Austin FC begins play this weekend, and in doing so becomes Austin’s most significant professional team (at least openly—it’s possible the UT football team has a higher informal payroll). I’m happy for those who are excited. I wish the Verde (I think that’s what they’re calling themselves—if not, apologies, and someone please explain to me what Verde means in this context) the best. I see that FiveThirtyEight has them 20% likely to make the playoffs, and I wonder how they know that, given tomorrow’s the team’s inaugural season opener (really—curious how they account for expansion teams and would like to know, so if you know, tell me—I could be a hero to Joe). I hope this 20% comes through. I hope Austin has a dominant MLS team.
But I’m going to be watching from afar. With Burnley, I already have a favorite soccer team. With the Senators, I already have a North American professional team that’s my favorite in a league I don’t really understand. With Formula 1 (and IndyCar?), I’m already trying to get into sports I’ve not previously been into.
Just wanted to get this on the record, as Austin’s premier sports blogger (not to brag but I cannot think of one more consequential than myself, at least in my own life). No hate for Austin FC. Just need to give myself some time to see if I naturally get interested, since I haven’t let myself do that for a while.
