The Houston Dynamo dealt what almost certainly will amount to a death blow to Austin FC’s MLS Cup Playoff chances, handing the Verde and Black a 1-0 defeat at Q2 Stadium Saturday night. In reality, though, Austin FC has no one to blame but themselves.

Normally a match against 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, that dynamic will be a distant second for both teams Saturday night at Q2 Stadium.

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.

This simply isn’t Austin FC’s season.  In what was likely its last gasp to remain in the MLS playoff race, the Verde & Black fell 1-0 to Houston Dynamo FC Saturday at Q2 Stadium.