Local news and fun, every day 6am.
Featured
austonia newsletter
Most viewed

In true Austin fashion, a Matthew McConaughey-narrated introduction preluded Austin FC's first-ever pick in the MLS SuperDraft: Virginia Tech midfielder Daniel Pereira.
As the MLS's only expansion team, Austin FC was given the first pick in all three rounds of the draft alongside an additional 11th pick in the first round. The draft, which featured 171 college seniors, Generation Adidas players and select eligible players, allowed Austin FC to round out its roster with some younger players before their inaugural season.
With Clemson's Philip Mayaka regarded as a first-pick favorite before the draft, Pereira was thought to be a top-five draft contender but came as a bit of a surprise as the first overall pick. Pereira, who signed with Generation Adidas to become eligible in professional leagues, scored six goals and six assists in his two years at Virginia Tech.
Alongside his mother and father, Pereira said in an interview during the draft that he was surprised and honored to make the first pick.
"I wasn't really expecting to be No. 1… it's an honor," Pereira said. "I'm really happy, my family is crying. It's a moment I'll never forget."
Pereira's favorite color is green, so he should have no trouble stunting the verde jersey for his first professional season. Despite having the jersey of his choice, Pereira said in an interview on Instagram Live that he will still have to adjust to both Texas and the big leagues as he moves down to Austin.
"I've never been to Texas, (so) it's a whole new life I'm about to be living," Pereira said. "Obviously, it's my first year, so I'm going to have to adapt to the MLS first."
Although he said he's better at attacking than defending, Pereira said he hopes to utilize both sides of the ball to earn a starting position.
"I'm a very mixed guy (and) I'm going to bring a lot to both sides of the game," Pereira said. "It's going to be an amazing first year and hopefully I'll earn a spot on the team."
Austin FC has already landed star midfielder Diego Fagundez, who at 25 has been the youngest player to reach 100 appearances in MLS history and the youngest MLS player ever to reach 25 goals. With Fagundez and Pereira as the SuperDraft's top pick, the team has stacked considerable starter options in the midfield prior to their inaugural season.
In the 11th pick of the first round, Austin FC drafted Freddy Kleemann, a Washington defender who contributed to a team that produced 12 shutouts, surrendered only 14 goals and finished ninth in the NCAA in 2019.
At 6'4, Kleemann looks to be a physically strong central back alongside veteran defender Matt Besler. With seven total defenders, Austin FC appears to be solidifying both their middle and back lines.
To kick off the second round, the club went with University of Virginia forward Daniel Steedman. A Glasgow, Scotland native, Steedman tallied five goals and seven assists at UV and assisted in the game-winning goal in the semifinals of the 2019 NCAA Division I Men's Tournament. After Virginia, Steedman signed to Atlanta United in 2020.
For their final choice, Austin FC selected goalkeeper Noah Lawrence in the first pick of the third round. Lawrence played in 36 games with five shutouts to his credits while at the University of Cincinnati before signing to Ohio State in 2020.
Austin FC chose balance in the SuperDraft, taking a player of each position to round out their roster at four goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and five forwards. That puts the club at 21 total players, nine away from the 30 athletes allowed on an MLS team's active roster.
- Austin FC acquires midfielder Diego Fagundez - austonia ›
- Austin FC official 2021 home jersey revealed - austonia ›
- Austin FC acquires four new players in MLS Expansion Draft ... ›
- Austin FC's season at risk amid disagreements - austonia ›
- Austin FC signs Designated Player Tomas Pochettino - austonia ›
- Report: Austin FC signs Slovenian superstar Žan Kolmanič - austonia ›
- Austin FC signs Slovenian left back Zan Kolmanic - austonia ›
- Austin FC's Daniel Pereira is the club's youngest starter - austonia ›
- Austin FC boosts defense with Kipp Keller as first pick of MLS SuperDraft - austonia ›
Popular
(Pexels)
Austin Nicholson was ahead of the curve when he got his vasectomy in September 2021, saving himself a long line as Austin-area doctors say the demand for sterilization has seen a “significant” spike since Roe v. Wade was overturned on Friday.
Nicholson, 25, said he would prefer to adopt children, had felt the Supreme Court decision coming for a while, and, wary of the consequences, he decided to pull the trigger and make an appointment.
“A big part of it was the political climate. We could both potentially face consequences and she would definitely face more consequences, which I also personally would not want,” Nicholson said. “I didn't want to be stuck in Texas and have a potential abortion on the mind when it's illegal.”
(Austin Nicholson)
According to vasectomy specialist Dr. Luke Machen of Austin Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, the clinic received over 150 vasectomy appointment requests combined on Friday and Monday following the ruling. Typically, the clinic performs 45-50 vasectomies per month.
The Austin Urology Institute reported that they received about 70 calls in the first hour after the ruling was released. OBYN at Women’s Health Domain reported receiving over 100 requests from women interested in getting their tubes tied.
“I would say a significant number of patients who scheduled recently have mentioned the Supreme Court case,” Machen said. “A lot of guys have said they were thinking about having a vasectomy over the last year or so, and the ruling was the final push to get it done.”
The average patient at Austin Fertility who receives a vasectomy is about 37, though Machen said he has started to see an increased number of patients with zero children choosing to get a vasectomy. While they put together a study, Machen expects demand for the procedure to plateau but stay higher than before the ruling.
Machen said vasectomy is the most effective form of permanent birth control, requires only about a week of recovery time, is reversible with success rates of up to 95% and has no effects on sexual function or testosterone.
Nicholson said the procedure was less than $700, he was never in any pain, had very little recovery time and has never regretted the decision—in fact, he has happily recommended the procedure to friends.
“It helps me feel better knowing that I won't put a woman in that situation where she'd have to be faced with a potentially life-altering decision, or consequence even,” Nicholson said. “I actually have had three of my friends ask me questions about it and tell me that they were considering it.”
(Valencia Hotel Group)
Live music and beer? Say no more. With a location in Austin, and others throughout Texas, the court hotels by the Valencia Hotel Group have a new offering for weekend stays: Live Music & Longnecks.
Enjoy live music all weekend long and check out the hotels’ state-of-the-art amenities between sets. Make a splash in the pool, enjoy outdoor fire pits, or challenge your friends in a yard game while enjoying a weekend full of live music! Did we mention the package includes deluxe accommodations and a bucket of beer? Oh, and if you needed more convincing, this pet-friendly hotel means the whole family can join in on the fun.
The hotels
Explore any of the Court Hotels by Valencia Hotel Group for a memorable escape. Each property offers a unique experience remnant of yesteryear but with all of the modern amenities that make for a fun and comfortable stay. With acres of landscaped courtyards, relax and unwind in an outdoor environment perfect for doing everything or absolutely nothing at all. With locations in Austin, College Station, Irving, and Lubbock your urban retreat has never been so close.
The music
Locals and travelers alike are invited to enjoy the deep roots of Texas music all summer long with a robust lineup of live performances. From the banks of the San Antonio Riverwalk to Irving’s manicured streets, Valencia’s hotels are a place to gather and reconnect, offering uniquely Texan settings for the weekly performances.
“We’re proud of the community we’ve fostered among Texas musicians and the many rising stars who perform at our properties,” says Amy Trench, corporate director of brand marketing & PR for Valencia Hotel Group.
In Austin, you can catch good ol’ fashioned Texas country by Drew Moreland and Clayton Gardner, bluegrass by Reagan Quinn, and much, much more.
With unique programming at each of Valencia’s properties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all summer long.
The perks
If you’re a Valencia Hotel Group Rewards member, the perks are plentiful. Enjoy up to 10% off the Best Available Rate, and for a limited time, members can save up to 15% off a stay of 2 nights or more, for select stays in 2022.
But that’s really just the beginning. At select locations, you can enjoy discounts on weeknight stays, a complimentary third night, or curated packages for a romantic getaway or a night of watching the Verde at Q2 Stadium. You’ll also find special rates for AAA and AARP Members, educators, and front-line heroes including military, law enforcement, fire, and rescue workers.