Now what? After a historic win at Portland, is pride the sole motivator for Austin FC?
Austin's still facing an insurmountable mountain to get to the playoffs, but will likely finish at the last team eliminated from the West playoff race.
At the Whistle: Portland Timbers FC 0, Austin FC 1
It's not over yet for Austin FC, who got a needed win over the Timbers on Wednesday, but could only whittle its goal differential from 20 down to 18.
Press Darlings: Some interesting Ethan Finlay nuggets from an early-week press conference
Two media members showed out for a press conference prior to a two-match road trip keeping the team on the West Coast the rest of the week.
I believe that Austin FC II will win: Looking at all the Dos-cision Day scenarios
If you want to see Austin FC II in the post-season, make your way to Parmer Field on Sunday, root for VerDos, and keep your eye on other MLS Next Pro matches.
It's not over, but it's over: How two draws made Austin FC's playoff chances the steepest mountain to climb
Austin and Portland's draws on Saturday night weren't enough to officially eliminate the Texas team, but it's most certainly going to happen by Decision Day.
At the Whistle: Austin FC 2, Real Salt Lake 2
On the verge of elimination Saturday night, Austin FC gave up a pair of second-half goals to Real Salt Lake, but got two goals of its own late to draw and stay alive.
Rooting Interests: Don't sleep on a fascinating MLS Next Pro race (in case Austin FC's playoff bid ends tonight)
The second team's playoff chances were boosted by a PK win last night, netting two points, but it's still an uphill climb. (Not at the level the first team faces, though.)
'They're burning down houses and they're torching cars and they're kidnapping family members': Just another normal midweek Austin FC press conference
Josh Wolff spoke to media on Wednesday, giving the air of someone who knows his last press conference (of 2024) is coming soon. We have some highlights.
Numbers don't lie: Looking back at seven goals in eight games (and some long scoreless stretches for key players)
In a crucial eight-game stretch, Verde has gone 1-5-2 and is now on the cusp of playoff elimination. Is finishing really the issue for this snakebitten team?
'We should have more points': Assessing what might be the beginning of the end
Austin FC is on the brink of playoff elimination, and that could bring significant changes to the club after its fourth season ends.
At the Whistle: Austin FC 0, Houston Dynamo FC 1
While Austin FC isn't mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, the Dynamo got a late goal to do significant damage to its rival's fleeting post-season hopes.
Rooting Interests: Basically, it comes down to 'do five points better than Minnesota'
With five matches left in the season, Austin FC's path to the playoffs has become distressingly straightforward.