Leaky Austin FC make the over look appealing against Seattle

Austin FC strengthened their squad this summer by signing winger Pachada from Oxford United to replace the departed Robert Taylor, but midfielder Daniel Pereira has moved to CF Montreal. In their last league match against St. Louis City SC, Austin were under pressure throughout, and left-back Guilherme Biro scored an own goal before half-time. There was little improvement after the break as they conceded twice more and slumped to a heavy defeat.

Seattle Sounders also saw two full-backs, Cody Baker and Xavier Arreaga Sousa, leave this summer, and the club have yet to bring in replacements for those positions. In their previous league game against the Portland Timbers, Seattle were pinned back badly and were already trailing heavily by the middle of the second half. Midfielder Dutra pulled one back late on, but the team conceded again in stoppage time and suffered a heavy home loss.

Austin FC will be without defender Hines-Ike through injury, while Seattle Sounders have defensive absentee Gomes Andrade and midfielder Nikola Pekovic sidelined. Neither side has any suspension concerns.

Austin FC were beaten 3-0 by St. Louis City SC last time out, making it three straight league defeats with 10 goals conceded in that run. Their defending has been poor, and with home form inconsistent, they may still take an open approach here. Seattle Sounders lost 5-1 to the Portland Timbers in their last league outing, their third consecutive league defeat after conceding eight goals across those matches. With both teams looking shaky at the back, this trip to face a leaky Austin side points toward a high-scoring game.

In the last five league meetings between the sides, Seattle Sounders have won three, drawn one and lost one. Austin FC won the previous meeting 2-1, and that match produced 16 corners.