Austin set to face last-place Sporting KC

Sporting Kansas City hosted Austin FC in a late-season Western Conference matchup between two struggling sides. Kansas City had already been eliminated from playoff contention and entered on a winless October run, with defensive problems especially pronounced after allowing a league-high 75 goals. Austin had lost three straight but still had a slim chance to reach the postseason, needing wins and help elsewhere with four matches remaining. Austin’s recent head-to-head record offered some encouragement, as it had won seven of the teams’ previous 10 meetings, though both clubs came into the game short on momentum.