Austin FC needs win or draw vs. New York Red Bulls on Wednesday

Austin FC at New York Red Bulls

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Red Bull Arena

TV/radio: Apple TV, 97.5

What’s at stake: Everything. With six games remaining, Austin FC is three points and three teams away from the ninth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Losing this match is simply not an option if El Tree wants to play past its regular-season finale on Oct. 21 at San Jose. Sure, technically, Austin FC could go on a run its final five games, but there’s nothing over the past two months to indicate that's on the horizon. Only a tie or win will do for El Tree on Wednesday against one of the worst teams in the MLS.

About Austin FC (9-13-6, 33 points): Sunday’s 2-1 home loss to Portland marked the low point of the season. In a crucial game, Austin FC couldn’t take advantage of dominating the opening 25 minutes, then watched the Timbers slowly take the lead and eventually the win. Disappointment and frustration were the themes among coach Josh Wolff and players in postgame media sessions. … After Gyasi Zardes played the majority of the minutes at striker Sunday, will we see Maxi Urruti start Wednesday? Urruti noted Sunday that he’s healthy and available, but his playing time this year has been sporadic. … Center backs Matt Hedges and Kipp Keller missed Sunday’s game with injuries. Leo Väisänen and Julio Cascante played the entire game at the spots, and lack of depth at the position has been a constant theme there all season. Hedges might be available for 20 minutes or so, but it’s likely Cascante and Väisänen will have to play another 90 minutes.

About New York (7-12-9, 30 points): This is a must-win game for the Red Bulls, who are also fighting for their playoff lives being five points out of ninth place in the East. New York is coming off a scoreless home draw vs. rival New York City FC last Saturday. … The Red Bulls have the worst offense in the league with only 24 goals. Midfielders Omir Fernandez and Frankie Amaya have four goals, with no one else finding the net more than twice. … The Red Bulls fired coach Gerhard Struber on May 8 after starting the season 1-4-6. Troy Lesesne has led the club since then. … Red Bull Arena holds 25,000. After hosting its rival Saturday and it being a midweek game, don’t expect much of an atmosphere in the stadium tonight.

— Colby Gordon

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC, New York Red Bulls meet in battle of teams desperate to win