Austin FC II announced today the team signed defender and Austin FC Academy standout Anthony De Anda (formerly referred to as Anthony Gonzalez) to its MLS NEXT Pro roster. De Anda, 17, is the first Austin FC Academy player to sign with Austin FC II. He joins on a two-year deal through the end of 2024 with options for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
“We want to congratulate Anthony on becoming our first Academy player to sign with Austin FC II,” said Austin FC Academy General Manager Tyson Wahl. “It’s a great achievement, and we’re very proud to have played a role in his development as a soccer player and as a person.”
De Anda has been with the Austin FC Academy since August 2021 and had a stellar 2022 season competing with the Austin FC U-17 team. He scored two (2) goals in an MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs Round of 16 match against New York City FC, and was selected to compete in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game in Minnesota last July.
His impressive performances at the Club level earned De Anda a call-up to the U-19 United States Men’s Youth National Team, whom he joined for the program’s training camp in Carson, Calif. from July 25 to Aug. 2, 2022.
“I’m thrilled to sign with Austin FC II and to have the chance to compete at a professional level this season,” said De Anda. “I want to thank my Austin FC Academy teammates and the staff for all of their help in my journey so far.”
“Anthony has been consistently impressive with the Austin FC Academy, and we’re confident he’s ready to make the step up to the MLS NEXT Pro level,” said Austin FC Director of Player Personnel Sean Rubio. “This move shows the tremendous potential of having a second team which completes a full development pathway from our youth levels to our first team.”
MORE ABOUT AUSTIN FC II
Austin FC II will train and operate alongside the Austin FC first team and academy teams out of St. David’s Performance Center. Further player signings will be announced throughout the coming months in addition to more details on scheduling and competition format.
Follow Austin FC II’s social channels (@AustinFCII) and check austinfc.com for regular updates on the Club.
CURRENT AUSTIN FC II ROSTER
GK (1): Eric López
D (2): Anthony De Anda, Cheick Touré
M (1): Bobosi Byaruhanga
F (1): David Rodríguez
