There are so many things happening this summer in Austin that revolve around McKalla Place, the new center of our soccer universe. Hopefully by now you have secured some tickets to an Oaks match or to see the best women’s soccer team in the history of the planet. Though we know that with limited seating capacity, a lot of folks are left on the outside looking in.
But don’t forget the other offerings that our home city provides when it comes to watching soccer live and in person. Most of us are ready to safely increase our activity level after having the last year stolen from us.
Austin was a soccer city long before MLS came knocking. We are happy that Don Garber anointed us with a top tier club, but Austin was already working its way onto the soccer map. In addition to youth and high school soccer, there are many ways to support the game locally without chasing scarce and expensive tickets.
Austin Bold
Let’s start with Bold Stadium, Austin’s first soccer-specific stadium. Located on the grounds of the Circuit of the Americas, the venue is an intimate scene with plenty of space to accommodate families and groups of friends. You’ll find passionate supporters with LaCinco12, and plenty of solid food and beverage options.
The Bold play in USL, one division below MLS, and have a roster with extremely talented players. If you are questioning quality, just ask Austin FC’s Diego Fagundez about it. He took in the Bold’s home opener, a 2-0 win, with one of his kids. Bold games are an affordable, quality option to get out and support one of our local squads, and they make for a fun evening and a great way to bring your kids to a match.
@DiegolFagundez aquí en el estadio de @AustinBoldFC la @Cinco12La contenta y emocionada con la presencia de él y de @LosVerdesATX y @LaMurgaATX toda la info al minuto entren a @clubdeportes pic.twitter.com/2rbQ7Rvs7Y
— Jorge Iturralde (@jorgeiturralde) May 27, 2021
While there may be some lingering hard feelings with regards to the Austin Bold, this year feels like the time to move on, and celebrate what we have.
Next home match: Sunday, May 30, 8:00pm at Bold Stadium against the Tacoma Defiance.
FC Austin Elite
Officially launched in 2015, the women’s club has played in a variety of venues but has found a solid home at Elite Stadium located in the Round Rock Multisport Complex. Elite used 2020 as a year to grow, even though many of the matches were altered due to the challenges of a pandemic. Currently the club offers U20 and U23 options as well as their flagship senior squad that is semiprofessional.
Elite offers the highest division of female soccer you can find in the Austin area. With local ownership and a committed front office we have grown to expect big things from this club. This week the club announced they would be hosting Club America on June 18. Get your tickets early, this one could be a sellout.
Next home match: Saturday May 29, 7:30pm at Round Rock Multisport Complex against Alcranes Fort Worth.
Round Rock SC
This relatively new men’s club was founded in 2017 and competes in the United Premier Soccer League. The roster includes many talented young local players as well as international footballers.
Next home match: Saturday May 29, 11:00am at Round Rock Multisport Complex against San Antonio Surf.
Central Texas Lobos
If you are looking for quality men’s soccer south of the river or down Hays County way, the CenTex Lobos fit the script. The club has a bevy of home games in June, playing at Bob Shelton Stadium in Buda.
Next home match: Saturday June 12, 7:45pm against Cajun Rush (Louisiana).
CTX Hornets
This women’s team, part of the Central Texas Lobos organization, plays in the same league as FC Austin Elite. They also play their home games at Bob Shelton Stadium (including occasional double-headers with Lobos, like on June 12).
Next home match: Saturday June 5, 7:15pm against FC Austin Elite.