Austin FC returns to the pitch for its 2025 season
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Goalkeeper Brad Stuver is back for the 2025 campaign. Photo: David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Austin FC this weekend is launching its fifth campaign with a new coach, new players and new jerseys.
Why it matters: After a second consecutive losing season in 2024, franchise owners spent big to bring in fresh talent.
- The ownership group ponied up more than $25 million in transfer fees during the offseason, looking to add firepower to the attack and shore up the midfield.
The big picture: It's up to coach Nico Estévez, who helmed FC Dallas for parts of three seasons with mixed results, to get the most out of an array of talented players.
Catch up quick: The Verde and Black signed two proven goal scorers, Brandon Vázquez from Mexican team CF Monterrey and Myrto Uzuni from Granada CF, in the second tier Spanish league.
- 20-year-old midfielder Nicolás Dubersarsky, who was playing in the top league in Argentina, signed a five-year contract, and veteran midfielder Ilie Sánchez is on board for one year.
The intrigue: Even as coach Josh Wolff was fired, the team signed his son, midfielder Owen Wolff, to a contract extension.
State of play: Other returning players to watch: Wingers Osman Bukari and Jáder Obrian, midfielder Dani Pereira, defenders Leo Väisänen, Jon Gallagher and Mikkel Desler, and fan favorite goalkeeper Brad Stuver.
- Among the players not returning: all-time team scoring leader Sebastián Druissi, former team captain Alex Ring and Gyasi Zardes, the 10th leading scorer in MLS history.
Fun fact: Austin FC players hail from 17 countries on four continents.
The latest: Austin FC scored four goals in four preseason games against MLS teams, suggesting the team has a ways to go to find scoring combinations.
Reality check: Austin is tied for 19th among the 30 teams for futures odds of winning the MLS Cup.
What's next: The Verde and Black open the season Saturday at home against Sporting Kansas City.
- Kickoff is at 7:30. Tickets start at $34.