Retro Austin FC Shirt – Verde & Black From Day One

The story of Austin FC begins with years of campaigning by local soccer fans and business leaders who believed Austin was ready for a major league team. In January 2019, MLS officially awarded an expansion franchise to Austin, with the club set to begin play in the 2021 season. Construction of the purpose-built Q2 Stadium began in September 2019, and despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the 20,738-seat venue was completed on time.

Austin FC's inaugural match took place on April 17, 2021, a 2-0 loss to LAFC on the road, but the real magic came on June 19 when Q2 Stadium hosted its first-ever match. The atmosphere was extraordinary — a sold-out crowd welcomed their team in a way that left no doubt Austin was a soccer city. The inaugural 2021 season was a learning experience, as the club finished outside the playoff places, but the foundation was being laid.

The 2022 season saw a dramatic transformation. Under head coach Josh Wolff, Austin FC surged to the top of the Western Conference standings, playing an attacking brand of soccer that thrilled supporters. The club secured the Supporters' Shield — awarded to the team with the best regular-season record — in just their second year of existence, an almost unprecedented achievement in MLS history. The playoff run that followed was heartbreaking, however, as Austin fell to Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference semifinal.

That blend of rapid ascent and the sting of early elimination has become part of Austin FC's emerging identity. The club continues to build, investing in both domestic talent and international signings to push deeper into the postseason. Rivalries with fellow Texas clubs FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo have added spice to the calendar, with the Copa Tejas series giving these matches extra meaning. For a club with such a short history, Austin FC has already produced moments that fans will talk about for decades — and the best chapters are surely still to come.

Despite their brief existence, Austin FC have already seen several players etch their names into club folklore. Sebastián Driussi, the Argentine attacking midfielder signed from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2021, became the heartbeat of the team. His 2022 campaign was sensational — he was named the MLS Most Valuable Player after scoring 22 goals and adding seven assists, driving Austin to the Supporters' Shield. Driussi's combination of technical skill, vision, and tireless work rate made him a fan favorite almost overnight.

Alexander Ring, the Finnish international midfielder, was named the club's first-ever captain and brought vital MLS experience from his years at New York City FC. His leadership and defensive solidity gave Austin FC the spine they needed in their formative years. Cecilio Domínguez, the Paraguayan forward, scored the club's first-ever goal and holds a permanent place in Austin FC history for that reason alone.

Head coach Josh Wolff, a former U.S. international striker, has been the constant figure on the sideline since day one. His commitment to attacking, possession-based football shaped the club's identity from the outset. Sporting director Claudio Reyna, another legendary American player, played a crucial role in building the roster, blending experienced internationals with emerging talent. Together, these figures have established a culture and playing philosophy that gives Austin FC a clear identity in a league full of ambitious clubs.

Austin FC's visual identity was carefully crafted to stand out in MLS. The primary Verde and Black color scheme — a deep forest green paired with black accents — was chosen to reflect the natural beauty of the Austin landscape and the city's independent spirit. The club crest features a live oak tree, an iconic symbol of Austin, along with two intertwined oak leaves.

The inaugural 2021 home kit featured a clean verde base with subtle tonal patterns and black trim, partnered with sponsor YETI — the Austin-based outdoor brand, making it one of the most locally authentic sponsorship deals in MLS. The away shirt in crisp white with verde detailing offered a sharp contrast. The 2022 secondary kit introduced a bold black design with verde graphic elements that proved hugely popular with supporters.

For collectors, a retro Austin FC shirt from the inaugural 2021 season holds particular significance as the very first kit worn in club history. The Supporters' Shield-winning 2022 home jersey is equally prized, representing the club's finest moment on the pitch to date. Given Austin FC's short history, early-era kits are likely to become increasingly collectible as the club's legacy grows.