Normally a match against Houston Dynamo FC would have a focus on the rivalry aspect for Austin FC, but with the Verde & Black fighting for their postseason life and Houston angling to host a first-round playoff series, that dynamic will be a distant second for both teams Saturday night at Q2 Stadium.

Unfortunately for Houston Dynamo, there is a negative reason why they are not coming into the MLS playoffs in the best shape, which start in about a month. Therefore, rival teams and candidates to win the 2024 MLS Cup know this,

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Dynamo hit the road against Austin aiming to prolong a three-game road winning streak. Austin is 8-10-6 against Western Conference teams. Austin is fifth in the Western Conference allowing just 41 goals. The Dynamo are 10-5-8 against Western Conference opponents. The Dynamo are 4-0-0 when they score at least three goals.

The Vancouver Whitecaps come into a matchup with the Houston Dynamo after putting together three straight shutout wins.

This simply isn’t Austin FC’s season. In what was likely its last gasp to remain in the MLS playoff race, the Verde & Black fell 1-0 to Houston Dynamo FC Saturday at Q2 Stadium. Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla’s goal off a bicycle kick in the 83rd minute marked the difference in the contest.