After recording seven (7) goals and five (5) assists in 30 appearances during the 2021 Major League Soccer season, Austin FC midfielder Diego Fagundez has been named the Club’s Offensive Player of the Year. His 12 total goal contributions were the most of any player on the Club, with his goal and assist totals tied for club-highs in each respective category.
“Diego was a bright spot for us this season,” said Club Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “His creativity, work rate and experience are huge assets, and we look forward seeing him build on the success of this season as we head in to 2022.”
Fagundez joined the Verde & Black as a free agent signing in January 2021 and was a pivotal player for the Club throughout its inaugural season. He scored the first goal in Austin FC history in the Club’s first victory, netting a 60th-minute equalizer as Austin came from behind to beat eventual Western Conference winners the Colorado Rapids 3-1 on April 24.
A two-assist performance in ATXFC’s final home match of the year – a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City – saw Fagundez become the second-youngest player in MLS history to reach 50 career goals and 50 career assists.
“I want to thank my my teammates and this organization for giving me the opportunity to play for this team and giving me the confidence to play the way I do,” said Fagundez. “I can't wait for next year and continue to grow as a team.”
In addition to tying for the Club lead in goals and assists, Fagundez led all Austin FC players in key passes with 51 and played the second-most minutes of any outfield player with 2,539.
