Consistency.
Higher defenders.
Extra prolific scorers.
There was a wide range of opinions from Austin FC followers Saturday about what the membership must do within the offseason to be higher subsequent 12 months, however all of them mentioned one factor must occur extra typically in 2027: Successful.
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Austin FC completed out its season with a 2-0 loss to Portland at Q2 Stadium, and whereas the Timbers wanted the three factors to succeed in the MLS playoffs – they really rose to seventh within the West to keep away from the play-in recreation – it was a meaningless contest for the Verde and Black.
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The finale nonetheless drew a good crowd, with some not shy about giving their ideas on a membership that missed the playoffs for the fourth time in six years.
“We’d like a reasonably large overhaul,” mentioned Don Simoneaux, who beforehand had season tickets and mentioned he now involves about 90% of the video games. “I might actually like to see a bit of bit extra star energy … and make some extra higher-profile signings to get the followers engaged. We’d like extra medical goal-scoring alternatives and possibly want an improve at striker and winger, but it surely’s actually type of again to entrance apart from (goalie Brad Stuver).”
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Drew Warriner, who mentioned he is a season ticket holder, merely needs a greater product on the sector. He’d like a repeat of the 2022 season when Austin FC completed second within the Western Convention and made the convention finals within the playoffs, and he is hoping a wholesome Brandon Vazquez can present a lift subsequent season.
“I felt like he was the massive man final 12 months, after which he is damage this 12 months,” Warriner mentioned. “This 12 months hasn’t been wasted, however he is making an attempt to rehab and get again. So we’ll see if we are able to get some actual type up high and hold all people wholesome for as soon as.”
Invoice Farrell, who was on the recreation along with his spouse, Rebecca, is in favor of revamping the protection. Rebecca Farrell needs a extra aggressive offense, however each of them famous the membership has a whole lot of work to do.
“These issues are only the start,” Invoice Farrell mentioned.
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Change and hope are on the horizon for Austin FC
As gamers cleaned out their lockers postgame, with some leaving the power extra rapidly than others, it is unclear who might be again – even these below contract – with a brand new sporting director and coach.
The ambiance wasn’t as dour because it was Oct. 28 following a loss to Actual Salt Lake that eradicated the membership from postseason rivalry, but it surely nonetheless hit some gamers that the 12 months is completed.
“Lacking the playoffs hurts,” Stuver mentioned. “And being right here for all six years and lacking 4 instances, it carries a heavy burden.”
Stuver and forwards Brandon Vazquez and Christian Ramírez are three gamers who’re nearly sure to return.
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Ramírez lamented the group’s residence type the second half of the season. Austin FC is 0-5-4 in its final 9 matches at Q2 Stadium, has misplaced 4 straight there and hasn’t gained a house MLS match since July.
“It ought to be our purpose subsequent 12 months to make this place a fortress,” Ramírez mentioned.
Vazquez’s journey again from a torn ACL suffered in July 2025 has affected the membership in all probability greater than it ought to have by magnifying its different deficiencies. He admitted Saturday he is nonetheless not near 100% and that his knee is on his thoughts when going into challenges.
Vazquez, the group’s massive signing earlier than the 2025 season, has performed higher the final six weeks and scored three objectives. With greater than two months earlier than coaching camp begins for the dash season in mid-January, he hopes he’ll be utterly prepared for 2027.
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“I’ve principally been by way of 18 months of rehab,” he mentioned. “I have to get previous this offseason and be contemporary and able to go.”
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 7: Christian Ramirez #21 of Austin FC heads the ball forward of Ronald Hernández of the Portland Timbers in the course of the second half at Q2 Stadium on November 7, 2026 in Austin, Texas. (Photograph by Scott Wachter/Getty Pictures) (Scott Wachter/Getty Pictures)
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This text initially revealed at ‘Extra star energy’: What Austin FC followers need after one other MLS season with out playoffs.
