Back to MLS play, Austin FC begins Copa Tejas series with struggling Houston Dynamo

The show goes on for Austin FC.

Four days after not doing enough against Violette AC to advance in the CONCACAF Champions League, El Tree heads to Houston on Saturday in a return to MLS play for its first derby — a soccer term for a regional rival — and Copa Tejas match of the season.

Austin FC is the defending Copa Tejas champion, with the competition — which was created by the fans of the three Texas MLS clubs and has a trophy — having more matches this season since the Texas clubs will face each other three times as opposed to two from a year ago.

Outside of center back Julio Cascante, who suffered a groin injury against St. Louis City SC in the season opener and will be out until May, El Tree appears to be relatively healthy from a physical standpoint, but following the setback from the two legs against Violette AC, the team’s mental condition and response may be more important than anything.

Copa Tejas matches are arguably the most important games of the regular season, and Austin FC can’t let the Champions League result spill over into another competition that gives its fans regional bragging rights.

“I think our guys feel the disappointment from Tuesday as we expected to win the draw, but it doesn’t deter from what we’ve done in MLS play,” Austin FC coach Josh Wolff said. “We played well for most of the St. Louis match and gave away two goals, then had good performances in beating Montreal and Salt Lake. The biggest thing is to learn from (Champions League), but we have to move on.”

Struggling Dynamo could be a welcome sight

Houston has only played twice this season, losing on the road to Cincinnati 2-1 and New England 3-0.

The Dynamo figure to play stronger in their home confines at PNC Stadium, but they’re largely considered one of the worst teams in the MLS with few notable players and have a new coach in former D.C. United boss Ben Olsen.

Those factors should play into Austin FC’s favor, especially defensively, where Alex Ring has joined Leo Väisänen in thriving at center back, and left back Zan Kolmanic and right back Jon Gallagher — who is more a jack-of-all-trades with the ability to play all over the field — also playing very well.

But El Tree needs more from attacking players such as striker Gyasi Zardes and right-side winger Emiliano Rigoni, both of whom so far are underperforming compared to their expensive contracts.

However, Austin FC’s ability to put Champions League behind it will be the most important aspect on Saturday.

“There are many more games ahead and many more opportunities, and we can’t lose sight of those opportunities,” Wolff said.

Heading overseas to play

Three players receive international duty: Three Austin FC players will be busy during the upcoming international schedule, which will cause Väisänen and midfielder Owen Wolff to miss El Tree’s March 25 home match vs. Colorado.

Väisänen was named to Finland’s roster for its upcoming 2024 Euro Cup qualifiers against Denmark March 23 and Northern Ireland March 26. He has made 23 appearances for Finland the last three years, including six World Cup qualifiers.

Wolff was called up to the U.S. under-20 national team and will head to Spain following Saturday's match for training camp and friendly matches vs. England, France and Serbia. This is the second time Wolff, 18, earned a call-up to the under-20 team, with the first being in January when he participated in the team’s domestic training camp.

Austin FC II midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga was named to Uganda’s roster for its Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches vs. Tanzania March 24 and 28. Byaruhanga, 21, has already made 11 appearances for Uganda, including six World Cup qualifiers.

MLS honors El Tree's Jon Gallagher

Gallagher earns top goal honor: Gallagher’s strike from 25 yards out that went into the top corner of the goal against Real Salt Lake was — not surprisingly — named the MLS’ Goal of the Matchday for last week.

Saturday's match

Austin FC (2-0-1) at Houston Dynamo (0-0-2), 7:30 p.m., PNC Stadium, Houston, Apple TV

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC shifts back to MLS play as it prepares for Houston Dynamo