Austin FC: The Rise of the Verde and Black in Major League Soccer
Founded on October 12, 2018, Austin FC has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the sporting culture in Austin, Texas. Known by nicknames such as The Verde and Black, Los Verdes, and El Tree, the club represents the city's vibrant energy on the national stage of Major League Soccer (MLS). From its official announcement on January 15, 2019, to its competitive debut in 2021, the club was built to integrate local roots with professional excellence.
Key Facts
- Founded: October 12, 2018
- Home Ground: Q2 Stadium (Capacity: 20,738)
- Ownership: Two Oak Ventures, chaired by Anthony Precourt
- League: Major League Soccer (Western Conference)
- Major Honors: U.S. Open Cup Runners-up (2025) and Western Conference Playoff Runners-up (2022)
- Local Rivalry: Part of the Copa Tejas rivalry with FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo
Club History and Evolution
The journey of Austin FC began with a vision to bring top-tier professional soccer to Central Texas. In July 2019, the ownership group was established as Two Oak Ventures, expanding to include various local business leaders and celebrities. The club's early technical foundation was laid by the hiring of Josh Wolff as the first head coach and Claudio Reyna as Sporting Director in 2019; notably, the two were former teammates for the United States national team from 1999 to 2006.
The club's competitive trajectory has seen significant peaks and transitions. After a challenging inaugural season in 2021, the team surged in 2022, reaching the Western Conference Finals. Over the years, the club has navigated several coaching changes, moving from Josh Wolff to Nico Estévez, and eventually appointing Jim Curtin as the head coach following the 2026 season.
Stadium and Culture
Austin FC plays its home matches at Q2 Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 20,738. The stadium is more than just a venue; it is a hub of community activity, supported by infrastructure like the McKalla Station, a commuter rail stop that opened to facilitate fan access on the club's home opener day.
The club's identity is deeply tied to its visual branding and partnerships. While Adidas serves as the kit manufacturer, the club has partnered with brands like Yeti and Siete Foods. The passionate fan base, often seen as a sea of green, continues to drive the atmosphere at every home match.
Performance and Roster
Throughout its history, Austin FC has seen standout individual performances, most notably from Sebastián Driussi, who remains the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 51 goals. The current roster features a diverse mix of international talent, including Designated Players (DP)—players whose salaries exceed the league's salary cap—such as Brandon Vázquez, Myrto Uzuni, and Facundo Torres.
The club also maintains a strong developmental pipeline through its Academy and the affiliate team, Austin FC II, ensuring a steady flow of homegrown talent into the first team.
| Season | League Position | Playoffs | US Open Cup | Top Scorer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12th | DNQ | NH | C. Dominguez, D. Fagundez |
| 2022 | 2nd | SF | R3 | Sebastián Driussi |
| 2023 | 12th | DNQ | R16 | Sebastián Driussi |
| 2024 | 10th | DNQ | R32 | J. Obrian, S. Driussi |
| 2025 | 6th | R1 | RU | B. Vázquez, M. Uzuni |
| 2026 | 14th | DNQ | GS | Myrto Uzuni |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Austin FC?
The club is owned by Two Oak Ventures, with Anthony Precourt serving as the Chairman and CEO.
What is the capacity of Q2 Stadium?
Q2 Stadium can accommodate 20,738 spectators.
Who is the all-time leading goalscorer for the club?
Sebastián Driussi is the club's all-time leading scorer, having netted 51 goals.
What is the Copa Tejas?
Copa Tejas is an intrastate rivalry competition involving Austin FC, FC Dallas, and the Houston Dynamo.
Who is the current head coach?
As of the most recent updates, Davy Arnaud is serving as the interim head coach, with Jim Curtin announced to take over following the 2026 season.