Austin FC (9-13-8, 35 points) is now in 11th place in the Western Conference following Dallas’ 3-1 win over LAFC. It would need a somewhat miraculous set of circumstances over the final four games of the season to leapfrog Dallas and Minnesota in the standings to reach the ninth and final playoff spot in the West.

The Houston Dynamo dealt what almost certainly will amount to a death blow to Austin FC’s MLS Cup Playoff chances, handing the Verde and Black a 1-0 defeat at Q2 Stadium Saturday night. In reality, though, Austin FC has no one to blame but themselves.

The Houston Dynamo have been pushing upward in the Western Conference while on a four-match unbeaten streak and will look to continue their momentum when they visit Austin FC on Saturday.

Normally a match vs. Houston Dynamo FC would have a focus on the rivalry aspect for Austin FC, but with the Verde & Black fighting for their postseason life and Houston angling to host a first-round playoff series,