Austin FC II will try to erase a 5‑2 loss to MNUFC2 in the season‑opener when the two clubs meet again on Sunday, July 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. CT. The reserve side sits atop the Western Conference with 40 points from 16 matches and hopes to keep its perfect record this season.

Can Austin FC II keep its unbeaten run?

The Loons have not dropped a single point since the opening defeat, winning each of their last ten fixtures. Their latest tally shows 34 goals scored and only 13 conceded, giving them the second‑best goal difference in MLS NEXT Pro. A win this weekend would push them further ahead of Houston, which currently leads the goal‑difference column with +22.

Who will be the difference‑maker for Austin?

MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month Marcus Caldeira, who netted a hat‑trick in the first meeting, will be under the spotlight again. He proved he can breach a tight defense, and his form could decide whether Austin extends its streak. Jorge Alastuey also remains a threat, already contributing seven goals and two assists this campaign. Defender Evan Watt has logged the most minutes for the club, 1,394, while midfielder Luciano Pechota leads the Loons with 1,495 minutes on the pitch.

What does MNUFC2 need to do?

MNUFC2, after a 5‑2 win in March, have slipped into a mixed spell. A 5‑2 victory over St. Louis in mid‑June was followed by losses to LAFC and Houston, and a 2‑2 draw with Tacoma. They managed a shootout win after that draw, earning two points from a possible nine. The Loons sit seventh in the Western Conference, three points behind the fourth‑place spot, so a positive result against Austin could reignite their playoff push.

How will the match affect the Western Conference race?

If Austin FC II secures another win, they will widen the gap to the nearest challenger, making a playoff berth almost certain. MNUFC2, meanwhile, would need a victory to climb out of the mid‑table congestion where six teams sit within three points of each other. The outcome could reshape the top‑half dynamics as the season heads into its final stretch.

The game will be streamed live on MLSNEXTPro.com, giving fans a chance to watch the showdown between the league’s leading side and a hungry opponent looking to bounce back. Both clubs have youth prospects ready to step in, so expect fresh legs and tactical adjustments as the coaches vie for the three points.