Led by first-year head coach Nico Estévez, Austin FC currently sits in the eighth seed with a wildcard playoff berth.

Here’s a breakdown of how Austin FC handles the three phases of the game and how it has, or has not, contributed to the team’s success in the MLS standings.

The defensive phase 

Led by all-star goalkeeper Brad Stuver, the Austin FC back line has shown its resilience. It soaks up pressure to start counterattacks when the ball is won, but also defends against counters when needed.

When out of possession, the defensive line, typically with four defenders, can be characterized by its compactness and tight shape. This rigid structure makes it difficult for opponents to play through balls and forces them to often settle for low-percentage shots, with Stuver producing 88 saves, the third-most in the league.

“I have a good relationship with the guys, and the continuity in the back line has given me a little bit of confidence to close down angles in a way that I know that they’re going to be able to take away part of the goal,” Stuver said after a clean sheet against New England. 

When Austin FC has possession, both its fullbacks attack while midfielder and captain Ilie Sánchez holds a defensive position with the other two central defenders. This strategy allows Austin FC to attack with more numbers, but when they are caught out of possession, Sánchez’s positioning allows him to delay the opposition from countering, typically recovering the ball.

The transition phase 

While Sánchez plays a pivotal defensive role from his midfield position, he also aids in the team’s possession and transitional play.

A native Spaniard and graduate of the famed La Masia academy, Sánchez’s playing style resembles the “Tiki-taka,” which is synonymous with Spanish soccer.

“I joined the Barcelona academy when I was 15 years old,” Sánchez said. “In Spain, we develop players focusing in being a very technical player.” 

Always moving around to find the right spaces to receive a ball and immediately passing the ball to another teammate, Sánchez enables Austin FC to move around the middle of the pitch and eventually find the key passes that will unlock opposition defenses.

While only racking up the 12th most minutes on the pitch, Sánchez has completed the fifth most passes on the team.

The attacking phase 

While the defense and midfield are the strongest components of the Verde and Black, there is a discrepancy when it comes to their offense.

The issue is Austin FC’s 37.13 expected goals. The team has only found the back of the net 24 times, showing a lack of guile in front of the goal.

However, there is still hope for the forward line. Throughout the season, Austin FC has shown the ability to create numerous chances from different scenarios. Goal-scoring opportunities have been created from defender Brendan Hines-Ike playing line-breaking passes while crosses are sent into the box from midfielder Owen Wolff and forward Osman Bukari.

Bukari believes that confidence could go a long way for its attackers.

“The more you score, the more you get the confidence,” Bukari said after a 4-2 win against D.C. United. “This is the time confidence will be high. Once the goals are not coming, you start thinking too much. But once you start scoring, you’re just calm because you know (the goals are) going to come.”