Behind Enemy Lines: Scouting Austin FC 🔎

Copa Tejas action is back on this weekend as FC Dallas takes on Austin FC for the first time in 2025.

This will be FC Dallas' first look at what their former boss Nico Estevez is doing in the state capital.

Let’s dive into Austin to see what they bring to the field on Saturday and how FC Dallas can add another win to its road record.

Key Player: Myrto Uzuni

Uzuni joined Austin FC as a Designated Player for a Club-record transfer fee from Granada CF in January 2025. Now that Brandon Vazquez is out for the rest of the season, Uzuni has had to step up and be the DP leader that Austin has needed him to be. He has two goals in the last three matches and appears to be figuring out life in MLS.

Key Matchup: Dani Pereira vs Ramiro

The midfield battle is likely going to decide this one on Saturday. Pereira has been one of the main guys in the middle of the park for Nico Estevez this season. Ramiro (and probably Kaick) will the tasked with shutting him down and limiting what he is able to do in the passing game.

Availability Report1:

Suspended: none
Out: Brandon Vazquez (knee)
Questionable: none
On Loan: none
International duty: none

Quick Notes:

History hosting FC Dallas: Austin is 2-2-1 in five league matches against FC Dallas. Last year, they won their only meeting at home against Dallas, winning 2-1. Dallas has not won at Austin since May 2023.

Recent form: Austin is currently are two points above the playoff line. Like Dallas, they didn't have to deal with the Leagues Cup tournament earlier this month. In their last five league games, the Verde are 2-1-2, including last weekend's draw with Houston.

Lack of goals: Austin has only scored more than one goal in six of their 24 matches this season. They're also near the bottom of the league in goals scored with 23. Only D.C. United has scored fewer goals this season (22).

Comparing the two clubs: This doesn't include every game this season, but it should give a fair look at the two clubs side-by-side. Dallas fans should know how Estevez likes to operate with his team building out of the back and finding space along the wings.

Potential Lineup:

Estevez has a fairly healthy roster at the moment (which feels similar to his first season in Dallas when you think about it). He's mostly using a 4-4-2 this season.

Stuver, Biro, Svatok, Hines-Ike, Gallagher; Wolff, Sanchez, Pereira, Bukari; Uzuni, Rubio

Keys To Three Points over Austin

1. Set the tone early: We've seen Dallas do this a bit more in recent weeks where they come out with a bit more pace and energy. They'll want to do this on Saturday. There is no need to let Austin settle into their game.
2. Don't let the emotions take over: Like any rivalry game, the emotions will likely be a bit higher than a normal game. Dallas cannot fall into the trap of picking up early yellow cards or bad fouls when losing possession. The group needs to also be sure to communicate well with one another on the field to help limit those mistakes in the back that can lead to easy chances.
3. Finish your chances: The chances are likely going to be a there for Dallas in this one, but they have to continue to find ways to finish them. Ten goals in the last three games has been built off creating good chances in and around the penalty box, with guys like Petar Musa being lethal in front of the net. The more FCD can find Musa and others in the penalty area with the ball at their feet, the better.

1 Note: MLS has a injury report deadline that doesn’t hit until the day before each game. Our scouting reports will include last week's report and will be fully updated the day before with our injury report for FC Dallas.