Normally a match vs. Houston Dynamo FC would have a focus on the rivalry aspect for Austin FC, but with the Verde & Black fighting for their postseason life and Houston angling to host a first-round playoff series,

Austin FC (9-12-8, 35 points) also used a visit to LAFC to revive themselves, earning a 1-1 tie Wednesday to sit four points behind Minnesota for the final playoff spot in the conference. Jader Obrian scored in first-half stoppage time before LAFC equalized in the 62nd minute.

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Dynamo hit the road against Austin aiming to prolong a three-game road winning streak. Austin is 8-10-6 against Western Conference teams. Austin is fifth in the Western Conference allowing just 41 goals. The Dynamo are 10-5-8 against Western Conference opponents. The Dynamo are 4-0-0 when they score at least three goals.

A 90th minute header by LAFC substitute Kei Kamara prevented the Verde & Black from taking a win at Q2 Stadium during a 1-1 draw in late June, while in the Leagues Cup last month, Austin FC turned in a quality performance despite a 2-0 loss.