his last 11 games (five goals, five assists) including one in three consecutive games.
Austin FC – Alexander Ring
Austin attempted just eight shots in their loss to Real Salt Lake on June 1 – it was the 10th time in the league that Austin attempted fewer than 10 shots in a game this season.
All those efforts came in the second half, with Ring scoring a consolation goal from the spot in stoppage time.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WINNER
The Rapids hold the slight head-to-head advantage between the teams, winning three times to Austin’s (B2) two wins. Colorado has scored in all seven meetings between the teams.
However, the Rapids have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season following defeats at Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps. Colorado has lost three of its last four games (1 draw) after losing just three of its previous 12 league games dating back to the start of March (6 wins, 3 draws).
Austin has lost back-to-back games for the first time since last August with losses to the Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake. Austin had lost just three of their previous 14 games (W6 D5) dating back to early March.
OPTA WINNING PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 47.8%
Draw – 26%
Austin FC – 26.2%
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