Listen
With nine matches left in Austin FC’s season, we check in with Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez. Hear about his experience in Austin so far, how he’s managed various injuries this season, including a season-ending knee injury to star striker Brandon Vázquez, and what’s ahead for the remainder of the season.
¡Vamos Verde! is a listener-supported production of KUT & KUTX Studios in Austin, Texas. You can help make this podcast happen by donating at supportthispodcast.org.
The full transcript of this episode of ¡Vamos Verde! is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.
Speaker 1 [00:00:00] The Zebra Fire Department, what’s the emergency? There’s a fire in the kitchen. All I was doing was paying insurance bills. I know that smell. We’re gonna need the big holes! Ma’am, did you use the Zebra.com to compare insurance companies?
Speaker 2 [00:00:13] Um, no?
Speaker 1 [00:00:15] Just what I thought. You’ve been burning money. Look, TheZebra.com compares hundreds of insurance companies in one place. It could save you $440 on car insurance. Wow. But, uh, are you gonna put that out? Stop burning money, compare and save at TheZeber.com slash Austin FC.
Speaker 3 [00:00:38] Welcome back to Vamos Verde, I’m Juan Diego Garcia. Austin FC is in the playoff conversation with nine matches left this year, and since Jimmy is off doing dad things like a family man, I took the opportunity to check in with Austin FC head coach, the gaffer, el profe, Nico Estevez. How has Austin been treating you so far?
Speaker 4 [00:01:01] Well, it’s been amazing. Austin is treating me very well and my family were really, really happy to be here and exploring the city, exploring the spaces and the people that Austin has that has been so far so great.
Speaker 3 [00:01:19] Didn’t have to move too far. Have you noticed any really big differences from your time in Dallas here now that you live in Austin?
Speaker 4 [00:01:26] Well, I think as any other places that I’ve lived before, they have the different things we try to enjoy, every particular thing that every city has, and I think we are a family that have enjoyed living in Columbus, Ohio, have enjoyed in Chicago, Illinois, in Dallas and Frisco, Texas and now in Austin. And we adapt really well, but Austin is treating us really, really well also. And this is very helpful.
Speaker 3 [00:02:02] The team is in a position potentially to get a playoff birth. And in your first season in Dallas, that was also something you were able to achieve. How are you feeling at this stage in the season? You’ve got nine matches to go in terms of the performance of the team and where has this stacked up to maybe some of the expectations you had going into the season.
Speaker 4 [00:02:25] Well, from my experience, and as you said, first season and we’ve made some changes in the roster also and new ideas from the staff and we already had some unfair results in the season that is putting in a position that we still have to work really hard to make the playoff, but I think the mentality of the group is great. I think everyone is ready to give everything that they got to make the playoff, and we just have to keep pushing ourselves, keep pushing the players, us as a staff, and all together get the final reward, you know.
Speaker 3 [00:03:10] And, uh, it seems, you know, every match, the chemistry seems to be growing, it seems to building, uh earlier in the season, maybe there was a little bit of a struggle to score some goals, but that’s seemingly starting to change. Uh, what have you done? What are some of the things that you’ve been working on with your team to start building that chemistry and putting yourselves in a good position to fight for a playoff berth?
Speaker 4 [00:03:34] Well, I think it’s a work of everyone, you know, the players, us as a staff, knowing better each of one of us. I think some of the, even like this chemistry that we were talking, I think we were seeing a lot of good things even earlier, but I think sometimes results can give you a little bit more confidence And then everyone can look better when the results are good. Lately, we’ve got very good results and this could make everyone look that the chemistry is better. But I think we’ve had really good games even before that. And it was just a pity that we couldn’t score more goals in the games and win more games. But it’s a process, in my experience. When you arrive to a new place and to new players and there is new ideas and you need to adapt also to the quality of the place that you have and prepare things accordingly to their profiles. And we found a way right now that is consistent and we just hope that it keep growing and keep getting better and keep even improving our chemistry and. Making a really nice place that the fans can enjoy
Speaker 5 [00:05:07] SeatGeeks, the ticketing app for fans like the Sideline Shotcaller.
Speaker 2 [00:05:11] Come on, boys! Pick up!
Speaker 5 [00:05:14] Seagate got him a great deal on seats right near the action. So when he yells… He can be absolutely sure the players heard him. SeatGeek handles the tickets to sports, concerts, and more, so fans can fan.
Speaker 6 [00:05:32] Bye!
Speaker 3 [00:05:41] The club has not been the luckiest when it comes to injuries. Obviously earlier in the year, he had some big players missing extended periods of time. Mikhail Veselich spent some time with an injury, then Ibereda. And then obviously Brandon Vazquez lost to the season with a knee injury. What’s that been like for you to navigate and keep the team focused? Keep that chemistry up and, you know, keep the team pushing when one of their own goes down, especially Brandon, such a such a big part of the team.
Speaker 4 [00:06:11] Well, I think this is why it’s important to build a strong roster because the season is very long. We’re seeing how many injuries every team has. I think we are one of the teams that less injuries have in this season. We just had the unlucky thing that plays like Danny and Desler and also Julio had some injuries that put them away from longer period that we wanted. The thing with Brandon is something that you never won and you never expect. But I think everyone is responding well after those injuries, you know, next man up mentality and everyone is giving their best to in order that the team can get the results that we want. And so far, we’re seeing that great mentality from everyone.
Speaker 3 [00:07:07] You’re not only fighting for playoffs, you’re also two games away from potentially bringing home Austin FC’s first serious piece of silverware, being the U.S. Open Cup. Minnesota’s coming up next month. Philadelphia and Nashville are going to be squaring away for that last final spot. What’s the confidence level? How are you feeling going into that, and how much priority do you think that’s going to get? Going into this back half of the season with Austin, also fighting to make it into the playoffs in MLS.
Speaker 4 [00:07:39] Well, I think we have some games before that game, but obviously when when the time arrives to that is going to be probably the most important game that so far we will have this this season, every game is really, really important. But when you are in the birch to to be in a in a final and have the possibility to to to get a trophy, I think it means a lot to every one of us here. And we know how much it means to the fans also, and to the franchise, and we will put everything that we have to first make the final. And then after, when we are in the final, if we have that lucky to be there, and we’ll give our best to try to bring this trophy to the, to the fan.
Speaker 3 [00:08:33] I did want to ask, you know, just from what you’ve seen this season, if you could name your MVPs for the year, who’s in the running from the roster?
Speaker 4 [00:08:48] I think we’ll have to wait until the season because now that we have to, every game is going to be like a final. And then we have the Open Cup semi-final, hopefully the final, and then hopefully we do well and we play the playoff. Then there is still time to see some players to stand out, you know. We have ups and downs in some players. Some place that start really strong and then other players that now they’re coming up in the last two months that they’re doing really well. I think overall, there is a ton of players that are doing really. Well, there’s Brad, the back line is doing really well, also the midfield line lately is doing really well, changing position to Owen is, even though that he was doing well, but it has sparked his goal contribution on the team. Uh, lately also Mirto has contributed to scoring goals. Uh, Bucca had a difficult start, but then now he’s, he’s having a good, good moment. And, uh, Danny also with the injury, um, he had to stop a little bit his momentum and then now is getting there. I think everyone is having a, um. We now have to see in the, if, if this end of the season, this can be consistent and keep that. And then we’ll have a better taste of who could be the MVP for this season. But overall, we have a lot of players, like even John Gallagher had a really good time when he was starting for us as a right back position. And now when he has need to come back to that level and even that position or a winger position, but there is a lot Please that I feel very confident that they could be in that group of players that can be in the MVP.
Speaker 3 [00:10:48] You’ve experienced a lot of amazing environments at Q2 stadium, right? You have experienced them in rivalry games against your former club, as well as against Houston in the in-state rivalries. You also got to experience it during the MLS All-Star game. Tell me a little bit about that experience and tell me how you think that would stack up with Austin FC hosting a U.S. Open Cup final should you get the job done against Minnesota.
Speaker 4 [00:11:16] Well, I think, as you said, first, we have to play that game that we know is going to be really hard. Minnesota is having a good season, is a tough team to play against, but we are confident on our qualities and our way that we compete the last time against them. I think we had a really good game there, but it could be something very special to bring that game, that final… To the Q2 because we know how much our fans care about the team, how much they support us. And I think it could be a really, really special moment for our fans, for our everyone, front office that work really hard every single game, something where we are looking forward in the case that we beat Minnesota.
Speaker 3 [00:12:13] What has that been like? You’ve visited Austin as a visitor, right? Now you’re standing on that sideline every home game and you’ve got the crowd on your side. You’ve also experienced some amazing environments throughout Major League Soccer. Now that you can speak from experience, where does that experience stack up coaching Austin FC at Q2 Stadium in front of that home crowd.
Speaker 4 [00:12:38] Well, I think it’s not too many environments and experiences around the country that you could experience like Q2, you know, and every time that a friend comes to watch or a family member comes to to watch the game and or people around their friends that have around the United States and come for the first time to the Q2 or even the people that came to the All-Star game, players and they didn’t know in the environment. They all get impressed because it’s something unique. As I said in my press conference, something really special that is great for the U.S. In soccer wise, but we’re very lucky, you know, as a staff, as a players to have an environment as the one that we have in the Q2. We just have to find a way to even win lot of more games at home, in order that that could even get more excitement to the fans, more motivation and create a even a greater atmosphere that the one that we have right now that is really really good.
Speaker 6 [00:13:50] The clock’s ticking. Life’s not a passive sport. Sometimes you gotta go out there and make your own luck. Sometimes you just gotta go for it. That’s why everyone’s rushing out to get the new Blitz scratch tickets from the Texas Lottery. With top prizes up to a million bucks, it could be your chance to go big. So, get moving and play today for a Blitz of cash prizes. The Blitz is on. Must be 18 or older. Play responsibly.
Speaker 3 [00:14:30] What are some of the biggest surprises that you’ve experienced in your time as Austin FC head coach? Could be about the city. It could be about maybe some of the players that you’re getting to coach this year. Yeah, it would have been some of the moments that have kind of taken you a little bit by surprise this year
Speaker 4 [00:14:47] Well, I enjoy different things. I don’t have much time to do it, but I’ve enjoyed the river, the lake, with the family. Really nice and special activities that you can do in the water that are really, really cool. I’ve enjoy the food here. So many options, so many possibilities, There’s so many good places to. To eat. I love food, you know, and I cook also at home, but it’s something that I like and I enjoy with my wife and with my kids. And it’s something that is really, really amazing here. Also, the possibilities that you have going into the city, going to any park, going to other places that are beautiful, they have a really nice sunset, really nice places to go. And the people, when you come sometimes to the United States, one of the things that shocks more to you is when you are in the cities, there is not a lot of life, you know? There is a lot cities that are very like, they are like business oriented, you now? There is people going to just work, you no? And then. Maybe they have some areas for restaurants and everything, but what I most like in Austin is everywhere you go, the city or domain or other places, is always people on the streets, always people walking, always people enjoying the restaurants, the shopping, the parks, and there is a very lively mood here. And I think it’s something that we as a family enjoy a lot. That we have experienced. I think the club has everything to be successful, has all the tools, and we just have to work hard in order to, and well, in order to put the franchise in the place that we feel they should be. The players are amazing, great professionals, really good guys that come here to work harder, they’re also good people. Um, we are enjoying every part of the, of the of the club of the city. And I think, uh, everyone talked to me, uh very highly about that. And then it’s not like a surprise for me to experience that it’s more like a, uh having a, a really good time, uh right now. And, and, uh also like when results are coming and are better, it’s like you enjoy more. Because you kind of get into a nice mood and then you can have more time to also spend with your family.
Speaker 3 [00:17:53] Barbecue tastes better after a win every time, right? Yes. Yes. Have you found a favorite spot? Have you found a favorite spot?
Speaker 4 [00:17:57] Every food tastes better after a win.
Speaker 3 [00:18:00] Have you found a favorite barbecue spot or maybe like a good Spanish food spot?
Speaker 4 [00:18:05] To be honest, barbecue is the only restaurant or food that we haven’t a goal there because for us it is more difficult to find time to for lunch. I don’t like to eat dinner because it’s too heavy for me. But we’ve had some recommendations that we have to explore. We haven’t go to a Spanish restaurant yet. We went to Mexican, we went to Texans, we’ve go to sushi, really good, American, really good, different kind of Italian, really really good. Different kind of places, also Greek one, Mediterranean, and we’ve enjoyed it. Those that are. Maybe just more oriented to seafood because we love seafood and they’re really good. We’ve explored the South Congress area that it’s really nice and have these restaurants and shopping and we’ve tried a lot of different things.
Speaker 3 [00:19:23] Have you found a favorite spot and you can’t say red ash because every other player we ask has said red ash is their favorite place
Speaker 4 [00:19:30] Well, I said because of my daughter is her favorite and and we also enjoy the seafood is La Perla.
Speaker 3 [00:19:40] Okay, gotcha, yeah, yeah. I’m familiar.
Speaker 4 [00:19:42] And that’s really good seafood.
Speaker 3 [00:19:46] And I think we’re going to have to check in again before next season so that you can spend the off season trying all the barbecue spots and then we’ll get your expert foodie opinion on where you would send someone visiting Austin for the first time.
Speaker 4 [00:19:59] I’ll try, I’ll probably try this next month, I think in the next four or five weeks I’ll try one barbeque.
Speaker 3 [00:20:10] Place. You’ve got other stuff on your mind. Yeah. I can imagine running a soccer team. I’ll find some time to do it. I mean, folks have a lot of opinions about that. Maybe maybe even more than the opinions that they share about soccer and the team that you’re coaching.
Speaker 4 [00:20:26] I can see that, I can see that.
Speaker 3 [00:20:28] All right. Thank you so much, Nico.
Speaker 4 [00:20:29] You’re welcome.
Speaker 3 [00:20:39] Special thanks to the folks at Austin FC for making this happen. Ryan Madden, Cameron Kubeck, and Gwen Hernandez. A special thanks to folks at KUT and KUTxStudios who helped us put this podcast together. Elizabeth McQueen and Tanu Thomas. Our music was created by my best friend, Geron Marshall. And Vamos Verde is a production of KUT Public Media Studios. We’re a non-profit media organization. If you would like to help us make this podcast and more… Consider donating at supportthispodcast.org. You can also find the link in the episode description. We can’t do this without you, so thanks for supporting and thanks for listening.
Speaker 2 [00:21:37] Everyone has a horizon. The line you can’t see past. Before it, the familiar. Beyond it, the unknown. Enter the Lexus GX. It’s designed to be capable. It is designed to be luxurious. But most of all, it’s designed get you past your horizon. And the nice thing about horizons is that once they’re crossed, there’s always another, patiently waiting its turn. Live up to it. The LexusGX. Experience amazing at your Lexus dealer.
This transcript was transcribed by AI, and lightly edited by a human. Accuracy may vary. This text may be revised in the future.
