San Diego FC vs Austin FC Match preview

Mar 22

Well we made one month into the season, and San Diego FC travel to Austin, Texas to face Austin FC. This was a game I wanted to travel to cover in person, but you know…flights are expensive and Tony doesn’t pay me anything.

But, this one is interesting because San Diego FC will face Chula Vista native Brandon Vasquez, a player that many SDFC fans wanted to play for their club, though Vasquez hasn’t yet made a big impact as he has not scored yet.

San Diego FC are entering this match without their starting striker Marcus Ingvartsen, who got injured and substituted off in the first half of their last match. Sources told SanDiego.futbol that it could be a torn quad and he could miss up to 12 weeks.

Head Coach Mikey Varas told the media on Friday, that Ingvartsen has a “lower leg injury,” and “will not come back anytime soon.” This response pretty much confirms the severity of the injury.

San Diego will also play without center back Paddy McNair and midfielder Anibal Godoy as they both got called up for international duty with their national teams, North Ireland and Panama respectively. .

The pressure is on for San Diego as this is the first time they play without 4 starters from week 1. Lozano is making great progress, but will not play this weekend, Ingvartsen who is injured, Godoy and McNair who are with their national teams.

The depth for this club is stretching thin, we probably will see rookie Ian Pilcher starting tomorrow along with McVey at center back, however, I still believe the play style is what has made this club very competitive.

I predict San Diego will go on to surprise everyone yet again, and win this match 3-1. With goals from Tomás Ángel, and Anders Dreyer, who seems to always score on the road. It will be a very back and forth match, and a fun one to watch.

Starting Xl

Defense

CJ Dos Santos

Dos Santos has been very solid in his debut season, has made some key saves for the club and has shown a growth of confidence every week.

Willy Kumado

Kumado took over the starting right back position last week, and I had mentioned in the past that it was just a matter of time before he did. I believe Kumado will get an assist tomorrow and will have a solid performance.

Chris McVey

McVey has earned the starting center back position, since Andres Reyes has been out with injuryowever, he has been phenomenal. This is a true test to see if he can be the leader this backline needs for this match, since McNair isn’t available.

Ian Pilcher

The rookie gets the opportunity of a lifetime to make his starting debut. The minutes that he’s gotten so far have been pretty good. There were a few mistakes, but that’s expected from such a young player. Pilcher will make some mistakes but will have a solid performance.

Franco Negri

Even though Negri didn’t get the start last week, I think Mikey Varas will want a player with more experience on the backline for this match. I think Negri starts again, to be a leader on the backline.

Midfield

Jeppe Tverskov

The captain will always start and will have a huge role in this match. With Godoy out, I think Tverskov will have a tough time getting around the field, but will still be the most important player on the midfield.

Luca De La Torre

De La Torre still needs to prove himself this season. Head Coach Varas told the media after the match against Columbus Crew, that players who play at a good to elite level will never be moved. I think De La Torre has been good so far, and will remain as a starter.

Onni Valakari

With a comment that Varas made last week, that players coming off the bench need to make an impact to earn a starting spot, it is no question that Valakari should start this game. He has had an assist and a goal in back to back games for SDFC and with Godoy unavailable he is a must start.

Attack

Anders Dreyer

This is an obvious start. Dreyer is the best player for this club and will always start. He scores again, maybe even gets a brace.

Tomas Angel

I believe Angel is the player that will need to step up in Ingvartsen’s absence. He will be the leading striker from now on, unless the team signs another striker.

Emmanuel Boateng

I think with the absence of Ingvartsen, Mikey Varas will want some experience in the front line, and who better than MLS veteran, Boateng. I don’t think he’ll have the best performance, and will be subbed out for Mighten in the second half.

Alejandro Villaseñor