Fri. Dec 1st, 2023

Image: MNUFC2

The Doubloons are down south to take on a familiar face.

MNUFC2 continues their six-match road stretch in Texas against newcomers Austin FC II at Parmer Field on Friday evening. The Verde & Black have yet to lose this season and have won all three of their home matches so far.

A big part of that success has been Mounds View, Minnesota’s own Micah Burton. The 17-year old signed his first professional contract in March and has appeared in all five contests to begin the season, scoring his first pro goal in a 2-0 win over St. Louis April 16th.

Both squads are top five in the Western Conference, with Austin FC II in first and MNUFC2 in fourth.

During last week’s match at Whitecaps FC 2, the Twos opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a goal from forward Patrick Weah, who made his first start of the season after two sub appearances prior. MNUFC2 notably has scored first in four of its five matches played to start the season.

Weah’s goal was followed by midfielder Diogo Pacheco, who notched his fourth of the season, making him tied for second in the league for goals scored. MNUFC2 was ultimately defeated after three, second half finishes from WFC2. Pacheco has four goals on the season, just one behind MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot leader Nick Firmino from Atlanta United 2.

For Austin, the player to watch is attacker Valentin Noel, who has four goals of his own so far this season. As a team, the hosts have scored 11 goals on the campaign and allowed just four. It’s going to take a near perfect effort in all phases for the Doubloons to fly home with three points.

We could also see the debut of newcomer Cedrik Gbo in this one. The midfielder was just acquired by Minnesota Thursday on a one-year loan with purchase option from reigning Tunisian first division champions Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

The match kicks off at 6 p.m. CT and is available to stream on MLS Season Pass.

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