A new season is about to begin for the Austin FC Academy, and on Friday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. CT, the Austin FC U-17 team will kick off its new campaign with the Verde & Black match at Parmer Field. The intra-squad match, which is open to the public, is a chance to see the top young talent in the Club’s Academy and the future of Austin FC.
Verde & Black Match Details
- What: An intra-squad match among the Austin FC U-17 team.
- Where: Parmer Field, 13000 Harris Ridge Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
- When: Friday, August 12, 7:30 p.m. CT
State of Play
The Austin FC Academy had a strong 2021-2022 campaign that saw multiple players earn call-ups to United States Men’s Youth National Team programs and the Austin FC U-15 and U-17 teams make runs to the quarterfinals of the MLS NEXT Cup.  Austin FC Academy teams from four age groups will once again compete in MLS NEXT for the 2022-2023 season, running from September to July with a winter break.
Last season, the Austin FC U-17 team posted a record of 10-0-2 and finished in first place in the MLS NEXT Central (South) Division. The U-15 team went unbeaten through 10 matches in regular season play and won the MLS NEXT Flex event in Maryland. The U-13 team won its group at the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase, while the U-14 team went unbeaten at the same event.
What To Watch For
Austin FC supporters and the Austin community showed their support for the Austin FC Academy last season, and the Verde & Black match is another opportunity for fans to see players who will represent the Austin FC senior team under the lights at Q2 Stadium one day. In the short history of the Austin FC Academy, one former Academy player has already done so.
Midfielder Owen Wolff, who initially competed with the Austin FC U-17 team, became the first Homegrown signing in Club history in 2021. Wolff made his first MLS start and registered his first MLS assist this season.
Wolff and four Academy players earned call-ups to U.S. Youth Men’s National Teams in 2022: Bryan Arellano (U-19), Anthony Gonzalez (U-19), Micah Burton (U-17), and Ervin Torres (U-16 & U-15). Gonzalez was also selected to compete in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game in Minnesota.
