Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC Face Off in Crucial MLS Matchup

Breaking down the predicted lineups, key players, and what to expect from this exciting clash between the two Western Conference rivals.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style illustration depicting a soccer match between two teams, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, creating a dynamic and visually striking representation of the game.The intense battle between Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration, reflecting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the match.Kansas City Today

As the MLS season heats up, Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC are set to square off in a crucial matchup. We'll dive deep into the predicted lineups for both teams, analyze the key players to watch, and give you a sneak peek at what to expect from this thrilling encounter.

Why it matters

This game is a crucial one for both teams as they jockey for position in the Western Conference standings. Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC have built competitive squads and will be looking to secure a valuable three points to boost their playoff aspirations.

The details

For Austin FC, the focus will be on maintaining defensive solidity and taking their chances in front of goal. The midfield battle between Daniel Pereira, Alex Ring, and Sebastián Driussi will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. Upfront, the attacking trio of Diego Rubio, Gyasi Zardes, and Ethan Finlay will provide a constant threat to the Sporting Kansas City defense. On the other side, Sporting Kansas City will look to tighten up defensively and take advantage of any weaknesses in Austin FC's lineup. The experienced goalkeeper Tim Melia will be a key figure, while the center-back pairing of Andreu Fontàs and Dany Rosero will be tasked with containing Austin's attacking threats. In midfield, Rémi Walter and Nemanja Radoja will anchor the team, while Gadi Kinda will look to create chances for the forwards, Dániel Sallói, Alan Pulido, and Willy Agada.

  • The match is scheduled for Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 8:00 PM CST.

The players

Austin FC

The Verde and Black have been steadily building a competitive squad, with a focus on defensive solidity and a potent attacking lineup.

Sporting Kansas City

The Wizards have a storied history in MLS and are known for their tactical flexibility under long-standing coach Peter Vermes.

Josh Wolff

The head coach of Austin FC, known for maintaining a consistent 4-3-3 formation and adapting the lineup based on the opponent.

Peter Vermes

The long-standing head coach of Sporting Kansas City, renowned for his tactical flexibility and ability to get the best out of his players.

Sebastián Driussi

The creative midfielder for Austin FC, known for his vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability from midfield.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This game is going to be a real test for us, but we're ready to rise to the challenge. Our focus is on maintaining our defensive solidity and taking our chances when they come.”

— Josh Wolff, Head Coach, Austin FC

“Sporting Kansas City has always been a tough opponent, but we're confident in our ability to control the tempo of the game and exploit any weaknesses in their lineup.”

— Sebastián Driussi, Midfielder, Austin FC

What’s next

The match between Austin FC and Sporting Kansas City will be a crucial test for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the Western Conference standings. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations, making it a must-watch event for MLS fans.

The takeaway

This matchup between Austin FC and Sporting Kansas City promises to be an exciting and hard-fought affair, with both teams looking to secure a valuable three points. The midfield battle and the ability of each team to execute their game plan effectively will be the key factors in determining the outcome of this crucial MLS clash.