Fullback is one of the most pivotal positions for Austin FC, and players there can shine offensively as well as defensively in the Wolffball system if all is going well.
Even when it’s not going well, like during the first part of the 2023 season, Jon Gallagher still led all MLS defenders in goals out of the gate, and parlayed that into an All-Star appearance.
In 2024, Austin FC will be down one regular-starter-level fullback, the reliable Nick Lima (who was, of course, traded to the New England Revolution). It appears, barring an unforeseen development, Gallagher will man the position with U22 Initiative player Žan Kolmanič when the season kicks off in 12 days.
Verde also has Hector Jimenez available to sub at the position, who did get some minutes in the most recent preseason match on Sunday against the LA Galaxy, but beyond that, the position is full of question marks.
Guilherme Biro has finally arrived from Brazil after being signed several weeks prior. He’s been involved in training sessions while the team’s been in the Coachella Valley, including pre-match warmups on Sunday, but he hasn’t yet seen the field for match action. (Obviously, fans wondering how good he is and how comparable he is to other fullbacks on the roster are eager to see this.)
There was also encouraging transfer rumor chatter about Mikkel Desler coming over from Toulouse, and given the European calendar, this might be more of a summer move than something happening before the season starts. Desler, should he be signed, would instantly upgrade the team’s fullback situation on his own, as this chart showing his rating in the Big Five European leagues indicates.
We got a chance to talk to both Gallagher and Kolmanič after Sunday’s match about how the 2024 preseason is shaping up for them.
