Austin FC 11 Best Players: The Top Talents in Club History
As one of Major League Soccer’s newest franchises, Austin FC quickly made an impact on the league with passionate fan support and an exciting roster of talented players. Since its inception, Austin FC has quickly built a roster of talent, and this list highlights the Austin FC 11 Best Players who have shaped the club’s journey.
Despite their brief history, Austin FC has already produced standout players who have played crucial roles in shaping the team’s identity and success. This list highlights Austin FC 11 best players history, celebrating their contributions, skills, and memorable moments on the pitch.
#11: Cecilio Domínguez (2021 – 2022)
- Position: Winger / Forward
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 154 lbs
- Teams: Club América, Independiente, Austin FC
Cecilio Domínguez was Austin FC’s first-ever Designated Player, a historic signing that signaled the club’s ambitions from the start. Known for his speed, dribbling, and versatility in attack, Domínguez made an immediate impact in Austin’s inaugural season. He scored crucial goals and provided a creative spark from the wings. While his tenure at the club was relatively short, his performances helped lay the foundation for Austin FC’s early competitive success in MLS.
#10: Julio Cascante (2021 – Present)
- Position: Center Back
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 174 lbs
- Teams: Saprissa, Portland Timbers, Austin FC
Julio Cascante has been a stalwart in Austin FC’s defense since joining the club in their inaugural season. A commanding presence at the back, Cascante’s aerial ability, strong tackling, and leadership have made him a key figure in Austin’s defensive line. His experience from his time with the Portland Timbers and Saprissa in Costa Rica helped solidify Austin’s defense, and his ability to read the game has been critical in building a strong backline. Cascante’s contributions have been essential in the club’s steady rise in MLS.
#9: Héctor Jiménez (2021 – Present)
- Position: Right Back / Midfielder
- Height/Weight: 5’9″, 145 lbs
- Teams: LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, Austin FC
A versatile and experienced player, Héctor Jiménez brought a wealth of MLS experience to Austin FC when he joined the team. Capable of playing both in defense and midfield, Jiménez has been a reliable option for the club, filling in multiple roles when needed. Known for his leadership, consistency, and tactical awareness, Jiménez has become a valued veteran presence in the squad. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively has made him a key player in Austin’s early seasons.
#8: Dani Pereira (2021 – Present)
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 150 lbs
- Teams: Austin FC
Dani Pereira was Austin FC’s first-ever SuperDraft pick and quickly established himself as a dynamic presence in midfield. His ability to control the tempo of the game, break up opposition attacks, and contribute both offensively and defensively has made him one of the brightest young talents in MLS. Known for his vision, passing range, and composure on the ball, Pereira has become a fan favorite at Q2 Stadium, and his potential to grow even further has excited the Austin FC faithful.
#7: Ethan Finlay (2022 – Present)
- Position: Winger
- Height/Weight: 5’9″, 165 lbs
- Teams: Columbus Crew, Minnesota United, Austin FC
Ethan Finlay, a seasoned MLS veteran, joined Austin FC in 2022, bringing pace, creativity, and experience to the wing. Known for his direct attacking style and ability to deliver crosses, Finlay quickly became an important part of Austin’s offense. His energy and work rate have made him a constant threat on the flanks, and his veteran presence has helped guide the team through key matches. Finlay’s contributions have been crucial to Austin’s attacking success, adding depth and quality to their forward options.
#6: Jon Gallagher (2021 – Present)
- Position: Fullback / Winger
- Height/Weight: 5’9″, 160 lbs
- Teams: Atlanta United, Austin FC
Jon Gallagher has been one of the most versatile players for Austin FC, capable of playing both as a fullback and a winger. His pace, energy, and ability to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases of the game have made him a vital part of the squad. Gallagher’s commitment and adaptability have been key in Austin’s system, as he has frequently been involved in creating chances and stopping opposing attacks. His work ethic and versatility have endeared him to Austin FC fans and made him an indispensable part of the team.
#5: Moussa Djitté (2021 – Present)
- Position: Striker
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 176 lbs
- Teams: Grenoble Foot 38, Austin FC
Moussa Djitté joined Austin FC in 2021 and quickly established himself as a powerful presence up front. Known for his strength, aerial ability, and hold-up play, Djitté has provided a vital physical edge to Austin’s attack. Despite limited starts, Djitté’s work rate and ability to come off the bench and change the game have been significant. His performance in crucial matches, such as his hat-trick against Real Salt Lake in 2022, cemented his status as one of Austin’s most dangerous offensive weapons. With his capacity to disrupt defenses and score in critical moments, Djitté has become a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team’s growing success.
#4: Alexander Ring (2021 – Present)
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 165 lbs
- Teams: Kaiserslautern, New York City FC, Austin FC
Alexander Ring brought leadership and experience to Austin FC when he joined in their inaugural season. A tenacious defensive midfielder, Ring is known for his tough tackling, ability to read the game, and work rate. As the team’s captain, he played a crucial role in organizing the midfield and providing stability to both defense and attack. Ring’s leadership both on and off the field has been instrumental in Austin FC’s success, helping the young franchise find its identity in MLS. His versatility has also been valuable, with Ring frequently slotting into multiple positions across the midfield and defense when needed.
#3: Brad Stuver (2021 – Present)
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs
- Teams: Columbus Crew, New York City FC, Austin FC
Brad Stuver has been one of the standout goalkeepers in MLS since joining Austin FC, emerging as a fan favorite for his shot-stopping ability, leadership, and presence between the posts. Stuver’s quick reflexes and command of his area have been crucial in securing clean sheets and keeping Austin in tight games. His leadership extends off the pitch, where he is known for his work in the community and his vocal presence in the locker room. Stuver’s consistency and heroics, including multiple penalty saves, have played a massive role in Austin’s progression as a competitive team in MLS, and he remains one of the cornerstones of the squad.
#2: Diego Fagúndez (2021 – Present)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger
- Height/Weight: 5’8″, 150 lbs
- Teams: New England Revolution, Austin FC
Diego Fagúndez has been one of Austin FC’s most creative and dynamic players since joining the team in 2021. A versatile attacking midfielder, Fagúndez is known for his excellent vision, technical ability, and knack for scoring and creating goals. As the first MLS player to score for Austin FC, Fagúndez quickly became a fan favorite and continued to impress with his playmaking and leadership. He finished the 2022 season as one of the league’s top assist providers, showcasing his ability to orchestrate the attack and link up with his teammates. With his vast experience and influence on the field, Fagúndez has been a vital part of Austin’s rise in MLS.
#1: Sebastián Driussi (2021 – Present)
- Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 165 lbs
- Teams: River Plate, Zenit St. Petersburg, Austin FC
Sebastián Driussi has quickly cemented himself as the star of Austin FC and one of the best players in Major League Soccer. Since joining the club in 2021, Driussi’s incredible technical skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability have elevated the team to new heights.
Playing primarily as an attacking midfielder or forward, Driussi’s ability to both create and finish chances has made him Austin’s most dangerous player. His standout 2022 season, where he finished as one of the top scorers in MLS, propelled Austin FC to their first-ever playoff appearance and earned him a spot as a finalist for the league’s MVP award. Driussi’s flair, creativity, and leadership have not only made him a fan favorite but also the heart of their attacking force.
Final Rankings
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