AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC is back in action after a long awaited off season, playing their home season opener on Saturday.
The team has added a plethora of new faces both on and off the pitch since the end of the last Major League Soccer (MLS) season.
Nico Estévez will lead the Verde & Black as head coach this season, replacing Josh Wolff who served as head coach in the past four seasons. Estévez joins from FC Dallas, where he served as head coach from 2022 to 2024.
“One thing that I know that is important in Austin is that we want a team that is intense, that is going forward, that is creative–because this city is creative,” Estévez said in a press conference. “With the roster that we have, and with the players that will come, together [we can] make us a team that can compete against any team in this league.”
The Verde & Black also added forwards Brandon Vazquez and Myrto Uzuni to bolster their attack. Vazquez transferred from CF Monterrey in Liga MX and Uzuni transferred from Granada CF in Spain’s LaLiga2.
“If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s to be in the right sport–how to put the ball in the back of the net,” Vazquez said. “I’m excited to be here and do that, and see the fans cheer when that happens.”
“I played Champions League, Europa League and La Liga,” Myrto said. “I want to put my name here in MLS.”
This season will be Austin FC’s 5th in the MLS. The Verde & Black will play their home opener against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday at 7:30 PM at Q2 Stadium.
