Austin FC 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions
By Chris Smith
Austin FC head into the 2023 MLS season with expectations through the roof.
After laying the foundations in their expansion year, the Verde and Black enjoyed more success than they could have dreamed of last campaign, finishing second in the Western Conference and making it through two rounds of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
With that, Austin earned themselves a first-ever spot in the Concacaf Champions League. But, of course, extra pressure comes with this sort of territory, and Josh Wolff will need to maintain high standards if they're to keep rubbing shoulders with Major League Soccer's elite.
So, here's everything you need to know about Austin FC ahead of the new MLS season, including tactics, key players, and predictions:
How did Austin FC perform in 2022?
- Regular season: 2nd in Western Conference
- MLS Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Final
- US Open Cup: Third Round
Austin FC transfer activity
Transfers in
Player | Former Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Leo Väisänen | Elfsborg | $1.8m |
Adam Lundqvist | Houston Dynamo | $500k |
Gyasi Zardes | Colorado Rapids | Free transfer |
Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez | Seattle Sounders | Free transfer |
Amro Tarek | El Masry | Free transfer |
Matt Bersano | San Jose Earthquakes | Free transfer |
Will Bruin | - | Free transfer |
Transfers out
Player | Club Joined | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Jared Stroud | St. Louis CITY SC | $100k |
Felipe Martins | Orlando City | Free transfer |
Andrew Tarbell | Houston Dynamo | Free transfer |
Freddy Kleeman | Tampa Bay Rowdies | Free transfer |
Will Pulisic | Minnesota United 2 | Free transfer |
Tomas Pochettino | Fortaleza | Undisclosed |
Ruben Gabrielsen | Lillestrom | Undisclosed |
Moussa Djitte | AC Ajaccio | Loan |
Danny Hoesen | - | Released |
Washington Corozo | Sporting Cristal | End of loan |
Josh Wolff: Tactics and style of play
For the most part, Austin lined up in 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations last year, just as they did in 2021. Wolff enhanced the attacking soccer he'd promised from day one and deployed a 'positional' style of play.
Given the complications of positional play, with players needing a close understanding of where they are on the pitch and each other's movements, this was quite a risk in Austin's first-ever season. And indeed, it went horribly wrong on multiple occasions. But in year two, things clicked, with Austin one of the most consistent, exciting, and hard-to-beat teams in MLS.
Wolff is unlikely to change a winning formula and will hope to see his team playing with even more cohesiveness.
Austin FC predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Stuver; Lima, Väisänen, Cascante, Kolmanic; Ring, Pereira; Rigoni, Driussi, Fagundez; Zardes.
Who is Austin FC's key player?
Sebastian Driussi
Few players in Major League Soccer last season could match the output of Sebastian Driussi, who helped himself to a whopping 22 goals and five assists in 34 regular season appearances. Only Hany Mukhtar (23) scored more, while the Argentine also helped himself to three goals in three Playoffs matches.
Austin supporters will be delighted to see Driussi signing a new contract with the club through 2025, giving them genuine hope of challenging at the top again this year.
Driussi's clinical edge in front of goal is one thing, but his speed and skill make him a nightmare for defenders wherever he is on the pitch. Expect the 27-year-old to make another MVP bid.
Austin FC 2023 season prediction
With success comes great pressure, and supporters, players, and staff alike will all be expecting big things from Austin FC this year, both domestically and in CCL.
Can the Verde and Black live up to the hype? Well, in players like Alex Ring and Brad Stuver, they certainly have great leaders, while Driussi is a talismanic figure in the attack. Head coach Wolff has also proven himself very measured and in tune with his players.
Perhaps asking Austin to finish second in the West again is a tough ask, but they'll be in the post-season mix.
Will Austin FC qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs? Yes