Austin FC, known for its striking green and black colors, is sweating it out under the California sun at the Coachella Valley Invitational, pumping iron for the upcoming 2024 Major League Soccer season. According to a recent report by KXAN, despite a loss to the Chicago Fire, head coach Josh Wolff remains upbeat, stressing that the real win this preseason is getting game time for his squad.
Crunching numbers defensively from last season has Wolff eager to tighten up the backline after conceding 55 goals. Shooting towards a better performance, Austin just licked their wounds from a narrow 1-0 defeat. Chalking their attack up a notch, the team has roped in free-agent goal-getter Diego Rubio, who despite needing a few more weeks to hit peak form, is thirsty "to win something" with his new club, according to a KXAN interview.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Wolff has his eyes glued to the defense, wagering that adaptability and tactical nous will slam the door on last year's defensive woes. They've yet to swell their ranks to full capacity, having let go of nine players in the off-season, but with Rubio's addition and the focus on a variety of tactical match-ups this preseason, there seems to be a game plan cooking.
Looking ahead, beyond just playing in the desert's baking heat, Austin FC will soon clash with LA Galaxy, a game fans can stream on the team's official website. Wrapping up their preseason soiree, they're penciled in for a Valentine's Day matchup against the New York Red Bulls, as noted by BNN Breaking. With their hearts set on tightening the defense and stitching together a capable offense, Austin FC is set to make a run, aiming not just to compete but to claim something shiny by season's end.
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