March 1, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Austin FC forward Christian Ramirez (21) warms up ahead of the game against DC United at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Jefferson-Imagn Image Austin FC will look to make it three straight goals when it travels to Charlotte on Saturday for its first away game of the new MLS season.
Austin (1-0-1, 4 points) opened the season with a 2-2 tie against Minnesota after taking three points from D.C. United last weekend.
According to Austin coach Nico Estevez, small details matter early in the season.
“Right now, everyone is motivated, excited about the season and ready to go,” Estevez said. “We’re seeing how difficult it is to win. Unless you go in with that mindset, some teams don’t start with the right mindset, but games are decided by little details.”
Forward Christian Ramirez scored the lone goal against D.C. United on Sunday, and Estevez expects a similar formation in Charlotte.
“Charlotte’s approach is similar to a 4-4-2 (against D.C. United) when they’re in a mid-low block, and we’re going to have to do a better job to break them,” he said. “But since they’re playing at home, they’re probably more open. I think we have a quicker transition.”
Charlotte FC (0-1-1, 1 point) pulled Austin in its home opener after losing 3-0 to the Galaxy last Saturday in Los Angeles.
Midfielder Pep Biel scored Charlotte’s only goal so far in the season-opening 1-1 draw with St. Louis.
As Charlotte prepares for its first home game of the season, coach Dean Smith is focusing on the club’s defensive play.
“We showed we had problems in transition both games,” Smith explained. “Defensive transition is something we need to do better. I’m going to own that and continue to get better and develop.”
Saturday marks the first meeting between the two clubs since a 2-2 draw in Austin on July 20, 2024.
–Field level media
