MLS · Western Conference · Austin, Texas, US · Q2 Stadium
Austin FC
Weirdness codified into a sporting identity - Austin FC brought MLS to the live-music capital of the world and discovered a city that was already waiting in the stands, verde scarves draped over sunburned shoulders, ready to make professional soccer feel like a Saturday night on Sixth Street.
2019–2021
Birth of Austin FC
From expansion bid to inaugural season
Austin's path to MLS was driven by Two Oak Ventures, led by Anthony Precourt, who had previously owned the Columbus Crew and attempted to relocate the franchise to Texas. After that effort failed amid fierce opposition from Columbus fans and Ohio politicians, Precourt was awarded a new expansion franchise in January 2019. The city of Austin, long considered one of the largest American markets without a major professional sports team, embraced the club immediately.
Q2 Stadium, a 20,738-seat soccer-specific venue in North Austin, was constructed in record time and became one of the most atmospheric grounds in MLS. The stadium's design, with steep stands close to the pitch and a massive supporters' section, was purpose-built to amplify the crowd noise that has become Austin FC's hallmark.
The 2021 inaugural season, led by head coach Josh Wolff, was a learning experience. The roster, anchored by Designated Players Cecilio Dominguez and Tomas Pochettino, showed flashes but ultimately finished outside the playoff places. Still, the atmosphere at Q2 Stadium - regularly sold out and rocking - proved that Austin was ready for top-flight soccer.
Key Facts
- Expansion franchise awarded to Anthony Precourt in January 2019
- Q2 Stadium opened in June 2021 as one of MLS's best venues
- Inaugural 2021 season ended outside the playoffs
- Immediate sellout crowds established a passionate fanbase
2022–Present
Rising Verde
Playoff contention and growing ambition
The 2022 season marked Austin FC's arrival as a legitimate MLS contender. Led by Sebastian Driussi, who put together one of the finest individual seasons in league history with 22 goals and was named MLS MVP runner-up, Austin surged to the top of the Western Conference standings for much of the year. The midfield creativity of Driussi, combined with the energy of players like Moussa Djitte and Diego Fagundez, gave the Verde and Black a dynamic attacking identity.
Austin FC earned a first-round bye in the 2022 playoffs before falling to Real Salt Lake in the conference semifinal. It was a painful exit, but it demonstrated how far the club had come in just two seasons. The 2023 and 2024 campaigns brought further growth pains as the club worked to maintain consistency in a competitive Western Conference.
The club has continued to invest in both its roster and infrastructure, with a focus on building a sustainable model that combines smart signings from South America with homegrown talent developed through their academy. Austin FC's ambition is clear: they want to be not just a playoff team, but a championship contender.
Key Facts
- Sebastian Driussi scored 22 goals and finished as MVP runner-up in 2022
- First playoff appearance came in the 2022 season
- Q2 Stadium continues to sell out regularly
- Growing academy pipeline aimed at long-term competitiveness