Austin FC vs. New York Red Bulls FC Match Analysis and Prediction

On Sunday, Austin FC will welcome New York Red Bulls to Q2 Stadium for the first-ever meeting between both teams in Major League Soccer, with kickoff at 3 am.

Josh Wolff and Austin have clinched their first trophy in franchise history, drawing Dallas 1-1 over the weekend, assuring themselves of the Copa Tejas as the best team in the state of Texas this year.

They have conceded the opening goal in back-to-back fixtures but found an answer each time, defeating the Houston Dynamo 3-1, before drawing with the Toros on Saturday. Austin has been virtually perfect against teams from the Eastern Conference this season, winning six times and drawing once, outscoring their opponents 20-5 over that stretch.

The Red Bulls lost to the reigning champions, the New York City FC, at home on Sunday, suffering their first defeat at Red Bull Arena since early April. The team has been playing well but hasn’t worked as well in warmer climates.

After setting an MLS record by winning their first five road matches of 2022 and earning four points in their last five away games, they haven’t been as sharp away from home lately. New York turned their campaign around in 2021 thanks to a solid and compact defensive shape, which continues to be a key to their success—allowing the third-fewest goals (22) this season.

Austin FC vs. NY Red Bulls Head to Head

Both sides set to face each other for the first time. Here is a look at their previous encounters:

Home

• FC Dallas 1-1 Austin
• Austin 3-1 Houston Dynamo
• Atlanta 0-3 Austin
• Colorado Rapids 2-3 Austin

Away

• NY Red Bulls 0-1 NYCFC
• FC Cincinnati 1-1 NY Red Bulls
• Kansas City 0-1 Red Bulls
• Red Bulls 2-1 Atlanta United

Austin FC Team News

Fagundez, who tallied their equalizer at Toyota Stadium in Dallas last weekend, is on pace to have one of his best seasons statistically in MLS. He is currently on eight assists, which is two shy of his all-time single-season record. He set up that goal with an assist from striker Sebastian Driussi.

NY Red Bulls Team News

Earlier this week, the Red Bulls and Lucas Monzon mutually agreed to terminate his contract, with Patryk Klimala left on the bench for the New York Derby. Lewis Morgan leads them with nine tallies on the season, tied with Fernandez and Klimala regarding assists (three). Carlos Coronel will have three clean sheets away from home in 2022.

Prediction and Odds

The Red Bulls are good at transition play, but Austin’s defense has been solid, with Brad Stuver making several key saves throughout the year.

• Home Win
• Goals Over 1.5
• Both Teams to Score