Austin FC, Austin’s only major league sports team, is entering its second season this month and we’re ready for an exciting time with the Verde and Black.

If you’re gearing up in green for El Tree this year, keep reading for a refresher on what’s been going on.

Last season

Because Q2 Stadium was still under construction, Austin FC had to play their first eight matches on the road last season.

Although they won two of their first three matches, players quickly started getting injured and the travel appeared to be taking its toll. By the end of the season, the team ended in the Western Conference second-to-last with 31 points.

New faces

But the team has been working hard since then, and have signed several new faces to bring fresh talent to the squad. This includes:

Maxi Urruti, a nine-year Major League Soccer veteran
Ethan Finlay, a ten-year MLS veteran
Kipp Keller, a No. 5 draft pick
Ruben Gabrielsen, a Norwegian defender

Some players won’t be returning, including Matt Besler, Aaron Schoenfeld, and Ben Sweat.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for McKinze Gaines, a former Austin player and Round Rock native who will play against his hometown team in its Carolina matchup. Gaines scored his first-ever career MLS goal with Austin FC last season.

Schedule

You can start watching Los Árboles as early as next week. Matches taking place this month in Austin include:

Feb. 9 vs. Toronto FC at St. David’s Performance Center — preseason
Feb. 16 vs. Atlas FC at Q2 Stadium — preseason
Feb. 26 vs. Cincinnati FC at Q2 Stadium – season opener

The season opener is set to be an exciting one, as Austin has never played Cincinnati before. Other brand-new matchups this season include DC United, Orlando City SC, and Atlanta United FC. See the full season lineup and buy tickets online here. ⚽