Seattle Sounders FC and Austin FC are set to duel it out in a spectacle of a match. The Sounders have been favored in this clash, and it's not challenging to see why. The safe hands of Stefan Frei have led to some crucial saves for Seattle this season, boasting a commendable save record of 12 and a rating of 7.17.
Austin FC isn't lagging far behind in the goalie department, though. Brad Stuver, with his 7.00 rating and a decent ten saves, has been rather effective between the sticks.
When it comes to the top performers, the Sounders look to their commanding trio. Kalani Kossa-Rienzi with a goal to his name, Cristian Roldán, and Albert Rusnák, all showcase consistent passing accuracy and a 7.07 rating.
Against this, Austin FC will be counting heavily on Osman Bukari and Guilherme Biro. Although, they just can't seem to find the back of the net, it's a matter of concern for Austin, particularly against the Sounders defense.
Looking back at the history between the two teams, it appears the Sounders have had the slight upper hand, although quite a few of their games were low-scoring affairs, and one ended in a stalemate.
The regular season records are neck-and-neck, hinting at the potential for a closely contested match. However, recent form appears to favor Austin, despite the Sounders holding a crucial home advantage.
Pulling all of these strings together, my crystal ball says that the Sounders will pull off the win, but not without a fight.
Albert’s Prediction: Seattle Sounders FC by 1