Consider US menās national team head coach Gregg Berhalter an admirer of Austin FCās year-two turnaround under head coach Josh Wolff, his former assistant at the international level and with the Columbus Crew.
As an expansion team in 2021, the Verde & Black finished second from bottom in the Western Conference standings. Now in 2022, theyāre second in the West and could feasibly double their points haul (31) from a year ago, sitting on 45 with 10 regular-season games remaining.
āI think they're kicking ass, man. They've been great,ā Berhalter told Extratimeās Andrew Wiebe at MLS All-Star Week presented by Target.
Austinās leadership proved patient with Wolff, whose team plays a 4-3-3 system that strongly resembles how Berhalterās World Cup-bound USMNT operates.
There were plenty of lumps a year ago, but signs of a quality team were evident, one that boasts the leagueās best road record (8W-3L-2D) and has made Q2 Stadium into an intimidating atmosphere.
āJoshās quality as a head coach has always been there,ā Berhalter said. āHeās a top coach in my opinion. The way he sees the game, the way he analyzes the game, tactically I think heās one of the best.ā
Itās not just team posture and approach, Berhalter stressed. He noted the rosterās clear talent, which is highlighted by midfielder Sebastian Driussiās Landon Donovan MLS MVP-caliber season and a resurgent year from winger Diego Fagundez.
Some other key pieces for ATX are goalkeeper Brad Stuver, center back Ruben Gabrielsen and central midfielder Alex Ring. The club also signed a DP winger during the summer transfer window, landing Emiliano Rigoni from Brazilās Sao Paulo, the latest sign of reinforcements that began in the offseason.
āNow he has quality also,ā Berhalter said. āWhen you see some of the players he has on the field, theyāre special players and he has them working at a high level.ā
Austin return to action in Week 25 when hosting struggling Sporting Kansas City (9 pm ET | āāMLS LIVE on ESPN+).