Austin FC kicked off their 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with fervor on February 22, 2025, facing off against Sporting Kansas City at the Q2 Stadium. The excitement surrounding the match was palpable, not just for the fixture itself but for the fresh ambitions the Verde & Black bring to this season.
This season marks the first for head coach Nico Estévez, who joined Austin FC after previously leading FC Dallas. Estévez arrives with high hopes for the squad he now leads. "One thing I know is important in Austin is... make us a team," he shared during his inaugural press conference. His vision for the team involves fostering creativity and intensity, aligning with the identity of the vibrant city they represent.
Fans were eager to witness the new acquisitions, especially forwards Brandon Vazquez and Myrto Uzuni, both of whom have impressive resumes. Vazquez, previously with CF Monterrey, expressed his excitement about joining Austin FC, saying, "I’m excited to be here and do... when [the ball] happens." Uzuni, who transferred from Granada CF, similarly brings international experience to the squad, hoping to leave his mark on MLS.
The match itself underscored the high stakes for both teams. The game resulted in Austin FC securing their first three points of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to Osman Bukari’s 76th-minute header—a moment marked more by sheer persistence than polish, as it bounced off his face from a corner kick. The goal was the breakthrough the home crowd had been waiting for, and their joy was palpable as they welcomed the new season and new talents on their roster.
For Sporting Kansas City, the match was déjà vu, drawing parallels to their previous loss against Inter Miami just days before. The team had high hopes of breaking their scoring drought, especially after they had come close with several promising chances. Their best opportunity came when William Agada set up Daniel Salloi, whose initial shot was thwarted by Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver. The rebound fell to Agada, who was presented with an open goal but blasted his shot over the crossbar, leaving fans disappointed.
While Austin celebrated their slight victory, Sporting Kansas City must now shift their focus to the upcoming second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup tie against Inter Miami, which they need to win to advance. The stakes couldn't be higher, as they trail 1-0 from the first leg and must find ways to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
Once the final whistle blew, the mood among Austin FC fans was jubilant. Alex Camacho, one enthusiastic supporter, noted, "We finally invested some good money... compared to last year," reflecting the optimism surrounding the roster changes and the management’s strategic investments. Other fans, such as David Sugure, expressed their excitement for the new season’s prospects, eager to see how the newly formed squad would gel under Estévez's guidance.
With this victory under their belt, Austin FC is gearing up for their next challenge of the season. They will look to build on this momentum as they head toward their upcoming match against the San Jose Earthquakes on March 1. For Sporting Kansas City, the next days will involve intensive reflection and preparation as they look to return to winning ways, especially following their challenging start to the season.
Overall, the match served as both a celebration of new beginnings for Austin FC and a reminder of the dedication required for Sporting Kansas City to overcome their current struggles. Each team has its goals for the weeks to come, and the narrative of 2025 MLS season is just beginning to unfurl.