Match Preview: MNUFC vs Austin FC, Round 2 – Loons shooting for another big win over the Verde and Black

Minnesota United enters Saturday night’s match against Austin FC soaring, as we head towards the halfway point of the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign. Coming off 3-2 win over St. Louis on Wednesday sent the Loons into the Quarterfinals of the 2025 US Open Cup, that had plenty to learn from. MNUFC looks to regain that defensive might that has Dayne St. Clair as one of three goalkeepers in the league with a goals against average of under one. Minnesota is 7-3-4 (25 points, 2nd place in West) on the season and has scored 9 more goals then they’ve allowed, while also being 4-1-0 in their last five matches across all competitions.

Austin on the other hand have been struggling as of lately with their last league win coming on 19-April over the still-winless LA Galaxy. The Verde and Black have struggled in league play, thanks to a lack of output offensively as they’ve only scored 9 goals in 14 games with Brandon Vazquez being the only player scoring more than once. While they do have a -7 goal difference, it’s been the performance of goalkeeper Brad Stuver and the defence that’s given Austin their 5-6-3 (18 points) record to this point. Stuver has only allowed 16 goals, just barely over one per match in his fourteen MLS starts.

MNUFC and Austin are 5-5-0 all-time through their 10 meeting, with Loons having won last meeting on 03-May in Austin, TX where they dropped Austin FC 3-1.

News & Notes

Last night MNUFC2 was down in Austin, TX to face Austin FC II in MLS Next Pro play. The two sides drew 1-1 last night, with ATXII taking second point on penalties.

Dayne St. Clair is aiming to tie career high of eight shutouts, a mark that will almost certainly be passed at some point this season.

Joseph Rosales suspension is up and he is listed as available once again tonight for Minnesota United.

Last Wednesday, Kelvin Yeboah broke an 8 match scoreless streak in the US Open Cup match against St. Louis City with his early goal in the Loons eventual 3-2 win.

Availability

MIN | Out: Hassani Dotson (knee), Kipp Keller (leg), Sam Shashoua (leg) ; Questionable: None

ATX | Out: Robert Taylor (hamstring) ; Questionable: Dani Pereira (hip flexor)

Staff Predictions

Seth Steffenhagen: 3–1 Loons

Michael Lake: 2–0 Loons

Tim McLaughlin: 1–1

Ashle Paige: 4–0 MNUFC

Bridget McDowell: Loading…

MJ: 2–1 MNUFC