Austin FC defender Julio Cascante, 18, hits FC Dallas defender Sam Junqua, 29, during the first half of an MLS soccer game on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Block the kick. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the 2024 Major League Soccer season approaches, Austin FC head coach Josh Wolf is focused on keeping his team healthy as well as wrapping up this preseason from a fitness standpoint. I am putting
Defender Julio Cascante missed two of the preseason games at the Coachella Valley Invitational with a foot injury, but Wolff said one of the factors complicating things last season was center back He said there were many injuries.
“Depth is always a concern in this league,” Wolff said. “Honestly, I need to stay healthy. I need to get good numbers at my position and I need good competition.”
Bringing in free agent Brendan Hynes-Ike will help alleviate Austin FC's initial problems at the position, but Wolff will likely use eight center backs in a season as in 2023. I don't want to have to.
VERDE LIGHTS: We're back for a new season! Enjoy on CW Austin Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. From February 24th
“It was a nightmare,” he said. “It's so destructive to everything you do. It's not an excuse, it's just a reality.”
Wolff said there are currently four players in the centre-back rotation, including Leo Vaisenen, who returned from injury, Matt Hedges, who signed with the club last season, and Cascante and Heins Icke. Getting Cascante healthy and Heinz Icke fit to play is a priority for Wolff as the season opener against Minnesota United approaches on February 24th.
“We want them to stay healthy and strong, and we have to make decisions every week,” Wolff said.
Hines Ike was a late addition to the deal with Austin FC athletic director Rodolfo Borrell, who continues to build a full roster with one week until the season begins. Borrell also signed Brazilian defender Guilherme Biro to add depth at the back. For Hynes Ike, who played for DC United last season, signing Austin was a “very easy decision”.
“It was difficult to pass by, given the infrastructure of the club, the history of the club, although it is not that old, and the great history of the players and coaching staff,” he said. “I’m coming in late so I have to get my feet wet, but like any other player, my job is to come out and impact the team as much as I can.”
Hines Icke said the coaching and training is “much more systematic than anything I've been a part of,” adding that he's “delighted” with it, leading Austin FC back to the playoffs after a disappointing season last year. He said he was thinking of doing so. His DC United club also missed the playoffs last year, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with 40 points, one point ahead of Austin FC in the Western Conference.
“There's an expectation from the fan base, but I didn't realize how big it was until the jersey was unveiled,” he said. “It’s a winning culture and that’s what I’m here for.”
Austin will play NYCFC on Saturday at Q2 Stadium in a 120-minute tune-up game, the final preseason game.
