Josh Wolff is hoping Austin FC can regain some urgency after their mid-season break, beginning with their journey to Colorado Rapids.
Austin are on a three-game winless streak, shedding their final two outings, leaving them sixth within the Western Convention.
With groups under them catching as much as their 23-point tally, Wolff admitted there’s nonetheless room for enchancment, however remained upbeat about his workforce’s progress this season.
“We’re happy with the place we’re at. There’s nonetheless an extended option to go, there’s loads to enhance on,” Wolff stated.
“The second half of the season can be difficult. You’ve received to rapidly generate urgency to get again on the sector and carry out. Colorado is an important sport – as a result of it’s the following one.
“I wish to create urgency and give attention to the issues we have to hold enhancing on whereas maintaining our guys wholesome. We’re going to put all the pieces we are able to into this sport.”
Colorado are one of many groups closing in on Austin, sitting only one level and two locations under them within the desk.
The Rapids have gained simply certainly one of their final 5 matches within the MLS, however head coach Chris Armas is assured his aspect can flip good performances into outcomes.
Armas stated, “We actually wish to get these performances to show into factors. We predict we’re doing alright, however we all know there’s room to enhance in order that’s the place all of our power went over the break.
“We’re going to get there. We’ve received a very good group, they’re hungry they usually come to be taught. They’re giving all the pieces. We’re nonetheless a piece in progress, however I nonetheless imagine on this.”
Off to the Rockies. pic.twitter.com/Werwvqk1GJ
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) June 14, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
After failing to contribute to a purpose in his first 5 Rapids appearances, Mihailovic has 10 purpose contributions in his final 11 matches (5 targets, 5 assists) together with recording one in three straight video games.
Austin FC – Alexander Ring
Austin tried simply eight photographs of their defeat to Actual Salt Lake on June 1 – it was the league-high tenth time Austin have tried fewer than 10 photographs in a match this season.
All these efforts got here within the second half, with Ring scoring a comfort purpose from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN
The Rapids maintain the slight edge within the head-to-head between the groups, profitable thrice to Austin’s two wins (D2). Colorado have scored in all seven conferences between the edges.
Nonetheless, the Rapids have misplaced back-to-back matches for the primary time this season following defeats at Houston Dynamo and Vancouver Whitecaps. Colorado have misplaced three of their final 4 matches (D1) after dropping solely three of their earlier 12 in league play relationship again to the beginning of March (W6 D3).
Austin have misplaced consecutive matches for the primary time since final August with defeats to Portland Timbers and Actual Salt Lake. Austin had misplaced solely three of their earlier 14 matches (W6 D5) relationship again to the start of March.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 47.8%
Draw – 26%
Austin FC – 26.2%