Previewing Houston Dynamo vs Austin FC with Michelle Sánchez

(image via Austin FC/Twitter)

After a weekend off, the Houston Dynamo return home for their 2023 home opener tomorrow night. Houston welcomes in-state rivals Austin FC to the newly renovated Shell Energy Stadium. We talked to Michelle Sánchez to get some insight on the Verde.

Austin have had a bit of a slow start to 2023 after such a successful 2022, losing to St. Louis and Violette in CCL, Is there something that you can pinpoint that has caused these struggles early on?

I believe there's two separate areas Austin FC has been struggling: lack of healthy center backs and strikers who can't score goals. Julio Cascante's injury has obliged Josh Wolff to play former captain and midfielder Alex Ring in that position, Kipp Keller and Amro Tarek lack experience with the Club which has caused so many mistakes that cost them both games. It's really incredible that forward Gyasi Zardes hasn't been able to score a goal for the Club after countless attempts, on the other hand the Argentine striker Maxi Urruti has one goal under his belt despite only playing a total of 24 minutes this season. 

Emiliano Rigoni has had a tough time getting going in MLS. With the other attacking options Austin have, how much more time is the team going to give him to come good?

I believe Emiliano Rigoni's performance improved in the second leg against Violette AC in CONCACAF Champions League but it wasn't enough in my opinion to have him be part of the starting XI against Houston Dynamo. Josh Wolff has made it very clear that he still believes in the player and that his luck to have a goal under his name will change. However, I believe failing to make it to the next round of CCL will make Wolff reconsider minutes the Designated Player is given... or maybe not. 

With Austin needing a win in their CCL game this week, how will it affect the team and the players who will be available this weekend?

I think there will be only minor changes for Austin FC Starting XI due to the fact that they need a win this weekend for morale purposes and to make the front office happy. 

How do Austin and the fans feel about Houston, not just as a rival but as a sports city? Are people in Austin fans of other pro teams in Houston and do Austin FC fans consider the Dynamo a bigger rival than Dallas at this early stage of their existence?

I believe Austin FC have respect for Houston and consider them bigger rivals than Dallas due to the fact that Dynamo fans have done a great job with the banter. I know for a fact that a fan made a video poking fun at Austin in hopes of getting knocked out of the Champions League. The rivalry between Austin and Dallas is less intense but I think any derby is equally important. When it comes to supporting professional teams like Dallas Cowboys or Houston Texans, many Austinites don't really make that an issue and they support who they support in other sports.

How is the health of the roster and do you expect anyone to be unavailable Saturday?

The only player I expect out is center back Julio Cascante. Luckly, no other reported injuries.

Predicted lineup and prediction for the match?

If I was Josh Wolff: Stuver, Gallagher, Ring, Vaisanen, Lundqvist, Pereira, Wolff, Fagundez, Driussi, Rigoni and Maxi Urruti.

Austin win 2-1. 

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We want to thank Michelle for her time and wish our friends in Austin the best of luck tomorrow.