Minnesota United FC vs. Austin FC Preview and Odds-5/1/21
Minnesota is off to a very disappointing start as the Loons are 0-0-2 on 0 points with a -5 goal difference. Minnesota has scored just one goal in its first two matches while allowing six goals. Minnesota opened the season with a 4-0 loss on the road to the Seattle Sounders and followed that last weekend with a 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake in the Loons opening match at home. Minnesota’s only goal came in the 86th minute by Robin Lod with Minnesota trailing 2-0.
Austin FC is 1-0-1 on 3 points with a 0 goal difference. Austin has scored three goals and allowed three goals through the first two matches played. Austin lost its first-ever opening match in the MLS to LAFC 2-0 but followed that with a strong effort and 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids. Scoring for Austin FC were Diego Fagundez in the 60th minute, while Cecilio Dominquez scored a brace with a goal in the 67th minute and another in the 71st minute.
Where is Minnesota's Scoring?
After two matches played in the MLS regular season, Minnesota United has scored a grand total of one goal. The Loons have taken 40 shots but only seven have been on target through two matches and have a very poor 79.9% passing accuracy. Minnesota has committed 28 fouls and has been issued two yellow cards through the first two matches.
Minnesota has two wins and three losses over its last five matches played in the MLS dating back to last season. The Loons have scored nine goals and allowed nine over that same period. Minnesota has allowed an average of 3.00 goals through its first two matches of the 2021 MLS season. Robin Lod has the only goal scorer for Minnesota this season, which came in the second game against Real Salt Lake after playing 176 minutes without a goal to open the season.
Austin FC Earns first MLS victory
After two matches of the regular season, Austin FC is 8th in the Western Conference and earned its first-ever MLS victory by defeating Colorado Rapids 3-1 on the road in Denver. Cecilio Dominguez was the key to Austin's first-ever victory scoring in the 67th minute and adding another 4 minutes later. Austin was outshot 19-14 but put 7 of its shots on goal, while Colorado put just six on goal. Austin held 50.1% possession in the victory over the Rapids.
Austin will be playing its third consecutive match on the road and will play each of its first seven matches in its inaugural season away from home as Q2 Stadium in Austin is being completed. Cecilio Dominguez is the leading scorer for Austin FC with two goals, while Diego Fagundez has scored one. Rodney Redes and Jon Gallagher each have one assist for Austin.
Side: Austin FC +300
While the odds are stacked against them, Austin FC will learn its second consecutive victory in the MLS on Saturday when visiting Minnesota. Austin FC will be full of confidence when visiting the Loons after scoring three goals against the Colorado Rapids and winning their first-ever match in the MLS. Minnesota has started the season losing each of its first two matches and scoring only one goal, while allowing six. Injuries have played their part in Minnesota's poor start as Ramon Abila, Niko Hansen, Bakaye Dibassy and Ikenna Ike Opara are all out with varying injuries.
Total: Under 3
Minnesota is scoring an average of 0.50 goals per game and although Austin FC scored three goals in their first victory over Colorado, the club was held scoreless in its expansion opener by LAFC. Austin is scoring an average of 1.50 goals per game. Minnesota will be playing its second match at home and has scored just one goal this season on its home pitch.
