Austin FC looks to score more goals in 2026
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Brandon Vázquez of Austin FC plays against the San Jose Earthquakes on July 8, 2025. Photo: Eakin Howard/Getty Images
Austin FC is hoping to rebound from a largely disappointing 2025 campaign with some fresh offensive firepower.
Why it matters: Franchise owners spent big in the offseason, hoping to recapture the excitement surrounding the team in its pandemic-era early years.
The big picture: Empty green-colored seats at Q2 Stadium were hard to miss on telecasts last season as the team struggled to find an identity.
Flashback: Last year, star striker Brandon Vázquez tore an ACL midseason and featured forwards Myrto Uzuni and Osman Bukari never clicked in first-year head coach Nico Estévez's offense.
- Despite scoring the fewest goals in the Western Conference during the regular season, the Verde and Black landed a playoff spot but were easily vanquished by LAFC in the first round.
Catch up quick: Facundo Torres is the team's latest big-money signing — acquired for a reported $9.5 million from Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras.
- Torres, who is competing for a spot on Uruguay's World Cup roster, previously played three seasons for Orlando City FC, scoring 39 goals and adding 16 assists.
State of play: Other key signings include winger Jayden Nelson, acquired from Vancouver Whitecaps FC; defender Jon Bell, who has played on three other MLS teams; and Joseph Rosales, who spent the last five seasons with Minnesota United FC.
- Key departures: Bukari, defender Julio Cascante, winger Jáder Obrian and veteran forward Diego Rubio.
What they're saying: "The squad is getting better and better — but at the same time, everyone is getting better and better," Austin FC sporting director Rodolfo Borrell told reporters this week.
- "Sometimes you bring players with an idea of what they can do, what they can deliver, for what they have done in the past and suddenly for whatever reason they come here and they don't perform the same — so then this is about reacting and trying to bring the the right pieces," he said about the team's offseason acquisitions.
The intrigue: Apple TV analysts pick Austin to finish sixth in the Western Conference — the same as last season.
What we're watching: How long it will take Vázquez to return to pre-injury form.
What's next: The team kicks off the season against Minnesota at 7:30pm Saturday at Q2 Stadium.
Go deeper: Austin FC tops $900 million in valuation