Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver's best Austin day
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Brad Stuver of Austin FC makes a save during an MLS match in May. Photo: Jeff Dean/Getty Images
Long a fan favorite, Austin FC goalie Brad Stuver has also made his mark off the field.
Why it matters: Selected to represent the club when the MLS All-Star Game is played on home soil July 23, Stuver, who led the league in saves in 2023 and 2024, has made a name for himself for his community engagement.
- On Sunday, he and his wife, Ashley, will participate in an event with the Laundry Project, which provides free laundering services for people with low incomes.
- The couple's foundation is underwriting an Aug. 12 screening at AFS Cinema of "Lone Star Three," a documentary about Texas students who advocated for abortion rights ahead of the Roe v. Wade decision.
We recently caught up with Stuver, who lives in southwest Austin with his wife and dog — Pippa, an Australian shepherd/pitbull mix, adopted from Austin Pets Alive! — to talk soccer, life after the game and his ideal Austin day.
Do you care more about winning or losing?
"I hate to lose. Winning is great and is always the goal, but I've always hated the feeling of losing more."
Austin FC has had middling results — but its defense has been among the league's best. How does that feel?
"We've built a good chemistry together, and I'm really proud of the team's defensive work this year. It's a testament to the work the guys have been putting in and the cohesiveness of the back line."
Is your ideal day a match day?
"Game days are boring. On our off days, we get the most time to explore the city."
Tell me how you like to start your day.
"We always get a coffee or a matcha somewhere. We rotate between three of them — Paperboy, Desnudo or Mañana."
What are you doing for fun?
"We're homebodies, but one thing we like to do is go to local bookstores and libraries."
What's something you've read recently?
"Right now, the books I'm reading are chiefly for grad school."
Oh, what sort of graduate work are you doing?
"I'm getting my master's degree in public policy at Oregon State — it's a fully online program."
Why public policy?
"I think all the work we've done through the foundation, and the platform I have to bring attention to causes, suggests I'll transition after soccer to the advocacy realm."
Back to your best day: What are you doing for dinner?
"Our number one spot is Peacock Mediterranean Grill. Our standing order is the short rib shawarma hummus with housemade pita — and we do the beef and salmon kebabs."
What do you enjoy doing before bed?
"Nothing, really. We like to head to the back patio to unwind, throw a ball to Pippa and sit outside if it's not too unbearably hot."