Austin FC and Minnesota United are set to start their seasons on Saturday in Austin. Both teams have seen changes in their rosters during the offseason.
Austin is looking to improve on last season’s sixth-place finish in the Western Conference and its second playoff appearance. They welcome Facundo Torres, a former Orlando City winger, who joins as a designated player from Palmeiras.
Fans have reasons to be optimistic, especially after last season’s playoff run and an appearance in the U.S. Open Cup final. However, the team will need to adapt as they wait for key players Owen Wolff and Brandon Vazquez to recover from injuries.
The team struggled in preseason, winning only one of six matches. Improving their scoring will be vital, as they recorded the fewest goals in the West last season, with just 37.
“We are still developing how we are going to play,” said coach Nico Estevez. “Some new players are fitting in, and we see glimpses of our vision, but there are inconsistencies.”
On the other side, Minnesota United is adding firepower with Colombian star James Rodriguez likely to make his MLS debut. Rodriguez joins the team after a stint with Club Leon in Liga MX and has played for elite clubs including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
“I’ve played in top leagues, but I wanted to come to this league,” Rodriguez remarked. “When the chance arose to join this great club, I was eager to help and win.”
Minnesota has also strengthened its defense with goalkeeper Drake Callender, acquired in a trade from Charlotte FC during the offseason.
Cameron Knowles is now the head coach, taking over from Eric Ramsay, and is assisted by former Austin coach Josh Wolff. Knowles previously served as interim coach and brings some familiarity with the team’s dynamics.
A significant portion of the Minnesota roster has changed over the last four months, following a fourth-place finish in the West and a run to the conference semifinals.