Minnesota United FC faces Austin FC on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Loons will be without James Rodriguez, who just received his work visa on Wednesday and is still working on his fitness. Head coach Cameron Knowles said Rodriguez has a great attitude and has been a good teammate, but it's hard to put a fixed timeline on his return. Austin FC finished sixth in the West last season, but was dead last in MLS with only 37 goals scored. The team signed Facundo Torres from Palmeiras in Brazil for a $9.5 million transfer fee, and he will test the Loons' back line. Former Loon Joseph Rosales, who was traded to Austin in December, has this game circled after feeling wronged by Minnesota United FC's handling of his transfer to Mexican club Tigres last season. The Loons have terminated their loan with 21-year-old midfielder Alexis Farina, who joined in August but didn't appear for the first team. Knowles' predicted starting lineup includes Kelvin Yeboah, Tomas Chancalay, and Wil Trapp. The Loons are looking to build on their previous win at Q2 Stadium, and Knowles is confident in his team's ability to get the job done. The weather forecast calls for clear skies and a 13 mph south wind, with a temperature of 61 degrees. The betting line has Minnesota United FC at plus-220, with the draw at plus-240 and Austin FC at plus-125. The Loons went 1-1-1 against Austin in 2025, but the most painful game came in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal in September, when they allowed a goal in the 120th minute and lost 2-1. And the Loons are looking to put that loss behind them and start the new season strong. But they will have to do it without Rodriguez, who is still working on his fitness. So the Loons will have to rely on their other players to get the job done. The match will be streamed on Apple TV and broadcast on KSTP-AM 1500. The Loons are ready to take on Austin FC and get their season started.