In a match that could prove pivotal to both teams' MLS Cup Playoff hopes, host Austin FC and the San Jose Earthquakes face off Saturday night in a key contest between Western Conference foes.

Eighth-place San Jose (9-11-8, 35 points) and ninth-place Austin (9-9-8, 35 points) are level on points in the West standings, but the Earthquakes own the tiebreaker on goal differential (4 to -6). Austin has played two fewer matches (26 to the Quakes' 28).

Austin, currently on a three-match winless skid (0-1-2), will look to set the tone early against the Quakes. They fell behind inside of 10 minutes in a 3-2 loss against CF Montreal on Aug. 23 despite goals from Myrto Uzuni and Owen Wolff.

"I think it's about how we can start a game," said Austin coach Nico Estevez. "We don't need to get punched

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