Austin FC Finishes Second to Last in West
The club's worst finish in six seasons follows its elimination from playoff contention in October.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Should Austin FC overhaul its roster by moving on from underperforming high-priced players?
Austin FC has been eliminated from playoff contention in October 2026 and is guaranteed to finish second to last in the Western Conference. It marks the team's worst-ever finish in six seasons.
Why it matters
The finish follows a season in which the club leaned on younger players and faced scrutiny over high-priced forwards signed in recent years. Ownership's handling of underperforming players may signal a broader roster overhaul for Austin residents following the team.
The team's second-to-last finish is its worst placement in six seasons, and it ranks third fewest in goals scored this season. Ownership has not yet announced decisions on several high-priced forwards.
The players
Austin FC
Austin FC is a Major League Soccer club based in Austin, Texas, whose 2026 season ended with a second-to-last finish in the Western Conference.
Jim Curtin
Jim Curtin is an American soccer coach and two-time MLS Coach of the Year who was hired by Austin FC in June 2026 and starts in December.
Khaled El-Ahmad
Khaled El-Ahmad is the sporting director of Austin FC, expected to oversee newcomer signings in the offseason.
The details
Austin FC cleared a few expensive players from the roster and acquired Finnish midfielder Eze Onuoha this week, while younger players such as 18-year-old Ervin Torres, a Laredo native who progressed from the Austin FC Academy to a regular starter, have taken larger roles. Jim Curtin, a two-time MLS coach of the year, was hired as head coach in June but does not start until December.
Timeline
October 2026: Austin FC is eliminated from playoff contention.
June 2026: Jim Curtin is hired as head coach.
This week: The team acquires Eze Onuoha from Finland.
Saturday: Austin FC faces Portland.
December 2026: Jim Curtin begins as head coach.
Season Trajectory
The second-to-last finish is the lowest placement in Austin FC's six seasons, placing the club at the bottom of the Western Conference table. It leaves the club with a playoff-free 2026 and a question about whether its high-spending approach will be reset.
The team's playoff elimination and worst-ever finish affect fantasy and season-ticket decisions for next year. Fans tracking the roster should watch the offseason signings and whether Ervin Torres and Eze Onuoha see larger roles.
The takeaway
Austin FC's worst-ever finish highlights how quickly a roster can fall short even after heavy investment in forwards. Watching how the club balances youth development with its remaining veterans will show whether the offseason brings a meaningful reset.
What happens next
Jim Curtin begins as head coach in December 2026, and the club's offseason signings will follow.
Further reading
For more on the club's roster moves and the season's standings, see Soccer coverage.
Live Poll
Should Austin FC overhaul its roster by moving on from underperforming high-priced players?
