After opening day sell-out, Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center will host four out of the next five matches for Austin FC II.
Austin FC II stole the show on Opening Matchday in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, playing in front of an electric, sold-out crowd for their inaugural match at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center.
“It was really special,” said Head Coach Brett Uttley. “To see that level of support, not only did it give a boost to the players, but I think it gave a boost to the staff in how much work goes on behind the scenes.”
On its inaugural night, Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center reached capacity while Austin FC President Andy Loughnane presenting MLSNP President Charles Altchek with a customized Austin FC II jersey to commemorate the first match in club history.
Altchek was impressed with the atmosphere in ATXFC II’s inaugural match, saying “this is everything we could hope for.” Throughout the match, Austin FC supporters groups were loud and proud, adjusting the lyrics to their regular Austin FC songs to fit with Austin FC II’s new home. Austin FC first-team players also showed their support on opening night, supporting ATXFC II from the sidelines and in the stands
ATXFC II did its part to make the night a memorable occasion with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against in-state rival, Houston Dynamo 2. Valentin Noël scored an equalizer in the 64th-minute that went down as the clubs first-ever goal. In the 83rd-minute, Noël cleaned up the rebound from a teammate’s shot, netting himself a brace on opening night and sealing the victory.
The season-opening match was the first opportunity for fans to see Austin FC II in person, and to get a sense of how the team will complete a defined development pathway from the youngest academy levels up through the first team. The ATXFC II matchday roster already consists of players from the first team, second team, and academy levels, and will do so throughout the season, giving players the chance to get minutes and experience at the level which best suits them at any given moment.
“What I’ve noticed in my short period of time here so far is that there’s a strong passion to play for Austin FC,” said Uttley. “Obviously we are Austin FC II, but the culture of the club is continuing to grow… it’s not viewed as a separate team – it’s part of the club.”
ATXFC II will play four out of their next five matches at home, starting with Friday’s match on April 7, against Tacoma Defiance.
“With the second team – we’re growing, we’re new, we’re developing,” said Uttley “when you see those aspects while you’re also trying to be competitive as possible on the field to earn results, and when you have those two ingredients together, it’s a recipe for success for the second team.”
Austin FC II is one of 27 clubs in the MLSNP league and will play 28 matches (14 home, 14 away) over 28 weeks against Western Conference foes. Matches are featured on Apple TV+ to MLS Season Pass subscribers and MLS’ YouTube channel.
Click here to purchase tickets to see Austin FC II live at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center.
