Quick Read
- For British football followers used to the drama of the Premier League, Austin FC offers a refreshing look at how passion, community, and tactical evolution intersect in the North American game.
- As of the 2025 season, the Austin FC standings continue to draw attention from both American and international fans, including a growing number from the UK.
- As of late October 2025, Austin FC sit in 8th place in the MLS Western Conference standings, narrowly clinging to the final playoff spot.
In the fast-changing world of Major League Soccer (MLS), Austin FC’s journey remains one of the most fascinating stories in American football. Since joining the league in 2021, the club has experienced the full spectrum of emotions—from underdog breakthroughs to playoff heartbreaks. As of the 2025 season, the Austin FC standings continue to draw attention from both American and international fans, including a growing number from the UK.
For British football followers used to the drama of the Premier League, Austin FC offers a refreshing look at how passion, community, and tactical evolution intersect in the North American game. But how exactly are Austin FC performing this season, and what do their standings reveal about the club’s trajectory?
The Current Austin FC Standings: A Season of Mixed Fortunes
As of late October 2025, Austin FC sit in 8th place in the MLS Western Conference standings, narrowly clinging to the final playoff spot. This season has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance and spells of inconsistency.
Under head coach Josh Wolff, the team has improved defensively compared to last season but still struggles with creativity in the final third. Their points tally hovers around the mid-40s—respectable, but below the club’s ambitious expectations after reaching the Western Conference Final in 2022.
Their home form at Q2 Stadium remains solid. Austin have turned their ground into a fortress, losing just twice in 15 home fixtures. Yet, their away performances continue to be a concern, with dropped points against sides like Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake proving costly.
Key Players Shaping Austin FC’s Season
The 2025 campaign has seen both established stars and new faces take centre stage for Austin FC.
Sebastián Driussi, the Argentine playmaker and designated captain, continues to lead from the front. Despite an early-season injury scare, Driussi has contributed 10 goals and 6 assists, proving once again why he’s the heartbeat of the team.
Gyasi Zardes has also rediscovered his scoring touch after a difficult 2024 season, while Owen Wolff, son of the manager, has matured into a dependable midfield presence. Defensively, Leo Väisänen and Brad Stuver have been standout performers—Väisänen marshalling the back line with authority, and Stuver continuing to be one of the league’s most underrated goalkeepers.
Yet, injuries have hampered Austin’s momentum. The team has missed the dynamism of winger Emiliano Rigoni, who spent months sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Interestingly, the fitness struggles of athletes have been a recurring theme across sports recently. For instance, in American football, the Alvin Kamara injury and Tee Higgins injury have highlighted how top performers can be derailed by physical setbacks—something Austin FC have painfully learned this season.
The Tactical Blueprint: Possession, Pressing, and Patience
Josh Wolff’s tactical philosophy has always drawn admiration. Inspired by his time under Gregg Berhalter with the US Men’s National Team, Wolff’s Austin FC side prioritise possession and quick transitions.
However, 2025 has exposed a few tactical flaws. The team’s high pressing system sometimes leaves gaps in midfield, especially against sides that exploit counter-attacks. The lack of a reliable creative midfielder to support Driussi has also been evident.
Austin have attempted to address these issues by experimenting with a 4-2-3-1 formation, shifting from their usual 4-3-3 setup. This has brought better balance but still lacks the fluidity seen during their 2022 peak season.
The contrast in approach between Austin and teams in Europe is interesting for UK fans. While Premier League sides like Arsenal and Liverpool thrive on tempo and vertical play, MLS sides like Austin emphasise controlled possession—often adapting tactics to the league’s travel demands and climate variations.
How Austin FC Compare with MLS Rivals
In the Western Conference, Austin FC find themselves in a competitive field. Powerhouses like LAFC, Seattle Sounders, and St. Louis City SC continue to dominate the upper half of the table.
While Austin’s defensive improvement keeps them competitive, their offensive record lags behind. As of late October, they’ve scored just 42 goals, compared to LAFC’s 58. Their goal difference remains modest, underlining their struggle to convert chances into wins.
Yet, when compared with newer franchises like St. Louis City or Charlotte FC, Austin’s progress is commendable. Few clubs have built such a passionate fan base so quickly, with Q2 Stadium regularly selling out—a reflection of the deep connection between the city and its club.
A Growing Fanbase in the UK
Austin FC’s appeal extends beyond Texas. In recent years, the club’s vibrant culture, bold branding, and passionate support have resonated with UK football fans seeking fresh football narratives.
Streaming services like Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass have helped British audiences follow Austin FC’s matches more easily. Additionally, UK-based fans who follow North American sports—especially the NFL and NBA—often find themselves drawn to Austin’s growing football identity.
This crossover of audiences is evident across sports journalism, with British readers increasingly interested in North American leagues. For example, articles on topics like Bam Adebayo injury or Reds schedule 2025 have seen a rise in readership, suggesting UK fans are engaging more deeply with U.S. sports culture as a whole.
Historical Context: Austin FC’s Rapid Rise
Austin FC became the 27th MLS franchise when they entered the league in 2021. Backed by majority owner Anthony Precourt, the club quickly established itself as one of the league’s most ambitious projects.
Their debut season was challenging, finishing 12th in the Western Conference. Yet, by their second year in 2022, they shocked the league by reaching the Western Conference Final, defeating sides like FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake along the way.
That rapid ascent raised expectations. However, 2023 and 2024 brought inconsistency, as injuries, tactical experiments, and the league’s growing competitiveness took their toll.
Now in 2025, Austin FC’s focus is on consolidation—building a sustainable identity capable of challenging for silverware annually.
The Bigger Picture: Austin FC in the CONCACAF Context
Austin FC’s ambitions extend beyond domestic competition. Their participation in the CONCACAF Champions League in 2023 gave fans a glimpse of the club’s potential on the continental stage.
Though they exited early, the experience was invaluable. Competing against Mexican and Central American teams helped Austin measure themselves against elite regional talent.
The CONCACAF Champions League stats show that MLS clubs have steadily closed the gap with Liga MX teams in recent years. For Austin FC, returning to that competition remains a key goal. Doing so would not only elevate their profile but also attract higher-calibre players from abroad.
The Business Side: Growth, Branding, and Expansion
Off the pitch, Austin FC has been a commercial success. The club’s merchandise sales rank among the highest in MLS, fuelled by their distinctive green-and-black kit and modern marketing strategy.
The team’s commitment to sustainability—through initiatives like solar-powered facilities and community outreach programmes—has also strengthened their image.
In a sports landscape where branding is crucial, Austin FC have mastered the art of blending local culture with global ambition. The club’s collaboration with local artists, musicians, and food vendors at Q2 Stadium has made matchdays a full cultural experience rather than just a football event.
This holistic approach mirrors the growing professionalism of U.S. soccer as a whole—a development increasingly acknowledged by European fans and analysts.
Expert Opinions and Statistical Outlook
Analysts suggest Austin FC are in a transitional phase. According to data from the MLS official site, Austin’s expected goals (xG) per game stands at 1.32, a slight improvement from 2024. Their passing accuracy remains among the league’s top five, reflecting their continued emphasis on possession-based football.
However, their conversion rate is below average—something Wolff’s side must address if they are to maintain playoff contention. Football experts from outlets like ESPN and The Athletic have praised Austin’s defensive solidity but questioned their attacking depth.
Some UK-based pundits have compared Austin FC’s evolution to that of early Manchester City under Sven-Göran Eriksson—promising, well-funded, but still lacking the cutting edge required for consistent dominance.
The Road Ahead: Can Austin FC Break Through?
Looking ahead, the next few matches are critical. Austin face a tough run-in against conference rivals like LA Galaxy and Minnesota United. Securing points in these fixtures could define their playoff fate.
The team’s long-term success will depend on recruitment. Signing another creative midfielder and a clinical striker should be a priority. Investment in youth development will also be vital, ensuring Austin FC continue to produce homegrown talent in a league that increasingly rewards academy depth.
If Wolff can balance tactics with squad rotation and maintain fitness levels, Austin FC could once again be a force to reckon with.
FAQs about Austin FC Standings
1. Where does Austin FC currently rank in the MLS standings?
As of October 2025, Austin FC sit in 8th place in the Western Conference, fighting for a playoff spot.
2. Who is Austin FC’s top scorer this season?
Sebastián Driussi leads the charts with 10 goals, continuing his fine form from previous seasons.
3. What is Austin FC’s best-ever MLS finish?
Their best finish came in 2022 when they reached the Western Conference Final, losing to LAFC.
4. How can UK fans watch Austin FC games?
Matches are available via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, which streams all fixtures live and on demand.
5. Will Austin FC qualify for the playoffs this season?
It remains uncertain. They are currently within reach, but their fate will depend on upcoming results and consistency.
Final Thoughts
Austin FC’s 2025 season encapsulates everything that makes MLS football compelling: unpredictability, emotion, and evolution. Though their current standings reflect a side in transition, the foundations for long-term success are firmly in place.
With a passionate fanbase, a visionary management team, and a city that lives and breathes football, Austin FC are more than just another expansion club—they’re a symbol of how the beautiful game continues to thrive and transform in the United States.
For UK fans discovering MLS, Austin FC provide a window into football’s new frontier—one where identity, innovation, and community intertwine.
