2022 Austin FC Season Preview

The 2022 Major League Soccer season kicks off later this month and Austin FC is the second team that ONE37pm will be taking a closer look at.

After finishing near the bottom of the table in Year 1, Austin has its sights set on an improved finish in 2022 as the club continues to add more talent in the attack.

Austin features many players with strong MLS experience, so perhaps their sophomore season will yield more results for Josh Wolff and Co.

Here's a closer look at Austin FC heading into the 2022 season.

Austin finished 12th in the West during their first MLS season after winning nine matches. The Texas side beat several teams that reached the postseason, including the Portland Timbers, who advanced to MLS Cup.

Josh Wolff enters his second season in Austin as the club aims to build a playoff side. Wolff is a former U.S. Men's National Team attacker and has plenty of MLS experience, so Austin will be leaning on those previous opportunities to put the club into the Western Conference mix.

Sebastian Driussi (Argentina) is the club's newest DP forward and he has plenty of experience in big matches. The former River Plate and Zenit goal scorer can certainly provide a spark up front.

Cecilio Dominguez (Paraguay) was one of the most consistent players for Austin during their debut campaign and they'll need a strong follow-up performance from the midfielder in 2022.

Kipp Keller (USA) was one of the most-touted college defenders coming out of this year's MLS SuperDraft and the former St. Louis University center back can add a strong presence at the back alongside newcomer Ruben Gabrielson.

May 8 vs. LA Galaxy

May 18 at Los Angeles FC

July 30 at Sporting KC

September 10 at Seattle Sounders

Austin had a rough go in their debut season, but that's often the case with expansion teams.

There's reason to believe Austin will be improved in 2022 given the spine of their squad. A strong midfield, led by Dominguez and Alex Ring, could be the key for Austin if Driussi finds consistency in front goal.

Austin could very well battle for one of the final playoff positions this season if everything goes to plan.