Maxi Urruti joins Austin FC as free agent following Houston Dynamo departure

Austin FC have completed the signing of free agent forward Maxi Urruti, the club announced on Tuesday.

The Argentine had been without a club since leaving fellow Texan side Houston Dynamo at the end of the 2021 campaign and has signed with Austin through 2023. Urruti will thus become the first ever player to represent all three of Texas' MLS clubs.

“Maxi is a winner with a proven history of scoring goals and creating chances,” sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a club statement. “He’ll help us become more dynamic in the attacking third and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to Austin.”

Urruti heads to Austin with plenty of pedigree having won the Argentine Primera Division with Newell's Old Boys in 2013, while in Major League Soccer he's lifted MLS Cup, US Open Cup, Supporters' Shield, and Canadian Championship titles.

In 235 MLS regular-season appearances for Houston, FC Dallas, CF Montreal, and Portland Timbers combined, Urruti has scored 60 goals and provided 30 assists.

“I’m very excited for these new beginnings with Austin FC,” said the 30-year-old. “I’m happy to wear these colors and can’t wait to celebrate with all the fans at Q2 Stadium. Vamos Verde y Negro!”

Urruti will join Moussa Djitte and Danny Hoesen among Austin FC's striking options. The former scored just once in 13 appearances last season, while the latter was limited to just five appearances - without scoring - by an ongoing hip injury.

Austin's latest addition won't occupy an international roster slot having already acquired a green card.