Numbers don't lie: Some telling stats behind Austin FC's slow 2024 start

Welcome to the world of key passes, final third passes, progressive passes and progressive carries. It's currently a difficult world for Verde.

Gather ‘round, nerds.

For those you of who like to make your arguments with stats to back them, and if your argument somehow involves the winless start that Austin FC’s off to in 2024, we’ve loaded up on some of the more distressing numbers available so far this season.

It’s not like I do this for fun, but I thought you should have stats at the ready to impress those Austin FC friends of yours who, horrifying as it might sound, don’t subscribe to this newsletter.

(Truth be told, I actually do do this for fun. I love me some numbers, even when they lead me to conclude that the team I’m covering trails most of all of the other MLS teams in key categories by oft-alarming margins.)

If you saw my Saturday post-match article, you already know that there’s been a dearth of shots (28) and shots on target (8) this season, especially when stacked up against their 2024 opponents.

But there’s more indication of offensive futility (and maybe some goalkeeping-related silver linings in there, too) to explore as you get further into the numbers.

Let’s dig in.

Diego Rubio’s part of an offense trying to find its way (Andy Nietupski/TTL Sports)