Playing arguably some of its best soccer of the season for the first 60 minutes, Austin FC looked more like a team solidly in the postseason than one on the outside looking in.  Jáder Obrian’s goal in the final seconds of the first half gave the Verde & Black a brief lead until David Martínez’s equalizer in the 62nd minute.

Solid ATX defending held Olivier Giroud, Denis Bouanga, and the Black and Gold to just six shots on goal and 1.4 expected goals, while the Verde and Black capitalized on a chance late in the first half to take the lead in the match, only to see that lead erased after the hour mark.

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.

Five matches remain for Major League Soccer playoff hopefuls Austin FC and Houston Dynamo heading into Saturday night's all-Texan tussle at Q2 Stadium. Although Houston occupy the final guaranteed spot in the Western Conference,

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,