Maxi Urruti proving to be glue guy in first year with Austin FC

Photo Credit: Scott W. Coleman

Between barbecues, dancing and scoring goals, Maxi Urruti has boosted the good vibes for Austin FC this season.

Since joining the Verde & Black in the offseason, the striker has been ever-present in the starting lineup. He had his best game with the club on Saturday night, scoring two goals to help Austin FC down the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 at Q2 Stadium.

“We had a good locker room last year even if results weren’t going our way,” goalkeeper Brad Stuver said. “Adding pieces like Maxi and bringing in that lightheartedness and fun-ness can really turn everyone’s mentality into something different. It’s infectious.”

Off the field, Urruti has led many of the team bonding events, including team barbecues at St. David’s Performance Center after training.

On the field, his South American flair isn’t suppressed.

After the first goal on Saturday, Urruti pulled out his signature bow and arrow celebration, and he led what has become a customary dance circle after he finished off the brace later in the first half.

When Sebastian Driussi scored in the second half, Urruti and Driussi broke out a snake celebration for the first time.

Austin FC is 8-1-1 in its last 10 games at home dating back to last season. It has scored 24 goals and allowed just six in that span. The Verde & Black sit in second place in the Western Conference after eight games.

“It’s fun to see Maxi help guys break out of their shell and kind of joke around and be more fun and lighthearted,” Stuver said. “You can tell on the field that it makes a big difference.”

Urruti has scored at least five goals in six of his nine full seasons in MLS. He’s scored more than 10 goals in a season twice, including a career-high 12 goals when he was with FC Dallas in 2017.

Those are numbers everyone on the coaching staff hopes he tops this season.

Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff went to Argentina when he was an assistant with D.C. United in 2012 to scout Urruti.

“His work rate has always been off the charts,” Wolff said. “When the opportunity was there to get him, we immediately had conversations with him. He fits our system well. He’s doing a great job, but he’s got to keep pushing his performances.”

Urruti is just one of the offseason signings that have helped Austin FC go from one of the worst teams in the league to potentially one of the best.

Defender Ruben Gabrielsen has solidified his starting role and has become a leading voice in the locker room. Ethan Finlay has added a veteran presence on the wing, especially with Cecilio Dominguez still suspended pending a league investigation.

Midfielder Jhojan Valencia hasn’t consistently cracked the starting lineup, but his mere presence has boosted the play of second-year midfielder Dani Pereira.

“In year one, we wanted to lay out what we wanted to do,” Wolff said. “We established our identity. We knew where our gaps were. We added a little bit of character and a little leadership, but also quality and depth.”

10 points in the last 18 road games. Three of the next four Austin FC matches are on the road, beginning Saturday afternoon with a 12:30 p.m. match in Houston against the Dynamo.

“Preparation puts players in a really good place,” Wolff said. “Houston is a good team. It will be a very difficult game, it’s a derby and we’ll have our hands full going on the road. You’ve got to be responsible and put yourself in a place to get three points.”