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Austin FC is an American professional soccer club based in Austin, Texas. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference. Founded in 2018, the club began play in the 2021 season. Their home stadium is Q2 Stadium in north Austin. They are the first major professional sports league team to play in Texas' capital, which prior to 2021 was the largest city in the United States without such a team.[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Austin FC is the first top-division major professional sports team in the Austin area, a market that had been previously overlooked by the major professional sports leagues. The city's previous experience with professional soccer includes the Austin Aztex, founded in 2008,[3] but later relocated to Orlando in October 2010[4] and eventually became MLS side Orlando City SC; the 2011 reincarnation of the Austin Aztex,[5] which went on indefinite hiatus following the 2015 Memorial Day floods washing out their venue at House Park;[6] and Austin Bold, which played in the second-division USL Championship at Circuit of the Americas from 2019 to 2021.[7][8]

In October 2017, Columbus Crew operator Precourt Sports Ventures announced their intention to move the group's MLS franchise rights to Austin for the 2019 MLS season.[9]

After several sessions, the Austin City Council, by a 7–4 vote during a special session on August 15, 2018, granted the City Manager the authority to negotiate and execute a lease for a stadium with Precourt Sports Ventures.[10]

On August 22, 2018, the group unveiled the name and badge for the club at the North Door on Austin's east side.[11][12] The crest was designed by local Austin brand studio The Butler Bros, who explained the badge as including the signature color "Bright Verde" to "project the vibrancy and creative energy of Austin", intertwined oaks that "stand for the bond between Club and City", and the four roots uniting all compass directions of Austin, North, East, South, and West.[13][14]

In October 2018, an Ohio-based group which includes Jimmy and Dee Haslam, owners of the National Football League's Cleveland Browns, and Columbus-based physician and businessman Pete Edwards, announced their intentions to acquire Columbus Crew to keep the team from moving. MLS officials stated that if the transfer of the Crew's operating rights were successful, Austin FC would be an expansion team operated by Precourt to begin play by 2021.[15][16]

On December 19, 2018, Precourt Sports Ventures and the City of Austin reached a financing agreement for a new soccer-specific stadium to be constructed at McKalla Place, which was projected to open by early 2021.[17] Nine days after finalizing the stadium deal, Precourt Sports Ventures reached an agreement in principle to transfer the operating rights of the Columbus Crew to the Haslam and Edwards families in January 2019.[18]

On January 15, 2019, Austin FC was officially announced as an MLS club with a 2021 start date.[19][20][21] In July 2019, the ownership group was renamed to Two Oak Ventures and later expanded to include local celebrities and businesspeople.[22][23]

First seasons

[edit]

Austin FC hired Josh Wolff as their first head coach in July 2019 and hired Claudio Reyna as the club's Sporting Director in November of the same year. The two were teammates for the United States from 1999-2006.[24]

In July 2020, Austin signed their first player, Rodney Redes.[25]

Before the start of their inaugural season, Alexander Ring was named the first club captain.[26]

Austin FC played their first MLS match against LAFC at Banc of California Stadium on April 17, 2021, losing 0–2.[27] The club secured its first victory the following week against the Colorado Rapids, winning 3–1.[28] Diego Fagúndez scored the club's first goal[29] and the following two were scored by the club's first Designated Player, Cecilio Dominguez.[30] Their home opener was held on June 19, 2021, against the San Jose Earthquakes, a match which ended 0-0.[31] The team secured its first home victory on July 1, 2021, defeating the Portland Timbers 4–1. Jon Gallagher scored the team's first home goal[32] and the first MLS goal at Q2 Stadium.[33]

Austin FC signed Sebastián Driussi, on July 29, 2021, from Zenit Saint Petersburg for a $7 million transfer fee.[34] He became the first player to score 10, 20, and 30 career goals for the club at various points in 2022 and was named the club's first All-Star that season.[35] Driussi signed an extension through 2025 with a 2026 option and became the second captain for the club.[36]

On September 9, 2021, Owen Wolff signed a homegrown player contract with Major League Soccer side Austin FC, signing a deal through to 2025 and becoming the club's first homegrown player signing.[37]

In 2022, Austin FC started the season with an MLS record 10 goals in their first two matches.[38] They lost 2–1 in their first cup match in the third round of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup against San Antonio on April 20; Fagundez scored the club's first Open Cup goal.[39] On July 16, they won the Division 1 Copa Tejas, the first trophy in franchise history.[40] Austin FC clinched their first playoff berth during a 3-0 home win against Real Salt Lake where Moussa Djitte scored the first hat trick in club history despite entering the game as a substitute.[41] Austin won their first MLS playoff game at home over Real Salt Lake, prevailing 3–1 in a penalty shootout after a 2–2 score following extra time.[42] Austin advanced to the Western Conference Final after defeating FC Dallas,[43] but lost to LAFC 3-0 the following week.[44]

In August 2022, the club announced they would debut a reserves team in MLS Next Pro in 2023, Austin FC II.[45]

In early January 2023 news came out that Claudio Reyna and his wife had been involved in the release of personal information about the United States men's national soccer team coach Gregg Berhalter in response to their son's decreased play-time in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[46] As a result, Claudio Reyna resigned as the Sporting Director, but stayed with Austin FC as a Technical Advisor. Josh Wolff was given the responsibilities of running the sporting department, in addition to coaching the team.[47] In April 2023, it was noted that Claudio Reyna was no longer listed as a technical advisor on the Austin FC website.[48] In June 2023 it was announced that Rodolfo Borrell was taking over the role of Sporting Director for Austin FC. Rodolfo Borrell was a former assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at English side Manchester City.[49]

Based on their 2022 finish, Austin FC qualified for the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, their first continental competition.[50] They played Violette AC from Haiti and lost 3–2 on aggregate. In May 2023, Austin FC ended their 2023 U.S. Open Cup run with a 2–0 loss to the Chicago Fire at home.[51] Austin FC also competed in their first regional competition at the 2023 Leagues Cup and lost their first game 3-1 against Mazatlán.[52] They later lost to FC Juárez 3-1, failing to advance to the round of 16.[53]

After failing to qualify for the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs,[54] Austin FC announced some changes to the front office. On October 8, 2023, Rodolfo Borrell announced that both Sean Rubio and Manuel Junco were no longer with Austin FC and Borrell would be overseeing scouting and player personnel, which he started by hiring five new scouts to be located in Europe and South America.[55] Borrell also announced that Josh Wolff would remain on as the Austin FC coach despite the disappointing 2023 results.[56] On October 6, 2024, Austin FC announced that Josh Wolff had been released from his head coach position after the team failed to make the playoffs for the second year in a row.[57]

In preparation for the 2025 season, Austin FC announced the hiring of Nico Estévez as the new head coach. Estévez joined the team after the November 2024 FIFA window.[58] In Estévez's first season, Austin advanced to the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final, the first tournament final in club history.[59] The club hosted the final at Q2 Stadium and lost 1–2 to Nashville SC; Austin's lone goal was scored by Uzuni at the close of the first half.[60]

Stadium

[edit]
Main article: Q2 Stadium
Q2 Stadium in 2021

Austin FC are the operators of a newly built stadium at McKalla Place. The stadium is near The Domain, a large shopping center complex. The stadium, built on public land and owned by the City of Austin, was privately financed by Two Oak Ventures. The lease was signed on December 19, 2018. The stadium seats 20,738 fielded its first Austin FC game on June 19, 2021.[61][62]

The club announced plans for a $45 million, privately funded training facility, the St. David's Performance Center, on November 13, 2019. The performance center, located in the Parmer Pond development in northeast Austin, will have four full-size soccer fields, one with a 1,000 capacity seating section, in addition to a 30,000 square foot indoor facility.[63]

In 2022, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority started construction on a commuter rail station for the Red Line, McKalla station.[64] It is expected to open on February 24, 2024, as part of Project Connect.[65] McKalla station opened and began service on February 24, 2024 for Austin FC's first match of the 2024 season.[66]

Club culture

[edit]
Supporters of Austin FC in 2025

Austin FC has several supporters' groups, Austin Anthem,[67] Los Verdes, the La Murga de Austin band,[68] Fighting Leslies DC,[69] and a group from New Braunfels, Oak Army New Braunfels.[70]

The club colors are bright green (stylized by the club as "verde," the Spanish word for the color) and black.[71] The team's color scheme has been frequently highlighted in team promotions and at Q2 Stadium, with green lights flashing after each Austin goal.[72]

Austin FC have sold out all 54 home games since their debut at Q2, which is currently the longest active streak in MLS.[73]

Austin FC added an armadillo jocktag to the team's uniform in February 2024, after striking a deal with Eddie Wilson, the keeper of the Armadillo World Headquarters cultural flame. Austin FC President Andy Loughnane said it was important to pay homage to Austin's "creative and vibrant spirit". The relaunch of the Armadillo was celebrated at the Austin FC jersey launch party, with Asleep at the Wheel frontman, Ray Benson.[74]

Sponsorship

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Sleeve sponsor Ref.
2021–2024 Adidas Yeti Netspend [75][76][77]
2025–present Siete Foods [78]

Broadcasting

[edit]

For the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Nexstar Media Group served as the team's broadcast partner. The majority of games appeared on KNVA, with select matches also appearing on KXAN and KBVO. Adrian Healey served as the play-by-play announcer, while Michael Lahoud joined in as a color analyst.[79] In April 2021, Austin FC reached a deal with Univision as its Spanish broadcast partner. KAKW and KTFO broadcast each regionally televised match in Spanish.[80] From 2023, every Austin FC match is available via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.[81]

English-language radio rights are held by Alt 97.5 FM, with Lincoln Rose on the call.[82] KLQB serves as Austin FC's flagship Spanish radio station.[83]

Ownership and management

[edit]

Austin FC is owned by Two Oak Ventures, formerly known as Precourt Sports Ventures, which is led by CEO Anthony Precourt.[22] Other investing partners in Two Oak Ventures include actor Matthew McConaughey, local entrepreneur Eduardo Margain, former Dell executive Marius Haas, energy entrepreneur Bryan Sheffield, and real estate businessman David Kahn.[23][84]

Affiliates and academy

[edit]

Affiliates

[edit]

In 2022, Austin FC launched their reserve team, Austin FC II, which began play in 2023 as part of MLS Next Pro's Western Conference.[45] They currently play at Parmer Field at the St. David's Performance Center. The current coach is Brett Uttley.[85]

On May 17, 2023, David Rodríguez became the first Austin FC II player to sign a short-term contract with the first team.[86] Two months later, Valentin Noël became the first Austin FC II player to appear in a first team match, coming on in the 90th minute of a Leagues Cup match.[87]

Academy

[edit]

Austin FC announced the first professional soccer academy in Austin, TX would begin play in August 2019 as part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program at the U–14 level. The Austin FC Academy was the first fully funded academy in central Texas.[88] Tyson Wahl took on the academy's general manager role and helped assemble the first U–14 team.[89] Junro Narita was named as the initial coach of the U–14 team.[88] In January 2020, Austin FC announced that they had hired Juan Delgado as their Academy Technical Director.[90] In the fall of 2020, Austin FC Academy became part of MLS Next.[91]

In April 2022, Austin FC Academy had their first player called up for a U.S. Youth National Team as Ervin Torres was called up to the United States U-15 BNT.[92]

In August 2022, Austin FC Academy sent coaches and players to the Netherlands to participate in training sessions with PSV Eindhoven as part of the PSV Partnership.[93]

On January 23, 2023, Austin FC II announced the signing of Anthony De Anda, the first Austin FC Academy player to sign a professional contract.[94] Two months later, Austin FC II announced the signing of five academy players on amateur agreements, allowing them to compete with the team.[95]

On January 10, 2024, Austin FC announced they had signed Burton as a homegrown player on a four-year contract, with an optional additional year. Burton is the first Academy product to sign a professional contract with the first team.[96]

Players and staff

[edit]
See also: List of Austin FC Players

Roster

[edit]
As of August 21, 2025[97]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  USA Brad Stuver
2 DF  USA Riley Thomas
3 DF  DEN Mikkel Desler
4 DF  USA Brendan Hines-Ike
5 DF  UKR Oleksandr Svatok
6 MF  ESP Ilie Sánchez
7 FW  COL Jáder Obrian
8 MF  VEN Daniel Pereira (GA)
9 FW  USA Brandon Vázquez (DP)
10 FW  ALB Myrto Uzuni (DP)
11 FW  GHA Osman Bukari (DP)
14 MF  SWE Besard Šabović
16 MF  FIN Robert Taylor
No. Pos. Nation Player
17 DF  IRL Jon Gallagher
18 DF  CRC Julio Cascante
19 FW  USA CJ Fodrey (GA)
20 MF  ARG Nicolás Dubersarsky
21 FW  CHI Diego Rubio
23 DF  SVN Žan Kolmanič
26 FW  LBR Jimmy Farkarlun
29 DF  BRA Guilherme Biro
30 GK  USA Stefan Cleveland
32 MF  USA Micah Burton (HG)
33 MF  USA Owen Wolff (HG)
35 DF  SRB Mateja Đorđević

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
12 GK  USA Damian Las (HG; on loan to Louisville City)

Technical

[edit]
Executive
Majority owner & CEO Anthony Precourt
Sporting director Rodolfo Borrell[98]
Director of Domestic Scouting and Recruitment Aguilar Azón[99]
Director of Player Personnel John Turner[99]
Technical Advisor Nolan Sheldon[100]
Coaching Staff
Head coach Nico Estévez[58]
Assistant coach Davy Arnaud
Assistant coach Alberto González[101]
Assistant coach Nico Bosch[102]
Goalkeeper coach Francisco Galán[101]
Field analyst coach Albert Ballesteros[101]

Source: Technical staff

Head coach history

[edit]
Coach Tenure
United States Josh Wolff July 23, 2019[103] – October 6, 2024[104]
United States Davy Arnaud (interim) October 6, 2024[105] – November 20, 2024[58]
Spain Nico Estévez November 20, 2024[58] – present

Honors

[edit]

Major

Minor

Records

[edit]
Main article: List of Austin FC records and statistics
See also: Austin FC record by opponent

Seasons

[edit]
This table of the last few Austin FC seasons is an excerpt from List of Austin FC seasons § Seasons.[edit]
For a more comprehensive list, see List of Austin FC seasons.
As of October 18, 2025
Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental Average
attendance[a] 		Top goalscorer(s)[b]
Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall CCL LC Name(s) Goals
2021 34 9 21 4 35 56 –21 31 0.91 12th 24th DNQ NH - - 20,738 Paraguay Cecilio Dominguez
Uruguay Diego Fagundez 		7
2022 34 16 10 8 65 49 +16 56 1.65 2nd 4th SF R3 DNQ NH 20,738 Argentina Sebastián Driussi 25
2023 34 10 15 9 49 55 –6 39 1.15 12th 25th DNQ R16 R16 GS 20,738 Argentina Sebastián Driussi 13
2024 34 11 14 9 39 48 –9 42 1.24 10th 18th DNQ DNP[c] DNQ R32 20,738 Colombia Jáder Obrian
Argentina Sebastián Driussi 		8
2025 34 13 13 8 37 45 –8 47 1.28 6th 15th R1 RU DNQ DNQ[d] 20,738 United States Brandon Vázquez
Albania Myrto Uzuni 		9
Total 169 59 74 38 224 249 –25 215 1.27 – – – – – – – Argentina Sebastián Driussi 51
  1. ^ Avg. attendance only includes statistics from regular season matches.
  2. ^ Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in the regular season, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive matches.
  3. ^ Changes made by U.S. Soccer for the 2024 U.S. Open Cup allowed MLS Next Pro teams to play. Austin FC II entered the first round of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup.[107]
  4. ^ CONCACAF changed format for the 2025 Leagues Cup to feature only 18 MLS clubs. Based on these changes Austin FC did not qualify for the 2025 Leagues Cup.[108]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Austin FC

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Austin FC is a professional soccer club based in , that competes in (MLS) as a member of the Western Conference.
Announced as the league's 27th expansion franchise on January 15, 2019, the club commenced operations in the 2021 season, marking Austin's entry into major professional sports with the opening of as its dedicated soccer-specific venue.
The team quickly established a robust fanbase, achieving sellouts for all 17 home matches in its debut year and fostering a vibrant supporter culture exemplified by groups like Austin Anthem.
On the field, Austin FC has secured postseason berths, including a sixth-place finish in the 2025 Western Conference with 47 points, and advanced to the final of the Lamar Hunt that year, where it fell 2–1 to despite a strong tournament run marked by dramatic comebacks.
Under ownership led by and bolstered by recent investments such as from FirstTracks Sports Ventures, the club emphasizes through initiatives like the 4ATX Foundation while building toward sustained competitiveness in MLS.

History

Founding and MLS expansion

Precourt Sports Ventures, led by entrepreneur , pursued an MLS expansion franchise for Austin after abandoning plans to relocate the SC, which involved legal disputes resolved by selling the Columbus rights back to local ownership in 2018. On January 15, 2019, officially awarded Austin the league's 27th franchise, to operate as Austin FC starting in the 2021 season, marking the city's first major team. The announcement event, attended by over 500 people including MLS Commissioner and Austin Mayor Steve Adler, emphasized the city's rapid and burgeoning soccer interest as key factors in the expansion decision. The franchise name, Austin FC, had been selected earlier and publicly revealed in August 2018, reflecting the team's status as the city's inaugural major league club with "FC" denoting Football Club in line with global soccer conventions. Precourt's group committed to constructing a dedicated , , in north Austin to anchor the expansion. In August 2019, the ownership expanded to incorporate local investors, including actor , to bolster community engagement and investment. To assemble the inaugural roster, Austin FC participated in the MLS Expansion Draft on December 15, 2020, selecting 11 players from across the league under rules limiting picks to one per existing team. This process, combined with subsequent signings and the homegrown player system, positioned the club for its debut campaign amid heightened anticipation in a market without prior major league sports presence.

Inaugural season and early challenges (2021–2022)

Austin FC commenced its Major League Soccer campaign on April 17, 2021, with a 2–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium, marking the club's debut in the league as an expansion franchise. The team endured an initial scoring drought, failing to find the net in their first three matches, which underscored the difficulties of integrating a newly assembled roster under head coach Josh Wolff. Austin FC finally secured its first victory on April 24, 2021, overcoming the Colorado Rapids 3–1 away at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, with goals from Cecilio Domínguez, Diego Fagúndez, and Jon Gallagher providing a breakthrough moment. The 2021 regular season proved challenging overall, as Austin FC compiled a 9–4–21 record, totaling 31 points and finishing last in the Western Conference, thus missing the . While the club demonstrated resilience at home with a 7–2–8 mark after opening on June 19 against the —culminating in a first home win of 4–1 over the on July 1—the away record of 2–2–13 exposed persistent vulnerabilities in travel, defense, and offensive output against established opponents. Early-season offensive struggles persisted, with only three goals scored in April and one in June, limiting the team's ability to compete consistently amid the rigors of an expanded 34-match schedule. Heading into 2022, Austin FC sought to build on home strengths and rectify road deficiencies through key acquisitions, including Designated Player in January, whose arrival injected creativity and goal-scoring prowess. Initial challenges involved squad integration and depth management, as the team navigated preseason friendlies and early fixtures while adapting to heightened expectations following the inaugural year's lessons. Despite these hurdles, Austin posted an improved start, leveraging Driussi's MVP-caliber contributions—16 goals and 10 assists—to climb standings, though sustaining momentum required overcoming occasional defensive lapses en route to a second-place Western Conference finish. The season culminated in a Western Conference Final loss to , 3–0 on October 30, highlighting the gap to championship contention despite playoff qualification.

Mid-term performance and coaching changes (2023–2024)

In the , Austin FC recorded a 10–9–15 mark, accumulating 39 points and finishing 25th overall, the lowest position in the league, which resulted in missing the . The team's home form yielded 7 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses (25 points), while away performances were weaker at 3 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses (14 points). Defensive vulnerabilities contributed to the poor standing, as evidenced by an expected goals against (xGA) that exceeded offensive output, with the club conceding goals in most matches despite a middling attack generating 42.5 (xG). The 2024 season under head coach showed marginal improvement but still ended in disappointment, with Austin FC posting an 11–9–14 record for 42 points and an 18th-place finish, again failing to qualify for the for the second consecutive year. Home results were 7–5–5 (26 points), and away form stood at 4–4–9 (16 points), reflecting persistent struggles on the road and an inability to secure consistent wins despite roster investments. On October 5, 2024, a loss eliminated the team from postseason contention, prompting the club to part ways with Wolff the following day, October 6, after four seasons in charge since the team's 2021 inception. Assistant coach Davy Arnaud assumed interim duties for the final regular-season matches, including the October 19 fixture against the . Arnaud, a former Austin FC assistant since , managed the team through this transitional period without a permanent appointment at the time. On October 25, 2024, Austin FC announced as the new ahead of the 2025 season, selecting him for his prior MLS experience, including leading to playoffs in 2022 and 2023. These changes were driven by the need to address tactical shortcomings and elevate competitiveness, as the club's repeated non-qualification highlighted deficiencies in execution under Wolff despite stable ownership support.

2025 season, playoff qualification, and US Open Cup run

Austin FC competed in the 2025 season under head coach , who emphasized defensive solidity and counter-attacking play following his appointment in late 2024. The team started the campaign with a victory over on February 22, 2025, setting an early positive tone, though subsequent results included a mix of home wins and road challenges. Key regular-season highlights included two 1–0 shutout victories against , demonstrating tactical discipline against a Western Conference powerhouse. Despite a late-season loss to the on October 17, 2025, Austin maintained consistency to secure a playoff berth. The club clinched qualification for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs on October 5, 2025, after Vancouver Whitecaps defeated 4–1, ensuring Austin could not drop below the ninth seed in the Western Conference. This marked only their second postseason appearance since joining MLS in 2021, reflecting improved mid-table stability compared to prior years' struggles. Finishing as the sixth seed in the West, Austin advanced to the Round One Best-of-3 series against third-seeded LAFC, with the first leg scheduled for late October 2025 at . Their regular-season dominance over LAFC positioned them as underdogs with upset potential, bolstered by goalkeeper Brad Stuver's consistent performances. In the 2025 Lamar Hunt , Austin FC mounted a strong run to their first-ever final, defeating lower-division and MLS opponents en route to hosting at on October 1, 2025. The match ended in a 2–1 defeat, with Nashville scoring twice to claim their inaugural major trophy despite Austin's home advantage and vocal supporter backing. This runner-up finish highlighted the team's depth and resilience in a format demanding rotation amid MLS commitments, though it underscored finishing deficiencies against defensively organized foes. The campaign provided momentum heading into , validating Estévez's integration of new signings into a cohesive unit.

Stadium and facilities

Q2 Stadium design and construction

The design of Q2 Stadium was led by the architecture firm Gensler in partnership with Precourt Sports Ventures, focusing on blending the venue with Austin's natural terrain, cultural identity, and technological ethos while prioritizing fan comfort through open-air elements and shaded seating. Structural engineering was handled by Walter P Moore, which employed advanced modeling techniques like ConnecTID® for optimizing the structure's aesthetics, carbon footprint, and constructability, resulting in long-span trusses and custom cabling that create a visually light canopy roof spanning the seating bowl. The stadium incorporates extensive precast concrete elements, including 117 architectural wall panels and 577 structural pieces, to expedite assembly and enhance durability in the local climate. Key design features emphasize soccer-specific functionality with a capacity of 20,500 seats arranged in a compact bowl configuration, natural grass pitch, and sustainability measures achieving Gold certification. The roof canopy—five times larger than those of other MLS stadiums—provides comprehensive shade and coverage without enclosing the , complemented by open corners, breathable seating, and an expansive open-air to maximize ventilation and sightlines. Landscaped perimeter areas, including an amphitheater and public plazas, allow non-game-day use for community events, while integrated RGB LED field lighting represents an MLS first for tunable performance. VIP suites, standing terraces, and adjacent training facilities like the 29,000-square-foot St. David's Performance Center with multiple fields further support operational efficiency. Construction, managed by general contractor Austin Commercial, broke ground on September 9, 2019, at the McKalla Place site in North Austin's North Burnet neighborhood, and concluded in April 2021—just two months ahead of the venue's June 16 opening for Austin FC's debut MLS match—under an accelerated 18-to-20-month timeline that started with only 50% complete construction documents. The project utilized 4,500 tons of structural steel, issued just 52 requests for information to minimize delays, and came in $1 million under the guaranteed maximum price, contributing to a total development cost of approximately $260 million. Design inspirations from local Austin bridges informed the roof's efficient, cable-supported form, enabling rapid erection while meeting seismic and wind load requirements. The fast-tracked build avoided major disruptions, though it demanded precise coordination across disciplines to integrate 432,000 square feet of facilities without compromising quality.

Training and youth development facilities

The St. David's Performance Center, opened on April 2, 2021, serves as the primary training facility for Austin FC's first team, , and the club's youth academy teams. This $45 million, privately financed 23-acre complex is located in the Parmer Pond in northeast Austin, approximately seven miles from . The facility includes multiple soccer pitches dedicated to professional training, youth development, and occasional public events, alongside a 30,000-square-foot performance building equipped for conditioning, rehabilitation, and holistic player support. Key amenities in the performance building encompass separate locker rooms with showers and restrooms for the first team and academy players, a weight room, athletic training rooms, and classrooms tailored for educational and tactical sessions. The design emphasizes mental and physical wellness, integrating spaces for recovery and team meetings to foster player balance amid rigorous schedules. Construction was completed through a partnership between 's ownership group and developers, ensuring state-of-the-art infrastructure without public funding. Austin FC's youth development operates through the fully funded Austin FC , which competes in for boys' teams at U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, and U-18 levels, utilizing the St. David's facilities for daily training. The academy extends its pathway via the Center of Excellence program, partnering with local clubs to develop U-12 players and integrate them into the system. To attract top national talent, the club offers a program providing housing and support for out-of-state academy prospects in Austin. Recruitment emphasizes technical skill, tactical awareness, and character, with academy staff overseeing progression from levels to potential first-team integration.

Club identity

Crest, colors, and kit evolution

The crest of Austin FC, designed by local agency The Butler Bros., features two intertwined trees within a badge-shaped shield, symbolizing the resilience and deep roots of Austin's iconic live oaks. This design element draws from the city's natural landscape and cultural heritage, with the trees' branches forming subtle nods to the dynamic energy of Austin. The crest has remained unchanged since the club's founding announcement in 2018, serving as the primary visual identifier across all branding. Austin FC's official color palette centers on Bright Verde, a vibrant green hue representing the city's lush landscapes, outdoor lifestyle, and energetic spirit, complemented by black and white for contrast and versatility. Additional accents include in select applications, but Bright Verde dominates as the signature color in crests, kits, and merchandise to evoke Austin's vibrant identity. The club's kits, manufactured by since their 2021 MLS debut, have evolved from traditional striped designs emphasizing Verde to more experimental patterns incorporating city-inspired motifs. The inaugural 2021 home kit featured classic vertical Verde stripes on a black base, aligning with soccer heritage while highlighting the . By 2023, the "Las Voces" kit introduced multifaceted vertical stripes in varying widths and shades of Verde, departing from uniformity to reflect diverse fan voices and Austin's eclectic culture. In 2024, the "The Dillo" away kit adopted a pointillism-inspired pattern mimicking armadillo scales, using dotted Verde elements on a lighter base for a textured, artistic evolution tied to Texas fauna. The 2025-2026 "The Heartbeat Kit," unveiled on February 12, 2025, as the new primary jersey, intensifies Verde dominance with light and dark green stripes forming a pulsating pattern, accompanied by a heart emblem on the jocktag symbolizing the club's passionate fanbase and the "VERDE! ¡LISTOS!" call-and-response chant. This progression maintains core colors while innovating designs to deepen ties to Austin's heartbeat, with away and alternate kits continuing to vary patterns annually under Adidas partnerships.

Supporter groups and matchday atmosphere

Austin FC's supporter culture is anchored by several independent groups that organize chants, tifos, and pre-match gatherings to amplify fan engagement. Austin Anthem, established in 2013, spearheaded the grassroots campaign to bring to Austin and maintains sections in dedicated to continuous vocal support, including drums and flags. Los Verdes, formed as a member-driven , emphasizes inclusive yet intense matchday rituals, such as coordinated displays and Latin-influenced drumming traditions rooted in the city's demographic shifts toward soccer enthusiasm among Latino communities. Additional groups like La Murga de Austin contribute rhythmic percussion and cultural performances, while affiliates such as Burnt Orange Brigade and Oak Army New Braunfels extend support from surrounding areas, collectively fostering a unified "verde" (green) identity through shared scarves and banners. The matchday atmosphere at is characterized by high energy derived from its architectural design, with steep, closely pitched stands positioning fans directly above the field to create auditory pressure on visiting teams. Supporter sections, typically in the north end, generate sustained noise through call-and-response chants like extended "STUUUU" exclamations and pre-kickoff tifos unveiled by groups including Los Verdes, as demonstrated in their collaborative display for the 2025 season opener against on February 22. Traditions such as the "Heartbeat of Austin" fan march and verde lighting (temporarily restricted in 2025 due to MLS protocols) further build anticipation, blending local pride with soccer-specific rituals to sustain attendance above league averages in early seasons. This environment, while passionate, adheres to MLS safety guidelines, prioritizing a controlled yet fervent experience over European-style disruptions.

Ownership and finances

Ownership structure and 2025 investment expansions

Austin FC is owned by Two Oaks Ventures, with Anthony Precourt serving as the majority owner, founder, and chief executive officer since the club's inception in 2019. Precourt maintains controlling interest and represents the club on the MLS Board of Governors. The ownership group includes original minority investors such as co-founder Eduardo Margain, Marius Haas, Bryan Sheffield, Matthew McConaughey, and David Kahn, who contributed to the initial expansion fee and development costs exceeding $150 million. In 2025, the club expanded its investor base through two significant minority stake acquisitions to support operational growth and infrastructure. On July 14, 2025, Austin FC added five local business figures—Jenny Just and Matt Hulsizer (co-founders of PEAK6 Investments), Tench Coxe, Tanuj Gulati, and Dave Snyderman—as minority owners, valuing the enterprise at over $900 million. These investors bring expertise in finance and sports, with Hulsizer appointed as an alternate governor. On October 24, 2025, the Borgen family, through their entity FirstTracks Sports (also backing NWSL's Denver Summit expansion), joined as an additional minority investor at a $912 million enterprise valuation, further bolstering the cap table without any existing owners exiting. These infusions aim to enhance roster building, youth development, and stadium operations amid MLS's evolving roster rules starting in 2026.

Financial performance and economic impact

Austin FC's revenue has grown steadily since its 2021 debut, reaching $50.5 million that year and climbing to $87 million in 2023 before hitting $90 million for the 2023-2024 season, driven by consistent sellouts at and sponsorship deals. Unlike many MLS clubs that incur annual operating losses, Austin FC achieved positive operating income of $3 million in 2023 and $4 million in the subsequent season, reflecting efficient cost management and high amid a league average of negative profitability. The club's enterprise value reached $825 million in May 2025 per estimates, placing it among the league's upper tier, before exceeding $900 million in July after injecting capital from five new investors including Jenny Just and , which bolstered ownership stability without diluting core control. This valuation surge correlates with Austin's market appeal—strong local fanbase and —rather than on-field , as evidenced by the team's middling yet top-quartile financial metrics relative to expansion peers. A pre-construction analysis commissioned by Austin officials projected Q2 Stadium's annual operations to generate $31.6 million in GDP for Travis County through direct spending (e.g., tickets, concessions), indirect supply-chain effects, and induced household consumption, while supporting 507 jobs and yielding $1.1 million in local in the first year. Construction phase impacts were estimated at $88.4 million in county GDP and 1,528 jobs, primarily from building expenditures with minimal leakage due to local sourcing. These figures assume 33 yearly with 426,154 attendees and net-new visitor spending, though actual outcomes depend on attendance and economic conditions; no comprehensive post-opening has been publicly released, but like the 2025 are forecasted to add at least $20 million in direct local spending on hotels, dining, and retail.

Management and coaching

Executive leadership

Anthony Precourt serves as founder, majority owner, and chief executive officer of Austin FC, having spearheaded the MLS expansion franchise's acquisition in January 2019 and retaining control following a 2025 equity raise that added minority investors including FirstTracks Sports Ventures. Precourt, through his firm Two Oak Ventures, maintains governance authority as the club's appointed representative on MLS's Board of Governors. Andy Loughnane holds the position of president, managing operational aspects of the club since its and contributing to initiatives like hosting the 2025 at . The executive team reports to Loughnane and includes specialized senior vice presidents overseeing finance (Jinny Reif), legal affairs (Eric Hagen as chief legal officer and general counsel), (Susana Wolfe), (Ryan Madden), corporate partnerships (Alison Roscoe), sales and service (Avin Assomull), information technology (Ryan Fannin), and business strategy (Harrison Kim). This structure supports the club's administrative functions amid ongoing ownership expansions and performance evaluations.

Head coach history and transitions

Austin FC appointed Josh Wolff as its inaugural head coach on July 23, 2019, prior to the club's entry into Major League Soccer in 2021. Wolff, a former U.S. international player and assistant coach with experience at New England Revolution and Columbus Crew, oversaw the team's expansion into MLS, compiling a regular-season record of 45 wins, 30 draws, and 60 losses across four campaigns. The 2022 season marked the pinnacle of his tenure, with Austin FC securing second place in the Western Conference and advancing to the conference semifinals in the MLS Cup Playoffs. However, the team missed the playoffs in 2021, 2023, and 2024, prompting a coaching change amid declining performance and failure to sustain early momentum. On October 6, 2024, Austin FC mutually parted ways with Wolff immediately following the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, citing the need for new leadership to address persistent challenges in achieving postseason consistency. The club conducted a swift search process, appointing as head coach on October 25, 2024, marking him as only the second in franchise history. Estévez, a Spanish tactician with prior MLS head coaching experience at (2022–2024), where he emphasized a possession-oriented 4-3-3 formation, brought credentials from LaLiga ( assistant) and international youth roles, including with Spain's U-19 and U-21 teams. This transition reflected ownership's strategic pivot toward a coach with tactical versatility and bilingual capabilities to integrate European methodologies with MLS demands, amid roster rebuilds for the 2025 season.
No.NameNationalityTenureRegular Season Record (W-D-L)Playoff Appearances
12019–202445-30-601 (2022)
22024–presentN/A (as of October 2025)N/A

Players and squad dynamics

Current first-team roster

As of October 2025, Austin FC's first-team roster comprises 25 players, including two goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards, reflecting the team's composition for the ongoing MLS season.
No.PositionPlayerNationalityAge
1GKBrad StuverUnited States34
30GKStefan ClevelandUnited States31
No.PositionPlayerNationalityAge
18CBJulio CascanteCosta Rica32
5CBOleksandr SvatokUkraine31
35CBMateja DjordjevićSerbia22
4CBBrendan Hines-IkeUnited States30
29LBGuilherme BiroBrazil25
23LBŽan KolmaničSlovenia25
17RBJon GallagherRepublic of Ireland29
3RBMikkel DeslerDenmark30
2RBRiley ThomasUnited States23
No.PositionPlayerNationalityAge
6DMIlie Sánchez / 34
8CMDaniel Pereira25
33CMOwen / 20
14CMBesard Šabović / 27
20CMNicolás Dubersarsky / 20
32AMMicah Burton / 19
No.PositionPlayerNationalityAge
10LWMyrto 30
16LWRobert Taylor / 31
19LWCJ Fodrey21
11RW / 26
7RWJáder Obrian30
26RWJimmy Farkarlun24
9CFBrandon Vazquez / 27
21CFDiego Rubio / 32
This roster excludes supplemental or reserve players not on the primary senior list and accounts for international roster spots occupied by 17 foreign players.

Notable former players and transfer activity

Sebastián Driussi stands as Austin FC's most prominent former player, having joined as a designated player in July 2021 from Zenit Saint Petersburg for approximately $6.5 million and serving as club captain. Over 115 appearances, he scored 51 goals, establishing himself as the all-time leading scorer, earned MLS All-Star selection in 2022, and contributed significantly to the team's early competitiveness despite playoff absences. Driussi departed on January 17, 2025, transferring to River Plate for a club-record outgoing fee of $10 million plus an 8.5% sell-on clause, marking the highest fee received by Austin FC to date. Other notable departures include , a who joined from Houston Dynamo in 2021 and provided versatility in attack before transferring to in the 2023 offseason for an undisclosed fee. Cecilio Domínguez, signed as an initial designated player in 2021, appeared in limited matches amid performance and off-field issues before his contract was terminated in August 2021, leading to a free transfer. Domínguez's tenure highlighted early roster challenges, as the high-profile signing failed to deliver expected contributions. Austin FC's transfer activity has featured modest fees relative to MLS standards until recent years, with outgoing deals predominantly free transfers or low-value trades prior to Driussi's exit. The club received in trades, such as $50,000 from in exchange for a player in 2025, reflecting management strategies. Incoming transfers have escalated, with club-record fees paid for from on January 6, 2025, and subsequently surpassed by from for $12.3 million on January 24, 2025, signaling aggressive investment in attacking talent post-Driussi. These moves underscore a pattern of high-profile acquisitions balanced by strategic , though historical outgoing fees remain limited, with Driussi's transfer representing over 80% of cumulative revenue from player since .
Record Transfer FeesPlayerDirectionFeeDateClub Involved
Outgoing (Received)To River Plate$10 millionJan 17, 2025CA River Plate
Incoming (Paid)From $12.3 millionJan 24, 2025Granada CF

Youth integration and loans

Austin FC has prioritized youth integration by signing homegrown players from its academy directly to MLS contracts, with midfielder Owen Wolff serving as the club's inaugural example. Signed on September 9, 2021, at age 16, Wolff became the first homegrown player in franchise history and made his professional debut on November 3, 2021, during the club's inaugural MLS season. By 2025, Wolff had established himself as a key first-team contributor, earning the #4 ranking on MLS's 22 Under 22 list after recording multiple goals and assists in recent matches, including a goal and assist on September 7, 2025. The club supplements first-team integration through its MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Austin FC II, which blends academy prospects with senior players on loan for development. Launched in 2023, Austin FC II provides a pathway for unsigned academy talents and supplemental roster players, such as midfielder Micah Burton, designated as a homegrown supplemental in 2025. In March 2025, Austin FC II announced roster moves including loans from three first-team players, enabling dual eligibility between MLS and MLS NEXT Pro to facilitate youth exposure without full senior commitment. Loans to external clubs further aid youth development, as seen with homegrown defender , who signed a contract extension through 2025 on February 21 but was loaned to USL Championship's for the season to gain professional minutes. Similarly, defender Riley Thomas, aged 23, transitioned from eligibility to a first-team MLS contract on April 11, 2025, with a concurrent back to the reserve side for continued play in . These arrangements reflect Austin FC's strategy of using loans to bridge graduates toward sustained first-team roles, aligning with the club's stated goal of promoting at least one player annually to the senior squad.

Youth academy and affiliates

Academy structure and achievements

Austin FC Academy functions as a fully , fully funded boys' development that began competitive operations in fall 2019 and integrated into the elite league the following year. The program structures its competitive teams across U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, and U-18 age groups, with the U-17 and U-15 squads eligible for MLS Next Cup playoffs as the program's pinnacle levels. Complementing this, of Excellence initiative targets U-12 players through collaborations with local clubs, extending the developmental pathway to talent identification. emphasizes national outreach via a program accommodating elite prospects relocating to Austin for full-time training. A multiyear technical partnership with , established to share expertise in scouting, player , and welfare, further bolsters the 's methodological framework. Key achievements center on player progression to professional contracts, exemplified by midfielder Owen Wolff's signing as the club's inaugural homegrown player on September 9, 2021, at age 16—the youngest first-team signee in franchise history. Forward Micah Burton followed as the second homegrown addition on January 10, 2024, after captaining academy sides and earning U.S. youth international call-ups. Wolff's subsequent first-team integration, including MLS starts and a 2024 Young Player of the Year nomination, underscores the pathway's efficacy. In 2025, Nico Aristizábal and midfielder Christian Ayala earned selections to the , highlighting individual excellence amid competitive league play. The U-15 team's February 2025 qualification for Flex playoffs via a key draw further demonstrates sustained performance, though the academy has yet to secure national titles like the MLS Next Cup.

MLS Next Pro affiliation and reserve team

Austin FC II functions as the reserve affiliate of Austin FC in , the third-tier professional development league operated by since 2022. The team was formally announced on December 13, 2022, and entered competition in the league's expanded second season in 2023, joining six other MLS-affiliated clubs to reach 28 total participants. Brett Uttley, previously an assistant coach with , was named the inaugural on the announcement date, overseeing a dedicated technical staff including assistants and goalkeepers coach to support independent operations focused on talent cultivation. Home matches are hosted at Parmer Field at St. David's Performance Center in , a facility shared with the club's training and academy activities. The reserve team's structure emphasizes bridging the gap between MLS Next youth programming and the senior roster, accommodating academy graduates, SuperDraft picks, and prospects requiring additional seasoning before first-team integration. Examples include the signing of 2025 selections defender Riley Thomas and forward Patrick Gryczewski directly to the roster, alongside periodic short-term loans upward, such as defenders Nico Van Rijn in June 2025 and Antonio Gomez, Riley Thomas, and Van Rijn again in March 2025. In its debut 2023 campaign, Austin FC II finished second in the Western Conference standings and captured the MLS Next Pro Cup, defeating 3-1 in the final after a playoff run featuring four consecutive away victories—the first such streak in MLS or MLS Next Pro history—while conceding just one goal across postseason matches. The squad continued roster evolution into 2025 with multiple additions ahead of the season opener on March 7.

Broadcasting and sponsorship

Media partnerships and coverage

Austin FC's matches are broadcast nationally through Major League Soccer's exclusive streaming deal with Apple TV, where all regular-season games are available via MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, including options for local radio audio overlays where available. Locally, the club maintains radio partnerships for comprehensive English and Spanish coverage of all 34 MLS regular-season matches. English-language broadcasts air on iHeartRadio's Alt 97.5, with play-by-play handled by Austin native Lincoln Rose since the team's 2021 inaugural season. Spanish-language broadcasts are carried on Univision's TUDN Radio Austin (104.3-HD2, KLQB-FM), featuring primary play-by-play announcer Ignacio Araujo Escamilla in his second season as of 2025. These radio arrangements have remained consistent annually since the club's founding. For the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Austin FC secured local over-the-air television deals with Nexstar Media Group's stations in the Austin market, including The CW Austin (KNVA), NBC affiliate KXAN, and MyNetworkTV affiliate KBVO, ensuring broadcasts reached 100% of local TV households. Following MLS's shift to centralized streaming in 2023, full-match local TV has not been renewed, though the club partners with The CW Austin for "Verde Lights," a 30-minute weekly program dedicated to team coverage, which debuted in February 2023. Additionally, a multi-platform Spanish-language partnership with Univision Austin, established in April 2021, provides pre- and post-match shows, digital content, and promotional integration beyond radio broadcasts. National audio coverage includes SiriusXM FC, which carries live radio broadcasts of Austin FC's MLS regular-season games. The club's communications team collaborates with local media outlets to produce weekly live broadcast shows, enhancing fan engagement through four unspecified partner organizations as of recent internal reports.

Commercial sponsors and kit deals

Austin FC's kits are supplied by , the official outfitter for teams, producing home, away, and special edition jerseys featuring the club's verde and black color scheme. YETI, an Austin-based manufacturer of outdoor products, serves as the official front sponsor since the club's 2021 inception as a founding partner, with a multi-year extension announced on February 19, 2025, enhancing visibility through stadium activations and product integrations. In January 2025, Siete Foods, acquired by , expanded its partnership to become the right-sleeve sponsor, marking a shift from prior arrangements and aligning with the brand's focus on . Other founding partners include Q2 Holdings, Inc., which secured naming rights for in a long-term deal, and St. David's HealthCare, designated as the official provider for healthcare, training, and recovery services. Extended and official club partners encompass for grocery and community support, and for technology integrations, as the tire partner, and , Chevron, and others added in 2023 for broader commercial activations including advertising and fan experiences.
Sponsor CategoryKey PartnersRole
Founding, Q2, St. David's HealthCareJersey, stadium naming, healthcare
Extended/Official, /, , , ChevronRetail, tech, tire, semiconductors, energy

Performance records

Season-by-season summaries

2021 season
Austin FC entered as an in 2021, coached by , and finished the regular season with a record of 9 wins, 4 draws, and 21 losses, earning 31 points and placing 24th in the overall standings, which prevented qualification for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The team performed better at home, securing 7 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses at , but managed only 2 wins, 2 draws, and 13 losses on the road. Offensively challenged in the latter part of the season, Austin scored just 3 goals in April, 2 in May, 1 in , and 4 in , contributing to a disorganized approach that limited their competitiveness. 2022 season
Building on their debut year, Austin FC improved markedly in , achieving 16 wins, 8 draws, and 10 losses for 56 points, which positioned them second in the Western Conference during the regular season. The team started strongly, scoring an MLS-record 10 goals across their first two matches, including a 5-0 home win over on February 26. In the playoffs, Austin advanced through the first two rounds before falling to in the Western Conference Final on October 30. 2023 season
Austin FC regressed in 2023 under continued leadership from , recording 10 wins, 9 draws, and 15 losses for 39 points, finishing 25th overall and missing the . Home form yielded 7 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses, while away results were weaker with 3 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses. The season concluded with a 1-1 draw against the on October 21 at . 2024 season
The 2024 campaign saw Austin FC post 11 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses, totaling 42 points and an 18th-place overall finish, again failing to reach the playoffs. Despite a balanced home record of 7 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses, road performance lagged with 4 wins, 4 draws, and 9 losses. Persistent issues at the top of the roster and tactical breakdowns under Wolff highlighted the need for changes, as the team appeared fundamentally disrupted by mid-season. 2025 season
As of October 26, 2025, Austin FC completed the 2025 regular season with 13 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses, securing 47 points and the 15th spot overall, while clinching the Western Conference's sixth seed for the MLS Cup Playoffs on October 5 via favorable results elsewhere. The team showed relative strength away from , with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 10 losses, compared to 7 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses at home. Their playoff series against in Round One began after the regular season finale, a 2-1 loss to on October 18.

Statistical records and milestones

Sebastián Driussi holds the club record for most goals scored, with 51 in 115 appearances across all competitions during his tenure from 2021 to 2024. The club established its highest incoming transfer fee with the acquisition of Myrto Uzuni from Granada CF for a reported $12.3 million in January 2025. Outgoing transfers reached a record when Driussi moved to River Plate later that month, yielding the largest fee received for a departing player. Austin FC maintains the longest active consecutive home sellout streak in MLS history, achieving 81 straight sellouts by July 2025 at Q2 Stadium, with consistent attendance of 20,738 per match. The team reached its first U.S. Open Cup final in 2025, falling 2-1 to Nashville SC on October 1. In the 2025 MLS regular season, Austin FC recorded 13 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses for 47 points, securing a playoff berth for the third time since inception. Homegrown midfielder Owen Wolff set a club mark with the most game-winning goal contributions in a single season.

Honors and individual awards

Austin FC secured its first trophy by winning the inaugural Division 1 Copa Tejas on July 16, 2021, after defeating rivals and in intrastate matches. The club repeated as Copa Tejas champions in 2022 with a 2-0-2 record against MLS opponents, clinching the title via a draw against . Austin FC claimed the honor for a third consecutive year in 2023, again topping the standings with victories over and draws versus . The team advanced to the 2025 U.S. Open Cup final but fell 2-1 to on October 1, 2025, at . Forward earned MLS Player of the Month honors for July 2022, marking his second such award that season and joining an elite group of players to achieve multiple monthly accolades in a single year. ranked fourth on the 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 list, recognizing his emergence as one of the league's top young talents with three goals and nine assists across 88 appearances by season's start. received the club's internal Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021 after leading MLS with 136 saves, and he has since been nominated for league-wide honors including Goalkeeper of the Year and the Goals Drive Progress Impact Award.

Controversies and criticisms

Player misconduct and disciplinary issues

In April 2022, indefinitely suspended Austin FC midfielder Cecilio Domínguez pending an investigation into allegations of off-field misconduct, specifically following a report to Austin police of at his residence. Domínguez did not play during the suspension, which lasted approximately one month, and the club cooperated fully with the league's . On May 4, 2022, MLS reinstated him after concluding the probe found insufficient basis for further discipline, with no criminal charges filed. Austin FC players have faced standard on-field disciplinary actions under MLS rules, including suspensions for yellow card accumulation and red card ejections. For instance, forward Sebastián Driussi received a one-match ban on July 20, 2024, after being sent off with a red card in a 2-1 loss to FC Dallas on July 17, 2024, for dissent toward the referee. Driussi has also served suspensions for accumulating five yellow cards in prior seasons, such as in September 2024. These incidents align with league-wide protocols, where yellow card thresholds trigger automatic one-game bans and fines starting at $250. No other major off-field or arrests involving Austin FC players have been publicly documented as of October 2025, distinguishing the club from teams with repeated or substance-related violations in MLS. The league's disciplinary framework emphasizes swift investigations for reported incidents to maintain player accountability. In January 2023, Austin FC's Claudio Reyna resigned amid a public scandal involving his family and U.S. men's national team coach , in which Berhalter disclosed that the Reynas had threatened to publicize a prior domestic incident unless he was removed from his position ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The controversy, which surfaced during U.S. Soccer's coaching search, highlighted tensions between club operations and national team affiliations, prompting Reyna's departure after less than two years in the role. On October 6, 2024, the club dismissed Josh Wolff, who had managed the team since its 2021 inception, following a second consecutive failure to reach the and a 10th-place finish in the Western Conference with a 10-9-15 record. Wolff's tenure included a 2022 playoff appearance but was marked by inconsistent results and criticism over tactical inflexibility and lineup decisions, contributing to operational instability as the club sought a new direction under majority owner . Fan-related tensions emerged in July 2024 when the independent supporter group Austin Anthem urged members to boycott home matches at , protesting MLS's decision to withdraw U.S. clubs from the U.S. Open Cup—a move critics argued prioritized the lucrative over domestic competition traditions. The call risked empty seats in the supporter sections, underscoring fractures between fan expectations for competitive scheduling and league operational priorities, though attendance impacts were not quantified in official reports. Safety concerns among supporters arose after an April 2022 assault on an Austin FC fan outside PNC Stadium during a match against Dynamo, leading groups to implement cautious travel protocols for subsequent away games against rivals. This incident, part of broader Copa Tejas rivalry tensions, prompted discussions on enhanced security coordination between clubs but highlighted ongoing risks in fan operations without formal MLS-wide resolutions.

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