Austin FC midfielder Besard Sabovic acknowledges that they “need to start winning if we’re going to make it to the playoffs.”
Currently, Austin sits in 12th place in the Western Conference, merely two points away from the playoff positions and one point behind their next rivals, San Diego FC.
Following a scoreless draw against FC Dallas in their last match, Austin remains unbeaten in their last seven MLS games, although four of those have ended in draws.
With only eight matches left in the regular season, Sabovic is focused on securing as many victories as they can to clinch a playoff spot.
“We’re on a seven-game unbeaten run, and we need to do everything possible to maintain this momentum, but time is running out,” he stated. “The season is nearing its end, so we must start winning if we want to reach the playoffs, which is our common aim.”
Con la mirada al frente.
: https://t.co/3jFBTsPHdP#AustinFC x @Lexus pic.twitter.com/fmd5E3byiV
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 24, 2026
In a noteworthy turn, San Diego managed to secure a result in a league match they were trailing in during the 75th minute or later, drawing 2-2 with Inter Miami—a first for this season.
Before this match, San Diego had lost 13 consecutive regular-season games when down by a goal in the last stretch of play.
Even with their performance against the reigning MLS Cup champions, San Diego remains winless in the last four matches (D1 L3) as they prepare to face Austin.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin FC – Jon Gallagher
In the match against Dallas, Jon Gallagher made two of Austin’s three shots on target, marking the most in any of his 200 career MLS regular-season appearances.
As a team, Austin has not recorded more than three shots on target in any of their last five matches.
San Diego FC – Anders Dreyer
Anders Dreyer netted both goals for San Diego against Miami, making it his 18th MLS regular-season game with multiple goal contributions. The only other player with a similar tally since last season is Lionel Messi, who has 23.
MATCH PREDICTION: AUSTIN FC WIN
Austin is currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak in MLS play (W3 D4), matching the longest regular-season unbeaten stretch in their history, which also was seven games in June-July 2022.
However, in their previous encounter, San Diego defeated Austin by a score of 5-0, marking the largest loss in Austin’s club history.
San Diego has achieved three different victories by five goals or more over the course of the last two MLS seasons, tying them with the Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps for the most such wins in that period.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Austin FC – 42.2%
Draw – 24.1%
San Diego FC – 33.7%
In the competitive landscape of MLS, every match carries weight, especially as the playoff races heat up. This matchup not only impacts the standings but also raises the stakes for both fans and players, highlighting the fierce battle for postseason glory.
Source: www.soccernews.com
