Austin FC: What to know and where to go for season's first road match

Austin, Texas – Austin FC's first away game of the 2022 MLS season is upon us, and TAG24 has the scoop on what you need to know about the match, and where to watch the game.

Yimmi Chara (l.) is one of the Portland Timbers' most lethal weapons on offense, while Austin FC's Maximiliano Urruti (r.) continues to make his presence known.
Yimmi Chara (l.) is one of the Portland Timbers' most lethal weapons on offense, while Austin FC's Maximiliano Urruti (r.) continues to make his presence known.  © Collage: Imago/ZUMA Wire

The Verde and Black will take on the Portland Timbers on Saturday for its first road test of the club's second season.

After scoring a historic five goals in each of its first two matches, Austin FC is undoubtedly looking to keep up the momentum and go 3-0, but it won't come without its challenges.

With Portland looking for its first win of the season after back-to-back draws in its first two matches, it's likely the Timbers will give Austin FC more of a challenge, especially with a home field advantage at Providence Park.

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With a weapon like forward Yimmi Chara and a club looking to avenge its loss to New York City FC in the MLS Cup Final last season, the Timbers are well-equipped to pack a punch on the pitch.

But the Austin FC team Portland will face on Saturday is not the same one it squared off against during the Verde's rather lackluster inaugural season.

Despite ATXFC coming out on top in two of its three matchups against the Timbers in 2021, the club was shut out 3-0 in its last match at the very stadium it's set to play on Saturday night.

Austin FC will need key players like striker Sebastián Driussi, defender Kipp Keller, midfielder Diego Fagúndez, and winger Cecilio Dominguez fully tuned in and aware if they want to remain at the top of the Western Conference.

How to watch the game in Austin

Austin FC fans will have a slew of watch parties to choose from for Saturday's match against the Portland Timbers.
Austin FC fans will have a slew of watch parties to choose from for Saturday's match against the Portland Timbers.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

Those hoping to catch Austin FC's match against the Portland Timbers on Saturday have a few options.

If you'd like to watch the match from the comfort of your home, you can tune into The CW Austin or UniMás. Austin FC will also be streaming the match on its website, and Univision Austin is slated to do the same.

For those who would rather watch the game with a few hundred other Austin FC fans, fret not! There are multiple watch parties taking place in the Capital City – and away from the SXSW madness – to support the club from afar with a cold one in hand.

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The "official" watch party for Saturday's match will take place at Parlor & Yard on West Sixth Street, where fans will be treated to Captain Morgan drink specials with their Verde family. Though kickoff is at 9 PM CST, you'll want to show up a bit early to grab a drink and find the perfect game-watching seat.

Hopsquad Brewing Company will also be throwing down for the first away game of the season, with Austin FC's supporters' band La Murga de Austin keeping the energy hype while the brewery pours some of the best beer Northwest Austin has to offer.

The Pitch, a newcomer to Austin's sports bar scene, will also host its own watch party on Saturday, starting at 5 PM. Fans can chow down on some grub and throw a few back while meeting other supporters and getting amped for the match.

Austin FC will look for it's third straight win of the season against the Portland Timbers on Saturday at 9 PM.

Cover photo: Collage: Imago/ZUMA Wire

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