Austin FC has slowly been building its brand identity and squad over the last year. In 2018 the club unveiled its logo to the public and while at first there was a lot of controversy surrounding the team, then Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt had intentions to move the Crew to Austin and rebrand them since Precourt cited the lack of stadium funding as one of the reasons he wanted to move the team. The move did not happen, and Precourt sold his stake in the Crew to local ownership and put his focus on getting his new MLS team off the ground. Austin FC added Hollywood celebrity Matthew McConaughey to their ownership group and through the use of his star power and some excellent local marketing, Austin FC has been riding a strong wave of excitement as they near their first season in MLS.
As MLS’s 27th team, Austin FC is the first major professional sports team in the untapped Austin, Texas market. The club has done a good job of keeping itself relevant with McConaughey doing various interviews about the team and wearing the team’s merchandise.
On the field the club has systematically announced the arrival of their sporting director, head coach, and first designated player to keep fans in the loop. Austin FC will also open their own Soccer Specific Stadium in June of this year. Here is everything you need to know about the latest MLS team, Austin FC!
Who owns Austin FC?
Anthony Precourt (Austin American Statesman)
Austin FC is owned by Two Oak Ventures; the CEO is Anthony Precourt who at one point owned the Columbus Crew. Other part owners include famous Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey, Dell executive Marius Haas, Parsley Energy founder Bryan Sheffield, and Pixiu Investments founder Eddie Margain.
What does the Austin FC logo mean?
Austin FC Logo
The Austin FC crest has a primary green and black color pattern, the colors signify “Bright Verde” to “project the vibrancy and creative energy of Austin”, the oaks in the logo “stand for the bond between Club and City”, and the four roots unite the whole of Austin, North, East, South, and West.
Who is Austin FC’s head coach?
Josh Wolff (Getty)
Former USMNT forward Josh Wolff is the club’s first head coach. This will be Wolff’s first major coaching job after being an assistant coach for the USMNT, Columbus Crew, and D.C. United respectively. As a player, Wolff played for the Chicago Fire, Kansas City Wizards, 1860 Munich, and retired at DC United. He earned 52 caps for the USMNT and scored 5 goals, being a part of two World Cup squads in 2002 and 2006.
Who is Austin FC’s Sporting Director?
Claudio Reyna (Getty)
The Austin FC sporting director is none other than USMNT standout Claudio Reyna. Reyna, a three time World Cup veteran and USMNT captain, was the Sporting Director at NYCFC before moving to Austin FC. In his playing days Reyna played in Germany, Scotland, and England before retiring in MLS.
Who was the first player signed by Austin FC?
Cecilio Domínguez (Getty)
Cecilio Domínguez, the 26-year-old Paraguayan National Team forward, is not only the clubs first player but also the team’s first DP. Domínguez arrives after a rather unproductive stint at Argentine club Independiente. He also has 17 caps for the Paraguayan National Team and 0 goals.
Where will Austin FC play?
Q2 Stadium Renderings (MLSsoccer.com)
Austin FC will play their home games as of June in a brand-new Soccer Specific Stadium called Q2 Stadium. The stadium will have 20,500 seats. Aside from soccer the stadiumwill serve as a cultural venue for events and concerts.
Who else is on the Austin FC roster?
Matt Besler (Getty)
Some MLS veterans make up the current roster, Nick Lima, Diego Fagúndez, Kekuta Manneh, Matt Besler, and Ben Sweat are some of the names on the team. The club will most likely sign one more DP before the transfer window closes.
