Austin FC kicks off the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season on Saturday night, hosting Sporting Kansas City at Q2 Stadium. The match promises to be compelling, set against the backdrop of cold and possibly rainy weather, as both teams strive to make amends after falling short of playoff aspirations last year.
Both clubs are coming off disappointing campaigns—Austin FC finished 11-14-9 (42 points), plagued by offensive issues, and ranked 26th league-wide for goals scored. Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand, struggled even more, ending their season with a record of 8-19-7 (31 points) and finishing 27th for goals conceded, having allowed 66.
Adding to the excitement is the debut of Austin FC coach Nico Estévez, who takes the reins after more than two seasons with FC Dallas. Estévez’s arrival, coupled with several roster enhancements during the off-season, raises expectations for the Verde and Black. His lineup showcases new additions and players eager to prove themselves.
Despite the anticipation, the first half of the season opener indicated both teams were still assessing their footing. By halftime, the game remained scoreless at 0-0. Austin FC enjoyed 56% possession and managed five shots to Sporting Kansas City's four, yet neither team found the back of the net. Noteworthy moments included Kansas City forward William Agada nearly breaking the deadlock with a shot from near the penalty spot, saving Austin FC from falling behind.
Throughout the first half, Austin FC appeared to be gaining momentum, particularly during the middle segment of play when they dominated possession. Young player Owen Wolff's corner kicks and free kicks caught commentator's attention as interesting tactical choices by Estévez.
Once the second half rolled around, Austin FC's performance was expected to increase tenfold, especially as Sporting Kansas City faced fatigue issues from their recent game just days before. Fans eagerly looked to see how Estévez would navigate substitutions, especially considering potential changes with players like Jon Gallagher. Would the freshness of the substitutes be enough to swing things Austin’s way?
Austin FC geared up for the match with players like Jáder Obrian, Brandon Vazquez, and Osman Bukari on the forward line. New midfielders Besard Sabovic and Nicolás Dubersarsky were also available off the bench, increasing the array of tactical responses Estévez could deploy during the match. Meanwhile, Kansas City's squad, led by Erik Thommy, William Agada, and Daniel Salloi, faced the challenge of overcoming previous defensive weaknesses.
The excitement didn't just hinge on the action; it also revolved around team stats and individual performances. Across the MLS, Austin FC was noted for scoring only 39 goals last season, ranking at the bottom of the league compared to Sporting Kansas City's 51 goals. Defensively, Austin allowed 48 goals, positioning themselves significantly higher than Sporting Kansas City, who allowed 66 goals.
The stakes were high; not only was this match about reclaiming glory after last season's disappointment, but it also represented the dawn of new strategies and compositions as teams adjusted during the off-season.
Austin FC's goalkeeping by Brad Stuver continued to display impressive saves, showcasing their defensive tactics. On the other hand, Kansas City struggled to find fluidity, trailing behind their attacking sequences. The first step toward success for both teams revolved around rectifying previous year’s shortcomings.
Heading toward the end of the match, predictions leaned toward Austin FC to take the three points, particularly based on Kansas City’s fatigue following their recent games. Both teams required substantial focus to grind out points and build toward the future.
Fans could catch the action live via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as this match marked the first step toward building momentum for the long season to come.
Should Austin FC prevail, it would symbolize not just triumph over Kansas City, but also embody the potential for resurgence during the 2025 MLS season.