Austin FC vs Minnesota United Prediction & BETTING TIPS - 22/02/2026

Austin FC head into the MLS opener aiming to reset after a shaky preseason, where they went on a four-game winless run and ended with a defeat to Sporting Kansas City. However, we predict a 2-1 home win as the club chiefs did well to reinforce the squad. The headline boost is the arrival of Facundo Torres, a big-money signing expected to lift an attack that averaged just 1.10 goals per game last season and struggled for consistency. Austin’s home numbers (40% win rate, 3.20 average goals per match) suggest they tend to play with more confidence at Q2 Stadium, and they have won five of their nine H2H meetings with Minnesota.Minnesota United FC also come into the opener without a preseason win, drawing and losing their way to a 0.90 points-per-game return. New arrivals Nectarios Triantis, Dominik Fitz and Kenyel Michel bring fresh energy, but defensive issues remain: Minnesota conceded 1.70 goals per game overall last season and kept 0 away clean sheets. Their attack is reliable (1.40 scored per match), yet their away form—four losses in their last five—remains a concern.