Austin FC announced on Monday that the Club has signed midfielder Ethan Finlay. Finlay joins the Verde & Black as a free agent on a two-year guaranteed deal.
“My family and I are excited to be joining Austin FC and experience all that the great city of Austin has to offer,” said Finlay. “I have always respected and admired Claudio and Josh throughout their careers, so a chance to be a part of this organization was something I could not pass up. I hope to bring leadership and a winning culture to this young but prolific club.”
An MLS veteran with 10 years of experience, Columbus Crew originally selected Finlay with the 10th pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. Finlay recorded single-season career highs in both goals (12) and assists (13) during Columbus’ 2015 season, ultimately earning MLS Best XI and MLS All-Star honors that year.
Finlay was traded to Minnesota United FC in 2017 during Minnesota’s inaugural MLS season, registering 95 appearances and recording 19 goals across his four-and-a-half season tenure as a member of the Loons.
“Ethan is a very strong addition to the Club,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “He possesses quality and experience, both of which will be valuable as we continue to grow and improve heading in to 2022. We can’t wait to welcome him to Austin.”
In total, Finlay has made 245 appearances during his MLS career, recording 49 goals and 42 assists. Finlay has also appeared three (3) times for the United States Men’s National Team, providing the game-winning assist to Jozy Altidore in the 89th minute of a match against Canada on February 5, 2016.
Finlay is a graduate of Creighton University, where he started 79 of 79 matches and scored 43 goals during his four-year collegiate career. He led the Bluejays to the program’s first NCAA College Cup appearance in nine (9) years during his senior year in 2011, and was also named a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist and twice Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.
Transaction: Austin FC signs free agent midfielder Ethan Finlay, who signs a two-year deal with ATXFC to keep him at the Club through the end of the 2023 season.
Player Details:
Name: Ethan Finlay (pronounced “EE-then FINN-lay”)
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Date of birth: August 6, 1990
Age: 31
Born: Duluth, Minnesota
Nationality: United States
Last club: Minnesota United FC
How acquired: Signed as a free agent on December 20, 2021.
Roster Designation: Senior
