2026 AUSTIN FC PREVIEW: DEFENDERS

Writer’s note: a preview of Midfielders will post Thursday, and the attackers on Friday. You can find the Goalkeeper preview HERE. My regular What You Need To Know match preview for Austin FC vs. Minnesota United will post on Saturday.

Last season, the Austin FC defense allowed the fewest goals in club history. It was the backbone of a team that made the playoffs and made it to the USOC Final. A big reason for that is the new manager, who prioritized defense, but also his tactical nous as the team switched backline set-ups frequently based on the match-ups. Austin deployed a standard 4-person back line, utilized three with the wingbacks advancing as midfielders, and then, in some matches, used five as the wingbacks held back. That takes more than just the coach wanting to play that style, but players who can adapt and understand the changes as well.

Brendon Hines-Ike
Since coming to Austin before the 2024 season, BHI has become a mainstay in the defensive backline. Last season, he led field players in minutes (2762) and tied for the most matches started (31) in league play. He’s now entering his age 31 season, and I expect to still see him on the team sheet whenever he is available.

Oleksandr Svatok
The Ukrainian international (and Austin’s best chance at a player in the World Cup) recently got his green card, which benefits Austin by selling the now unoccupied International slot, and also a sign that he is here to stay. While not the fastest player, he uses his smarts and strength to shut down opposing attackers. He’s been one of the biggest beneficiaries of a three-man back-line adjustment.

Jon Bell
Bell comes from the Seattle Sounders, where he finally emerged as part of their regular rotation with 21 appearances and 13 starts, both career highs. He has the versatility to play as an LCB in a pair or a trio and has played left back as well.

Mateja Djordjević
The Serbian is getting a full training camp with the team after coming over during the summer transfer window last year. We saw very little of him (only four appearances and 323 minutes), and while he’s in the mix to start at center back, it’s more likely he’s a serviceable backup or spot starter as needed.

Austin FC LB Guilherme Biro: Photo courtesy of DYV.Media (Dante Valencia)

Guilherme Biro
Another of Austin FC’s 2025 All-Stars, Biro has emerged as a regular starter at left back thanks to his rare combination of size and athleticism (he won 70% of his aerial duals) and passing ability. He likes to tuck inside the midfield to add an extra number, and his passing ability is an underutilized weapon for Austin.

Žan Kolmanič
One of the last remaining Austin FC players from our inaugural season, Kolmanič, is a known quantity for what he can do, but doesn’t get to utilize it as much as a lot of us would like. He’s a weapon that should be on the field more, especially for a team that struggles to score. His late-game crossing and corner ability are something Nico discounts, but shouldn’t.

Mikkel Desler
The Danish right back immediately stepped into the Austin starting lineup and provided the passing and interchange abilities that allow Austin to play a possession game. When he was able to partner with Owen Wolff and Osman Bukari in triangles on the right, Austin’s attack looked modern and could break down defenses when set. With new options on the right (Facundo Torres, Jayden Nelson), his injury and inability to participate in preseason could get the right side of the team off to a slow start.

Austin FC LB / RB / Winger Jon Gallagher: Photo courtesy of Aaronflics (Aaron Caldwell)

Jon Gallagher
Austin’s utility knife is still here and provides roster depth all over the pitch due to his rounded skills and athleticism. Last season, he played at right back, left back, left wing, and can also play wingback on either side. This ability is really important as part of the roster because it allows for changing formations and is really an extra sub if he can change position due to changing game states.

Riley Thomas
Yet to make his debut for the first team, the 23-year-old is part of the senior squad on a supplemental deal he signed last season after using up his emergency call-ups when Austin needed defensive depth. He’s still an “in case of emergency” depth on this roster currently, but we may see him in USOC or mid-week during times of schedule congestion.

Outlook:
Austin’s defense was a strong point last season, and unless the attack can greatly improve, they’ll need to put up a similar performance for this to be a playoff team. The new additions (and I’m going to include Djordjevic in that) provide depth that is needed when Austin is playing a full MLS season, the US Open Cup, and the League’s Cup.

WRITTEN BY SCOTT SPECHT FOR WAATV