Austin FC announced today that the Club agreed to a new contract with goalkeeper Damian Las. Las signed a three-year guaranteed contract with Austin through the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option for 2027.
In addition, Austin FC loaned Las to USL Championship side Louisville City FC for the 2024 season. Las will remain in preseason training with Austin FC until February 2, and officially join Louisville when the team travels to Austin ahead of the preseason match between the two (2) clubs on February 3.
“Damian is an impressive young goalkeeper who showed significant progression in his development with Austin FC II last season,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Rodolfo Borrell. “The best thing for his continued growth is to gain another year of experience competing at a high level, and we believe he will get that with Louisville, who are consistently one of the top teams in the USL Championship.”
Las, 21, initially joined Austin FC in January 2022. He went on to appear in 31 matches for Austin FC II in 2023, playing a key role in the team’s MLS NEXT Pro title-winning season and picking up numerous accolades along the way.
Las recorded 15 total clean sheets, including a league-record 12 during the regular season, as Austin FC II conceded a league-low 23 goals. He posted the league's best save percentage (76.8 percent) while ranking fifth in total saves (76) on his way to being voted 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year.
As a condition of the loan agreement, Austin FC may recall Las from Louisville City FC at any point throughout the 2024 season. If Austin were to exercise its one-time recall option, the loan would be terminated and Las would once again occupy a Supplemental roster spot on the Austin FC MLS roster.
