Austin FC's Opening Week Blues

Austin FC commenced their 2024 MLS campaign with high hopes but encountered an early setback, succumbing 2-1 to Minnesota United in their inaugural game. The defeat was further compounded by a hamstring injury sustained by team captain Sebastian Driussi.

Expressing his disappointment with the team's first-half performance, head coach Josh Wolff remarked, "It was quite disappointing. It was unrecognizable from what our group has looked like in six, seven weeks of preseason," during the post-match press conference. “From personality, from speed, from combativeness from dueling. It was sorely lacking the things that we preached and been about in preseason,” he stated.

Despite an improved showing in the second half after introducing newcomers such as striker Diego Rubio, winger Jáder Obrian, and defender Guilherme Biro, Austin FC failed to capitalize on key opportunities. Notable players like designated player Emiliano Rigoni missed crucial chances, prompting Wolff to emphasize the importance of not squandering opportunities.

Minnesota made strategic adjustments in the second half, replacing all three strikers around minute 68 to inject fresh energy into their lineup. This tactic proved effective as Colombian midfielder Alejandro Bran found the second goal in extra time. However, Austin also witnessed a bright moment with the debut of Biro, the 23-year-old Brazilian scored his first goal for Austin FC shortly after Minnesota's second goal at minute 94. But it wasn’t enough for a fan, “I think we’re just kind of growing tired of the same old thing. Our defense is lacking at the moment and I mean, it is what it is.”

When I asked coach Wolff about this fan reaction he stressed the need for other players to step up. "Obviously an addition like Sebastian, his quality just his personality injects a lot to our guys but you know, it’s life, he’s not there, the other guys need to pick up… We have to get better," he urged.

During post-match interviews, Driussi himself spoke to the media despite not playing, but I still managed to ask what does a captain say to his team. "We'll talk about it during the week, but we need to rise up because it's just the beginning. It's the start; we can't afford to show this image, especially in front of our people, and we have to keep improving many things," he said.

I also caught up with the young talented midfielder Dani Pereira who echoed a similar sentiment in Spanish, emphasizing the importance of starting strong and maintaining a winning mentality. "I don't want to say that we have 33 games left, that it is just the beginning because that's not the mentality we should have. We should start winning from the beginning.” When asked about Driussi’s impact on the field he said, “To me he’s the best player [in the league] I’m glad he’s on my team and I’m not playing against him.”

As Austin FC navigates through early-season challenges, the focus remains on growth, improvement, and working towards achieving their goals in the MLS with or without their captain.

Fans are hopeful for a swift recovery for Driussi and positive news regarding defender Leo Väisänen who suffered a plantar fasciitis injury, which can take up to 3 months to heal. According to Eric Goodman from the Austin Chronicle, he exited the stadium on crutches.

More updates will be provided during tomorrow's media availability before the team heads to Seattle to face the Sounders on Saturday at Lumen Field at 9:30 p.m. CT.