In Austin FC’s back-to-back home wins over FC Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes, the team got significant contributions from a number of new faces. Though the players who arrived during the offseason have had just a few months to adapt, they’ve done so effectively and are already showing signs that they can provide a boost to the squad throughout the season.
Diego Rubio
In his first few matches with Austin, Diego Rubio has shown exactly why he’s been a thorn in the side of so many MLS defenders since coming to the league in 2016. He scored his first goal in Verde & Black vs. Philadelphia on March 16, and followed that up with the match-winner against FC Dallas two weeks later.
He also won the penalty that kickstarted Austin’s comeback win over San Jose on April 6.
Guilherme Biro
Despite playing primarily as a left back, Biro has already scored a pair of goals for Austin FC, including an early goal of the season contender from outside the box against San Jose.
He’s made two starts and five substitute appearances as he builds match fitness.
Brendan Hines-Ike
Hines-Ike has nine years of professional experience and has put all of them to use since joining Austin FC less than two weeks before the start of the season.
His defending, decision-making, and calmness on the ball have all been assets to the team as it has coped with an injury to Leo Väisänen and Julio Cascante missing one match through international duty.
Jáder Obrian
Obrian opened his account with a well-taken goal against San Jose, which at the time leveled the game at 2-2. He’s unlucky not to have more goals to his name, as two others he scored were called back after the ball was in the net.
The Colombian winger’s pace and willingness to take on defenders one-on-one has brought a new dynamic to the Austin FC attack.
