Austin FC signs longtime veteran and striker Maxi Urruti

Austin FC is strengthening its offense with the signing of Maximiliano “Maxi” Urruti, a nine-year MLS veteran from Houston Dynamo.

The club announced it had signed the striker as a free agent in a two-year guaranteed deal on Tuesday. Urruti has made 238 appearances during his MLS career, recording 60 goals and 37 assists. Addiionally, he’s won an MLS Cup, the Supporter’s Shield, a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, qualified twice for the CONCACAF Champions League and featured in the MLS Playoffs four times.

“I’m very excited for these new beginnings with Austin FC,” Urruti said. “I’m happy to wear these colors and can’t wait to celebrate with all the fans at Q2 Stadium. Vamos Verde y Negro!”

Urruti began his career in the youth system at famed Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys before leaving Argentina in 2013 to play in the MLS. Bringing years of experience to Austin FC, he has played two seasons with the Portland Timbers, three seasons for FC Dallas, one season with CF Montreal, and most recently, one season with Houston Dynamo.

“Maxi is a winner with a proven history of scoring goals and creating chances,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “He’ll help us become more dynamic in the attacking third and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to Austin.”

Last week, Austin FC signed its first new player for the 2022 season, Ethan Finlay. A 10-year MLS veteran attacking midfielder from Minnesota United, he also signed a two-year contract.

In the new season, fans will miss players Emmanuel Perez, Jared Stroud, Ben Sweat, Aaron Schoenfield, Brady Scott, Aedan Stanley, Kekuta Manneh and Sebastian Berhalter, who the club either denied contract options for or did not exercise transfer options.

The Austin FC 2022 season kicks off on Feb. 26 at Austin's Q2 Stadium. View the complete schedule here.