As the Major League Soccer season nears its dramatic conclusion, all eyes turn to Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, where Austin FC is set to square off against the Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday night. The stakes could hardly be higher, with both teams jostling for precious points in the Western Conference playoff race. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT, and the match will feature as this week’s marquee Sunday Night Soccer event, drawing fans from across the league for what promises to be a captivating contest.
Austin FC enters this matchup riding a wave of momentum following their thrilling 2-1 victory over Minnesota United FC in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal. In a game that stretched into extra time, it was 21-year-old CJ Fodrey who became the hero, netting the winner in the 120th minute to send the Verde & Black to their first-ever major tournament final. That historic achievement has electrified the Austin fanbase, who will see their club host Nashville SC for the Open Cup trophy on October 1st. But before any thoughts turn to silverware, Austin must focus on the immediate challenge: securing a playoff berth in a fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Currently, Austin FC finds itself in seventh place in the conference standings. A win over Seattle would bring them within touching distance of clinching a postseason spot, a remarkable turnaround for a club that has battled inconsistency throughout the campaign. Their record against Western Conference opponents stands at 9-8-6, and they’ve shown a knack for grinding out tight results, posting an 8-4 mark in one-goal games. The team’s home form could prove decisive—Austin has lost just twice at Q2 Stadium this season, recording five wins and seven draws in front of their passionate supporters.
Young stars have been central to Austin’s recent surge. CJ Fodrey’s late heroics against Minnesota marked his second game-winning goal in just three matches, underlining his growing influence in attack. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Owen Wolff continues to impress, having assisted Osman Bukari’s opener in the semifinal and racking up nine goal contributions in his last nine games. Wolff has also tallied five goals and two assists over the past 10 fixtures, making him one of the side’s most dynamic threats.
However, Austin’s depth will be tested. Key forward Brandon Vazquez, who has five goals this season, is sidelined with injury alongside teammates Jimmy Farkarlun and Micah Aiden Burton. Their absence adds pressure on the remaining attackers to step up, especially against a Sounders side known for their defensive discipline and attacking flair.
Seattle Sounders FC, for their part, arrive in Austin with their own ambitions. The Sounders are currently fifth in the Western Conference, four points clear of Austin, and have enjoyed a strong run of form since their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in June. Despite a setback in their most recent outing—a 3-1 defeat away to Inter Miami—the Sounders have lost only twice in their last 17 matches, a stretch that includes a resounding 3-0 win over Miami in the Leagues Cup Final. That triumph not only added another trophy to Seattle’s decorated cabinet but also showcased their ability to rise to the occasion in big matches.
Seattle’s away record this season stands at 4-7-4, ranking 10th in the conference, and they’ve struggled at times to replicate their home dominance on the road. Still, their attacking prowess is undeniable. Danny Musovski leads the line with an impressive 14 goals and three assists, while Albert Rusnak has chipped in with three goals and three assists in the last 10 games. The Sounders have averaged 2.4 goals per game in their last 10 outings, a testament to their firepower up front. Notably, both Musovski and Rusnak were given limited minutes in the Miami loss, suggesting they’ll be fresh and ready for Sunday’s clash.
Possession will be a key battleground in this encounter. Unlike Austin’s recent opponents Minnesota and Dallas—who prefer to cede the ball—the Sounders are one of the league’s most possession-oriented sides, averaging 53.7 percent and ranking fifth in MLS. This stylistic contrast sets the stage for a tactical chess match, with Austin likely to rely on quick transitions and home crowd energy to unsettle their visitors.
Looking at the bigger picture, the recent head-to-head history favors Seattle. The Sounders won the previous meeting between the two teams this season by a 2-0 margin and have claimed victory in three of their last five encounters with Austin. The Verde & Black have managed just one win in that span, with one match ending in a draw. This track record adds an extra layer of urgency for Austin, who will be desperate to reverse the trend and make a statement in front of their fans.
Recent form suggests a closely contested affair. Austin has posted a 4-3-3 record in its last 10 matches, averaging 1.6 goals per game while conceding 1.5. The Sounders, meanwhile, have gone 4-2-4 over the same span, scoring 2.4 goals per game but allowing 1.8. Both teams have shown they can score, but have also been vulnerable at the back—fueling speculation that Sunday’s matchup could feature fireworks at both ends.
League standings add further intrigue. As of this week, Austin sits 16th in the overall table with 41 points, while Seattle holds 13th with 45 points. Every point is precious, and with the playoff race tightening, neither side can afford to slip up. Betting markets reflect the uncertainty, with odds favoring a draw and both teams expected to find the net.
Fans tuning in can catch the action via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, or listen live on local radio stations in both English and Spanish. With so much on the line, and both teams boasting young talent and experienced leaders, Sunday night at Q2 Stadium is set to deliver another memorable chapter in the growing rivalry between Austin FC and Seattle Sounders FC.
As the teams take the field, anticipation is at a fever pitch. Will Austin’s youthful exuberance and home support propel them closer to the playoffs, or will Seattle’s seasoned stars and possession game prove too much to handle? One thing’s for sure: the Western Conference playoff picture is about to get a whole lot clearer.
