Nico Estevez has been impressed by Austin FC’s defensive construction this season however is eager to make use of that basis to enhance within the ultimate third in opposition to Vancouver Whitecaps.
Austin are fourth within the Western Convention after seven video games, having gained 4 of their matches thus far (D1 L2).
They’re unbeaten in 4 outings, with a 0-0 draw in opposition to Portland Timbers ending a run of three consecutive wins.
Nonetheless, objectives have been laborious to return by. Solely as soon as this season have they scored greater than as soon as in a sport, however Estevez as a substitute selected to deal with how laborious they’re to beat.
“One of many issues that I all the time deliver to my groups is to be laborious to beat,” he mentioned. “With Dallas, the primary yr, we have been one of the best protection within the West.
“The second yr, we have been the second-best defending staff within the West. I believe that builds the inspiration of a staff. And now it’s about how we will develop on the offense.
“We’re going to be a troublesome staff there. We’re going to be a troublesome staff. And that is what I do know.”
North of the border. pic.twitter.com/5Ahawg4nmD
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 11, 2025
Vancouver sit high of the West, having suffered only one defeat thus far this season, and have a two-point benefit over Saturday’s opponents.
They bought again to successful methods in MLS final weekend with a 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids and reached the Concacaf Champions Cup semi-final in midweek after a 3-3 draw with Pumas, advancing on away objectives.
Vancouver have been medical within the 2-2 draw within the second leg of that tie, although head coach Jesper Sorensen admitted they nonetheless want to enhance within the ultimate third.
“I don’t actually suppose we performed the sport I assumed we may and will [in the Champions Cup],” he mentioned.
“We have been efficient, which hasn’t all the time been the case for us, particularly at residence. We have been environment friendly, and that is soccer.
“It’s one way or the other how issues work out, so whereas we have been pleased with the outcome, there are nonetheless issues we have to take a look at.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Jayden Nelson
13 completely different Whitecaps gamers have been concerned in at the least one purpose within the staff’s first seven matches of the season, together with seven gamers concerned in two or extra.
Jayden Nelson has essentially the most purpose involvements with 5, scoring one and aiding 4 thus far this marketing campaign.
Austin FC – Brad Stuver
Austin have allowed an MLS-low three objectives via their first seven matches of the season, not permitting opponents to attain greater than as soon as in any match – Brad Stuver has stored 4 clear sheets already.
Solely 9 groups in MLS historical past have allowed three or fewer objectives via eight matches of a season, most not too long ago Columbus Crew in 2020.