Austin FC v Real Salt Lake: Wolff looking for solutions to lack of goals

Josh Wolff remains optimistic that Austin FC can improve on their play in the final third when they face Real Salt Lake in MLS on Saturday.

Wolff is under some pressure with Austin failing to win any of their last four league matches, scoring just two goals in that run.

They still have an outside chance of making the playoffs, currently sitting 11th in the Western Conference, but the head coach knows that will not happen if they do not score.

“The main thing is you’ve got to go out and win the next game,” Wolff told reporters.

“We’ve got to have the same ideas that we’ve had and the same performances that we’ve had, we’ve just got to take our opportunities.

“I keep echoing that we’ve been one of the better-performing teams at both ends, but it’s all for nought if we can’t score goals and win games and that’s the only part that’s been lacking.”

Building into Saturday.#AustinFC x @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/kCxAy93WgM

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 26, 2024

Meanwhile, RSL booked their place in the playoffs last weekend after a 3-3 draw with Portland Timbers, and currently sit second in the table.

That is partly down to their impressive home form, as they have failed to win their last four on the road.

With that in mind, head coach Pablo Mastroeni is still targeting improvements, especially in defense.

“The last two performances were spirited, were gritty,” said Mastroeni, “and that comes from the players’ mindset.

“This group is really coming into its own at the right time, and now we just have to minimize silly situations that we have complete control over.

“In the last two games we’ve given up three poor set pieces. What can we do more in those moments and in training? Life doesn’t tell you when you’re at risk.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Diego Rubio

Diego Rubio has scored six career goals against Salt Lake (incl. playoffs), tied for his most against any MLS opponent (also vs. Houston Dynamo & Minnesota United).

Only Jesus Ferreira (eight) and Sebastian Blanco (seven) have scored more against RSL since Rubio made his MLS debut in 2016.

Real Salt Lake – Cristian Arango

Cristian Arango has scored six career goals against Austin (incl. playoffs), tied for his most against any MLS opponent (also vs. FC Dallas & LA Galaxy).

No player has scored more than six goals against Austin in MLS play (regular season and playoffs).

Another day in the office pic.twitter.com/kYpIgedl9O

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) September 25, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Real Salt Lake have won back-to-back meetings with Austin, including a 5-1 victory when the sides met in Sandy on June 1. This is the first two-match winning streak by either team over the other.

However, RSL have lost four of their last five away matches in all competitions (D1), including the last three in a row. Salt Lake had lost only three of their previous 17 on the road in all competitions (W6 D8) prior to this run.

And Austin have struggled in recent home games, losing back-to-back matches after losing just two of their previous 14 matches at Q2 Stadium in all competitions (W8 D4). Austin have failed to score in two straight at home for the first time since July 2021 (three straight).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 37.4%

Draw – 26.4%

Real Salt Lake – 36.2%