The 2021 Austin FC season was the club's inaugural season in Major League Soccer, the top flight of soccer in the United States. This was also the first season a top-tier sports franchise is playing in the Greater Austin region. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the season began on April 17, 2021, about a month and a half later than normal, and concluded on November 7, 2021. Outside of MLS, Austin FC would have competed in the 2021 U.S. Open Cup, but it was postponed indefinitely in April before being canceled in July. Austin FC won their first match in Commerce City, CO against the Colorado Rapids 3-1, where midfielder Diego Fagundez scored the club's first ever goal. They played their first game in Austin in front of 20,738 fans, a 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes. They won their first home game against the Portland Timbers 4-1, a match which Austin FC winger Jon Gallagher scored the first ever MLS goal at Q2 Stadium. Austin FC struggled in their inaugural campaign despite selling out all their home games. They finished 12th in the Western Conference with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 21 losses. Alexander Ring served as captain, and both Cecilio Dominguez and Diego Fagundez led the club with 7 goals. Background Season 8 games on the road Due to Q2 Stadium not being finished, Austin FC played their first 8 matches in club history all on the road. They lost their first match 2-0 against LAFC, but rallied to win their next 2 matches against the Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United FC 3-1 and 1-0 respectively. Midfielder Diego Fagundez scored the club's first goal in the 59th minute in Colorado, a match where Cecilio Dominguez notched the first brace in club history. Austin FC struggled after the win in Minnesota, scoring only 2 goals (both on road games in Kansas City) and gained 4 points - all draws - over their next 8 matches. They had scoring droughts of 389 minutes between May 9 and June 12, and 364 minutes between June 12 and July 1. First games in Austin Austin played their first home match on June 19, a 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes in front of a sellout crowd of 20,738. After a quick 2-0 loss in Minnesota, the club was home for their next 6 matches. Jon Gallagher scored the first