Last week, MLS expansion side Austin FC released their debut kit ahead of joining the league in 2021.
Nothing establishes a footballing identity for a new club or franchise quite like the release of their first set of strips, and whilst it can take time for that visual fingerprint to develop into an authentic representation of the club and its supporters; this isn’t a bad start at all.
Although Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders play in their own shades of green, the pairing of colours officially described as “bright verde and black,” gives the Texas franchise a unique and distinctive look within MLS.
Hailed as “The Uniform for Austin,” adidas’ first set of shirts take those colours and places them within a bold wide-striped design, finished with a simple crew-neck collar.
Those new stripes take their cue from the two intertwined oak trees featured within Austin’s crest, symbolising the club and the city growing stronger together as a community.
It’s always good to see a cool local sponsor on a shirt, and Austin’s comes in the form of Yeti, who manufacture all sorts of vacuum insulated ice chests, coolers and flasks for use in the great outdoors.
To our eyes, the vibrant green and black stripes with white details bring to mind those of Serie A’s Sassuolo and while some will ask for more creativity from adidas, we think they’ve done an admirable job in harnessing the excitement surrounding Austin FC’s arrival.
Austin FC will become the Major League Soccer’s 27th club when they kick-off in April 2021, and we look forward to seeing their and identity and kits develop over time, but anyone expecting more from adidas at this stage is probably expecting a little too much.
Sartorial Soccer 