Austin FC interim head coach Davy Arnaud believes Myrto Uzuni's new role in the squad is helping him reach higher levels of performance.

Uzuni has starred for Austin so far in their Leagues Cup campaign, with the Verde and Black securing their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Across the three first-phase matches, Uzuni scored four goals and provided one assist, including a hat-trick against Puebla.

Austin have recently moved to a back three formation, with Uzuni playing in a deeper role behind striker Christian Ramirez.

The 31-year-old is thriving in the position ahead of their MLS clash against rivals FC Dallas on Sunday.

"I love Myrto. I love the way that he plays, and I love his intensity," Arnaud said.

"He can be fiery at times, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. It's a passionate game. To play at a high level, you got to be on that line. 

"He can disagree with certain things or not be happy with his performance, but he never doesn't work for the team. I have so much time for that. I have so much respect for that, because to me, there's nothing more important.

"The role he's playing now is as one of these attacking midfielders. I think it suits him well.

"He's a late arriver in the box. He does that well, and I think you see his quality in the box. When he gets chances in and around the box, he can finish, and he's finishing well right now."

Despite winning two of their three Leagues Cup matches, Dallas failed to reach the last eight of the competition.

Meanwhile, in MLS, Dallas sit seventh in the Western Conference after failing to win their three games since returning from the World Cup break (D2 L1).

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Myrto Uzuni

Of the 21 MLS goals scored by Austin players this season, Uzuni has netted six while Ramirez has scored five.

The duo have scored eight of the team’s 12 home goals in MLS play this season, with six of those coming in Austin’s four home MLS victories.

FC Dallas – Petar Musa

Musa has recorded a goal contribution in each of his five league matches against Austin FC (three goals, three assists).

His six goal contributions against the Texas rival are his most regular-season goal contributions against any single MLS team.

MATCH PREDICTION – FC DALLAS WIN

Dallas lead the all-time regular-season series with Austin, winning eight of 13 meetings (D3 L2). Austin’s only two wins have come at home, and they are currently on a three-game unbeaten run at home in the series (W2 D1).

Austin have been held scoreless in four of their last six regular-season matches, after doing so just one time in their first 12 regular-season games this season.

Austin are looking to avoid being shut out in three straight regular-season matches for the first time since a three-game streak in April 2023.

Dallas have failed to score in their last two regular-season matches, after scoring multiple goals in each of their previous six. Dallas have not been held scoreless in three consecutive MLS matches since August 2020.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 32.3%

Draw – 25.5%

FC Dallas – 42.2%