Austin FC announced today the signing of Austin-born forward McKinze Gaines to a contract through the 2022 season with two (2) additional option years, becoming the first native Austinite to join the first team. Per League and Club policy, terms and agreements were not disclosed.
“We would like to welcome our first native Austinite to the first team,” commented Claudio Reyna, Austin FC Sporting Director. “McKinze is a young player who has been training with our first team and has earned an opportunity to contribute his international experience and add depth to our roster.”
“I’m happy to be back in the city where it all started and pleased to represent my hometown doing what I love the most,” commented Gaines. “I’ve come back to Austin to work hard and elevate our playing style. I look forward to making an impact in our ongoing season.”
Gaines (pronounced g-AI-nz) spent the 2020-2021 season with German 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 (one (1) appearance) and Regionalliga’s Hannover 96 II, where he made nine (9) appearances (nine (9) starts) and scored one (1) goal. Prior to joining the 2. Bundesliga, Gaines spent the 2019-20 season with German 3 Liga side SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, where he recorded 24 appearances (12 starts) and scored three (3) goals, and the 2018-19 season on loan with FSV Zwickau, making nine (9) appearances (one (1) start).
Gaines made his debut in Germany in the 2016-17 U-19 Bundesliga with Wolfsburg U-19, where he played 24 matches (23 starts) and scored seven (7) goals. He joined German 2. Bundesliga side SV Darmstadt 98 the following season (2017-18), where he made two (2) appearances (one (1) start). Internationally, Gaines has made two (2) appearances with the U-19 USMNT and 11 with the U-17 USMNT, where he scored (3) goals.
Transaction: Austin FC sign forward McKinze Gaines to a contract through the 2022 season with two (2) additional option years on July 30, 2021.
Player Details
Name: McKinze Gaines (pronounced g-AI-nz)
Position: Forward
Jersey Number: 27
Height: 5’11”
Born: March 2, 1998
Age: 23
Birthplace: Austin, Texas
Nationality: United States
