2026 AUSTIN FC PREVIEW: GOALKEEPERS

Writer’s note: a preview of Defenders will post tomorrow, then Midfielders on Thursday, and the attackers on Friday. My regular What You Need To Knowmatch preview for Austin FC vs. Minnesota United will post on Saturday.

Austin FC Goalkeeper Brad Stuver Courtesy of Dyv.Media (Dante Valencia)

Similar to every year in Austin FC’s history, our goalkeeper depth chart starts with Brad Stuver. His 645 saves in the past five seasons set an MLS record, and in those seasons has led MLS in saves three times (2021, 2023, 2024). He’s also been a hallmark of durability (the most important ability), having not missed a match since the 2022 season, and has only missed four during his tenure as Austin's starter.

The arrival of Nico Estevez provided Austin with a stronger defensive structure and tempo, which led to Stuver having a career-high nine Clean Sheets last season and the team allowing the fewest goals in any MLS season. This led to his first All-Star appearance, finally getting the recognition he’s deserved for years.

Damian Las
The starter when Austin FC II won the Next Pro Championship has come back to Austin after two successful years on loan to Louisville City FC. They had the most points in the USL in both seasons with him as a starter. Las improved goals allowed from 43 in 32 matches to 18 in 26 matches, improved his save % from 64.9 to 81.1, and went from clean sheets in 28% of matches to 42%. Las will turn 24 in April, and now that he’s the clear backup (Goodbye to Stefan Cleveland, we’ll always have that League’s Cup Penalty save), he may be in Austin for good. He’s eleven years younger than Brad Stuver, and his apprenticeship to eventual starter has begun.

Outlook:
Stuver has been an iron man while putting up great numbers his entire time here. If Las is forced into more than a few spot starts we’ll get to see just how close he is to eventually becoming an MLS starter here or somewhere else.

Written by Scott Specht for WAATV