Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake Prediction & Picks - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 9/26/24, 8:30 PM  by Carlos Zabala in Major League Soccer Picks

Austin FC will host Real Salt Lake with the hope of catching Minnesota United, who hold the last spot in the Play-In with 42 points. They will face Real Salt Lake, who have not been very consistent since returning to MLS action after the League Cup, and who now see the 2nd place threatened, which could give them an easier first game of the MLS playoffs.

Since Austin was founded and became part of the MLS since 2021, it has only reached the MLS playoffs once. Austin FC's chances for this match don't seem too good, especially since they lost the last two games against Real Salt Lake. What does seem likely is a high-scoring match, as Real Salt Lake's defensive inattentions have been many lately, but they continue to maintain their power in attack. Only the Los Angeles Galaxy have more goals than them with 63.

Real Salt Lake has conceded 2 or more goals in each of its last 2 games, and three teams are chasing it in the conference and are within 3 or fewer points of it. They were especially forgiving on defense in the last 3-3 draw, when Goncalves' goal in the 90th minute put them ahead and the Timbers tied the game on the next play. Real Salt Lake had started out as the favorite to win at odds of up to 1.74 on the betting sites.