Austin FC announced a number of key hires on Monday, to the first team coaching staff, the front office and more.
The club appointed Preston Burpo as first team goalkeeper coach, who joins after five seasons with the New York Red Bulls. He also worked for D.C. United and CF Montréal during his career thus far following a playing career that included appearances with Chivas USA, the Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution.
Austin also announced the arrivals of Sam Lawson as video performance analyst, Gaston Delgado as player care coordinator, Rodrigo Ayala as assistant equipment manager and player support coordinator and academy athletic trainer Raiza Aguilar.
“Preston’s arrival represents a tremendous addition to the coaching staff, bringing a wealth of playing and MLS coaching experience to the club,” head coach Josh Wolff said in a club statement. “We also extend a warm welcome to Sam, Gaston, Rodrigo and Raiza as they join our soccer pperations and academy teams. We are pleased to add talented and qualified personnel to our growing staff.”
The hires come with a wealth of professional experience. Lawson previously worked for Minnesota United, Ayala from NYCFC, Aguilar from Austin Bold while Delgado had worked in Austin FC's commercial department before taking a new role.
“The latest appointments to our coaching staff and academy bring significant soccer experience at various levels to the club and we are confident they will play an important role in their respective areas,” said sporting director Claudio Reyna. “We are delighted to see the commitment of the club in bringing in knowledgeable and hard-working professionals ahead of our inaugural season.”
Austin FC are continuing preparations for their inaugural season. The playing squad continues to come into focus, led by Designated Players Cecilio Dominguez and Tomas Pochettino as well as respected MLS veterans like Alex Ring, Nick Lima and Matt Besler.
