When Austin FC announced the signing of Sebastián Driussi as the Club’s third Designated Player on July 29, he called Austin FC, “un equipo en crecimiento” - a growing team. His arrival prompted optimism that the Argentine’s creativity could lead to more goals for a team struggling to score. In the 15 matches Driussi has started since then, he proved that optimism was not misplaced.
In matches Driussi has started this season, the Club is averaging 1.47 goals - over twice as many as the 0.72 it averages when he isn’t a part of the lineup from the opening whistle. He has contributed five goals and five assists himself in that span, including scoring the fastest goal in ATXFC history just 30 seconds into Wednesday night’s win over Sporting Kansas City.
Additional midseason attacking additions Moussa Djitté and McKinze Gaines have given the team an increase in productivity up front as well, allowing others like Diego Fagundez, Cecilio Domínguez and Tomás Pochettino more freedom to operate in their preferred positions.
Driussi is set to reprise his playmaking role next season, and has been emblematic of the Club’s growth on the field in the latter part of the year which he expects to continue next season.
“Like I said when I arrived, we’re a growing team,” said Driussi. “I believe that for next year, I’ll get a bit more understanding of the league and I’m trying to contribute to that right now.
“There are also a lot of young players here who are going to keep growing. The biggest thing is to try to support them and give them good advice so that they continue to grow and be great players, then the group as a whole is going to keep improving.”
As Driussi mentioned, a year of experience playing together will benefit the Verde & Black in 2022. The Club’s roster currently features 12 players aged 23 or younger, and 14 players who had never made an appearance in Major League Soccer prior to the start of ATXFC’s inaugural season.
With the entire squad having increased knowledge both of the league and of each other, and a full preseason together in its future, Driussi feels there is plenty of potential.
“Next year is going to be different from the previous one,” he said. “I hope it will be a year of much more success, with a lot more competition and we all hope to give a better impression.”
While the focus of Driussi and the entire team is on the final match of 2021 against the Portland Timbers this Sunday, the Argentine has already set goals for himself and the Club next season.
“My goal is to try to help the team, to contribute to Austin right away, and to try to help with goals and assists,” said Driussi. “But what I most want is for us to achieve important things at the group level.”
