Sunday, March 1, 2026 – 7:30 p.m. CT / 8:30 p.m. ET
Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass – free for all MLS games in 2026), local radio
Week 2 of the 2026 MLS regular season delivers an inter-conference battle as D.C. United visits Austin FC at Q2 Stadium for Austin’s second home match. D.C. United rides a perfect start with a Week 1 win, bringing momentum and attacking intent to Texas, while Austin looks to erase a draw from their opener and capitalize on home energy. This matchup pits D.C.’s veteran scoring punch against Austin’s revamped attack and defensive organization.Weather Updates (as of Feb. 25 forecasts for game day)Predicted conditions: Mild Central Texas evening—highs in the upper 60s to low 70s°F (19-22°C) during the day, cooling to mid-50s°F (13°C) by kickoff. Light winds (5-10 mph), mostly clear to partly cloudy skies, no precipitation expected. Comfortable conditions at Q2 Stadium—fast natural grass surface, excellent for open play and transitions with minimal fatigue impact.
Team Context
- D.C. United (1-0-0, Eastern Conference): Strong opener win; focus on Christian Benteke-led attack and midfield control under Troy Lesesne.
- Austin FC (0-0-1, Western Conference): Earned a point in opener; big offseason swings with new attackers (e.g., Facundo Torres integration) and Brandon Vázquez return timeline post-ACL.
Recent Team Forms (Last Match – Week 1)
D.C. United: 1-0-0 (win in opener, details indicate solid performance with goals and clean sheet potential). Controlled key phases, clinical finishing, and defensive resilience on the road.Austin FC: 0-0-1 (draw in opener). Competitive but frustrated by missed chances; showed promise in attack but need better conversion and late-game composure.
Injury Report
D.C. United:
- No major new injuries from opener reported. Key attackers (Christian Benteke, others) and core available. Minor fatigue from travel possible, but squad depth solid.
Austin FC:
- Brandon Vázquez (forward) – Recovering from prior ACL (targeted return timeline monitored; status questionable/limited).
- Others minimal; new signings (e.g., Facundo Torres, others) fit and expected to feature prominently.
Both teams relatively healthy early; final reports closer to kickoff.
Key Player Matchups
- Christian Benteke (D.C. forward) vs. Austin center-backs (e.g., Julio Cascante / others): Benteke’s aerial dominance and hold-up test Austin’s physical backline—key for D.C. set pieces and counters.
- Facundo Torres (Austin attacker, new DP) vs. D.C. defense: Torres’ pace, dribbling, and finishing exploit transitions; big debut impact potential.
- Midfield battles: D.C.’s control vs. Austin’s pressing—dictates tempo and chance creation.
- Goalkeeping & Depth: Austin’s Brad Stuver consistency vs. D.C.’s road resilience.
Series History
Limited but competitive inter-conference meetings. Recent H2H featured goals and drama; Austin strong in some home spots. Games often moderate-scoring with BTTS or late winners; totals trend around 2.5-3.0.
Betting Trends
- Austin slight home favorites (~50-52% win prob); value after draw but strong at Q2.
- D.C. solid early winners; road underdogs with upside.
- H2H/previews often Under 2.5 or moderate; early-season caution common.
- BTTS possible (~50%); overs in attacking matchups with new talent.
MATCH ODDS
D.C. United + 275
Austin FC – 115
Draw + 255
Over 2.5 – 115 Under 2.5 – 110
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 28, 2026
