Austin has come out decently strong in its opening matches, drawing with Minnesota 2-2 and grinding out a 1-0 victory over D.C. United at home. After two fixtures, the Texas side is tied for fourth in the league in shots on target, so Kristijan Kahlina (who leads the league in saves) and the rest of the backline will need to keep their head on a swivel and shut down attacks as they arise. Newcomers Facundo Torres, the former Orlando City SC Designated Player who joined from Brazilian side Palmeiras, and Jayden Nelson, who helped usher the Whitecaps into an MLS Cup Final appearance, have bolstered Austin’s already strong attacking line.
