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Among the lowest-scoring teams in MLS last season, Austin FC scored multiple goals in just 10 of its 36 league games, including the playoffs.
But Nico Estévez's team typically cashed in on its scoring outbursts. Last season, the Verde took home three points in eight of the 10 matches in which they tallied two times or more.
Austin FC midfielder Dani Pereira (8) shoots a free kick during the MLS playoff match against LAFC at Q2 Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
In Saturday’s season-opening game against Minnesota United, Austin FC looked proficient in the attacking third, making the net bulge twice. But a defensive breakdown in the 90th minute minimized the reward for the Verde’s attacking endeavors as the visitors rescued a 2-2 draw at Q2 Stadium via Kelvin Yeboah’s equalizing goal.
Both of the goals Austin FC conceded came from apparent mistakes. On a first-half corner kick, Austin FC midfielder Ilie Sánchez whiffed on a defensive header, leaving Minnesota United’s Morris Duggan free to head home from close range.
Later, the Verde appeared well-positioned to defend a transition attack from Minnesota United in the game’s dying moments, outnumbering the attacking players in the penalty box as Devin Padelford floated a cross in from the left flank. But no one marked the 6-foot-1 Yeboah, who powered a header past a helpless Brad Stuver.
Austin FC’s Robert Taylor went down injured just before that sequence — prompting Estévez to alter his substitution plan. Defending with 10 men temporarily, Estévez speculated that his group might have been a bit disorganized, resulting in the passage of play leading to Yeboah’s goal.
“I think that confused a little bit everyone on the field and they took advantage,” Estévez said postgame.
Those mistakes neutralized some exciting attacking play from Austin FC, which spent the 90 minutes tormenting Minnesota United down the left flank.
MORE: Austin FC has some questions to answer with new MLS season here
New signing Jayden Nelson instigated most of that positive play. Acquired from Vancouver Whitecaps over the offseason, Nelson showcased a knack for pace and direct trickery that made him the centerpiece of just about every Austin attack.
A delightful passage of play down Nelson’s flank helped Austin FC win a corner in the seventh minute.
That set piece was taken by another newcomer, Facundo Torres, who floated a delightful ball toward the near post for defender Brendan Hines-Ike to power home. It was the third goal scored by Hines-Ike in 60 MLS appearances for the Verde.
“I think he had a really good debut,” Estévez said of Nelson. “I think he was brave. He was aggressive in the 1-v-1 situations, created a lot of good crosses and dangerous plays.”
Nelson, who Estévez said was cramping, left the pitch in the 69th minute in favor of Taylor.
Taylor, continuing his teammate’s good work on the left, floated in a picture-perfect back-post cross shortly after his introduction. Jon Gallagher headed it down in the goalmouth, and Myrto Uzuni bundled it into the net with his chest.
MORE: Austin FC has a better roster for 2026, but then so does the rest of MLS
Taylor’s injury designation was more ominous. Estévez said he twisted his knee. The Verde already have a sizeable list of unavailable players. Right back Mikkel Desler is expected to be involved in training this week as he returns from injury. Midfielder Owen Wolff is shooting to start training next week, Estévez said. He also held left back Guilherme Biro and midfielder Besard Sabovic out of the squad for Saturday’s game after they were shown red cards in Austin FC’s final preseason friendly.
Considering the absences, Estevez said he was pleased with the progress his team made as an attacking unit.
“I think we’ll have a team that is very attractive to watch,” Estévez said.
That certainly wasn’t the case in 2025, when Austin FC scratched and clawed its way into the playoffs despite scoring fewer goals than any other team in the Western Conference.
With an attacking quartet that features three new additions and one positive attacking performance already in the bag, maybe there’s hope for Estévez's prediction.
Continue reading...
But Nico Estévez's team typically cashed in on its scoring outbursts. Last season, the Verde took home three points in eight of the 10 matches in which they tallied two times or more.
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Austin FC midfielder Dani Pereira (8) shoots a free kick during the MLS playoff match against LAFC at Q2 Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Austin. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
In Saturday’s season-opening game against Minnesota United, Austin FC looked proficient in the attacking third, making the net bulge twice. But a defensive breakdown in the 90th minute minimized the reward for the Verde’s attacking endeavors as the visitors rescued a 2-2 draw at Q2 Stadium via Kelvin Yeboah’s equalizing goal.
Both of the goals Austin FC conceded came from apparent mistakes. On a first-half corner kick, Austin FC midfielder Ilie Sánchez whiffed on a defensive header, leaving Minnesota United’s Morris Duggan free to head home from close range.
Later, the Verde appeared well-positioned to defend a transition attack from Minnesota United in the game’s dying moments, outnumbering the attacking players in the penalty box as Devin Padelford floated a cross in from the left flank. But no one marked the 6-foot-1 Yeboah, who powered a header past a helpless Brad Stuver.
Austin FC’s Robert Taylor went down injured just before that sequence — prompting Estévez to alter his substitution plan. Defending with 10 men temporarily, Estévez speculated that his group might have been a bit disorganized, resulting in the passage of play leading to Yeboah’s goal.
“I think that confused a little bit everyone on the field and they took advantage,” Estévez said postgame.
Those mistakes neutralized some exciting attacking play from Austin FC, which spent the 90 minutes tormenting Minnesota United down the left flank.
MORE: Austin FC has some questions to answer with new MLS season here
New signing Jayden Nelson instigated most of that positive play. Acquired from Vancouver Whitecaps over the offseason, Nelson showcased a knack for pace and direct trickery that made him the centerpiece of just about every Austin attack.
A delightful passage of play down Nelson’s flank helped Austin FC win a corner in the seventh minute.
That set piece was taken by another newcomer, Facundo Torres, who floated a delightful ball toward the near post for defender Brendan Hines-Ike to power home. It was the third goal scored by Hines-Ike in 60 MLS appearances for the Verde.
“I think he had a really good debut,” Estévez said of Nelson. “I think he was brave. He was aggressive in the 1-v-1 situations, created a lot of good crosses and dangerous plays.”
Nelson, who Estévez said was cramping, left the pitch in the 69th minute in favor of Taylor.
Taylor, continuing his teammate’s good work on the left, floated in a picture-perfect back-post cross shortly after his introduction. Jon Gallagher headed it down in the goalmouth, and Myrto Uzuni bundled it into the net with his chest.
MORE: Austin FC has a better roster for 2026, but then so does the rest of MLS
Taylor’s injury designation was more ominous. Estévez said he twisted his knee. The Verde already have a sizeable list of unavailable players. Right back Mikkel Desler is expected to be involved in training this week as he returns from injury. Midfielder Owen Wolff is shooting to start training next week, Estévez said. He also held left back Guilherme Biro and midfielder Besard Sabovic out of the squad for Saturday’s game after they were shown red cards in Austin FC’s final preseason friendly.
Considering the absences, Estevez said he was pleased with the progress his team made as an attacking unit.
“I think we’ll have a team that is very attractive to watch,” Estévez said.
That certainly wasn’t the case in 2025, when Austin FC scratched and clawed its way into the playoffs despite scoring fewer goals than any other team in the Western Conference.
With an attacking quartet that features three new additions and one positive attacking performance already in the bag, maybe there’s hope for Estévez's prediction.
Continue reading...
