Busy weekend here! Be sure to hydrate if you're going to the match; it's insanely hot, and humidity's supposed to be around 80% at game time. That's not fun ...
To commemorate match day, we're going to do a combo post, starting with this week's installment of Emergency Podcast.
That's available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or in the embedded player below.
Also, we reached out to Har Johal of Daily Hive Vancouver, who was gracious enough to answer questions we had about the team Austin FC just faced last month.
Last time we saw Vancouver, they were beating Austin handily thanks to four goals from Brian White. How are the Whitecaps now compared to the last time these two teams played?
Since meeting Austin on April 12 at BC Place and demolishing Verde 5-1, the Whitecaps continue to dominate on the pitch. Vancouver is 4-0-2 across all competitions since that first meeting vs. Austin, which includes a pair of wins over Inter Miami CF in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.
Brian White continues to lead the line; the Whitecaps striker is tied for third in MLS with eight goals scored and he was named MLS Player of the Month for April. Vancouver has outscored the opposition 12-5 in that six-match span, which also includes a pair of clean sheets. They are a team that can create several scoring opportunities at one end while also playing lockdown defense at the other. A rematch against Austin should bring out the best in both teams.
Currently there is no timetable for Gauld’s return to the pitch. The Whitecaps skipper has been sidelined with a left knee capsule sprain since March 8th. The Scottish international continues to work his way back to full strength. In recent weeks. Gauld has been running laps during Whitecaps training and working out in the gym. The Whitecaps don’t want to rush Gauld back until he feels that he is completely ready.
(Yes, they've been doing all this over the last two months plus without him ...)
Who is a player who might be a bit under the radar we should keep an eye on Saturday and why?
Sebastian Berhalter has been phenomenal in the midfield for Vancouver this season.
(Hey, we know that guy!)
His defensive ability has often been a standout attribute, but this year, we’ve seen Berhalter add more offensive contributions. Berhalter has scored four goals and added five assists across all competitions. He has also taken on more of a leadership role. Berhalter has received praise across MLS and it has been suggested that he should be in line for a potential call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
Busy weekend here! Be sure to hydrate if you're going to the match; it's insanely hot, and humidity's supposed to be around 80% at game time. That's not fun ...
To commemorate match day, we're going to do a combo post, starting with this week's installment of Emergency Podcast.
That's available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or in the embedded player below.
Also, we reached out to Har Johal of Daily Hive Vancouver, who was gracious enough to answer questions we had about the team Austin FC just faced last month.
Last time we saw Vancouver, they were beating Austin handily thanks to four goals from Brian White. How are the Whitecaps now compared to the last time these two teams played?
Since meeting Austin on April 12 at BC Place and demolishing Verde 5-1, the Whitecaps continue to dominate on the pitch. Vancouver is 4-0-2 across all competitions since that first meeting vs. Austin, which includes a pair of wins over Inter Miami CF in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.
Brian White continues to lead the line; the Whitecaps striker is tied for third in MLS with eight goals scored and he was named MLS Player of the Month for April. Vancouver has outscored the opposition 12-5 in that six-match span, which also includes a pair of clean sheets. They are a team that can create several scoring opportunities at one end while also playing lockdown defense at the other. A rematch against Austin should bring out the best in both teams.
Ryan Gauld has been injured for a quite a while now ... what's the expected timetable for his return?
Currently there is no timetable for Gauld’s return to the pitch. The Whitecaps skipper has been sidelined with a left knee capsule sprain since March 8th. The Scottish international continues to work his way back to full strength. In recent weeks. Gauld has been running laps during Whitecaps training and working out in the gym. The Whitecaps don’t want to rush Gauld back until he feels that he is completely ready.
(Yes, they've been doing all this over the last two months plus without him ...)
Who is a player who might be a bit under the radar we should keep an eye on Saturday and why?
Sebastian Berhalter has been phenomenal in the midfield for Vancouver this season.
(Hey, we know that guy!)
His defensive ability has often been a standout attribute, but this year, we’ve seen Berhalter add more offensive contributions. Berhalter has scored four goals and added five assists across all competitions. He has also taken on more of a leadership role. Berhalter has received praise across MLS and it has been suggested that he should be in line for a potential call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster.
Verde All Day is a reader-supported online publication covering Austin FC. Additional support is provided by Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. You can comment here if you’re a subscriber, or reach out via Bluesky.
Read Next
At the Whistle: Club América 1(5), Austin FC 1(6)
An own goal followed by a Myrto Uzuni goal led to a memorable PK sequence in an unusually unhabitable North End of Q2 Stadium. That gives Verde a second opportunity in as many years to win a cup competition.
Austin FC over Club América? There's a case to be made for it
Club América has looked formidable in its first two Leagues Cup matches — if you're just looking at the scoreline. However, there are some cracks if you dig in further, and that could benefit Austin FC on Thursday night.
2026 Leagues Cup update: What to watch and who to root for in the final three days of 'Phase One'
Confused about what needs to happen for Austin FC to get into the 2026 Leagues Cup knockout rounds? You're not alone. Let us try to break it down for you.
'I think it can be a big night for the club': For Austin FC, the knockout round starts Thursday
Winning 3-0 and setting up a marquee match to get to the final eight of a tournament are positives Austin FC can take away from Sunday's match. But Davy Arnaud thinks there's still work to be done with his new style of play.