AUSTIN — Facundo Torres knows the expectations are high as Austin FC’s newest Designated Player.
The 25-year-old Uruguay international arrives in Texas after a year with Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras, bringing experience from both MLS and international play. Torres is Orlando City’s all-time leading scorer and led the Lions to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup title and the 2024 Eastern Conference Final before leaving for a reported club-record fee of up to $14 million in December 2024.
“It’s true I did well in Orlando. But honestly, playing in Brazil helped me grow even more,” Torres said Thursday during his introductory press conference at Q2 Stadium. “The national team also gives you experience, but the Brazilian league allowed me to grow a lot more and bring more experience to Austin.”
Austin FC hopes Torres’ experience will help bolster its attack after a 2025 season that saw the club reach the U.S. Open Cup final and return to the MLS Cup Playoffs, but score a Western Conference-low 37 goals. Injuries and struggles from DP forwards Myrto Uzuni and Osman Bukari limited the offense; Bukari was later transferred to Widzew Łódź in December, opening the DP slot Torres now fills. The club also acquired Canadian international Jayden Nelson from Vancouver Whitecaps FC this offseason.
“This is obviously a very good team. That helped convince me to come here,” Torres said. “… With the team that we have, it’s not going to be a problem improving that stat [goals].”
Austin sporting director Rodolfo Borrell praised Torres’ proven MLS track record. “He’s a player with a very clear record in this league. This is a very particular league, very difficult — much more difficult than what people think. Sometimes, one of the biggest problems for players coming from abroad is that they think it’s a very easy league, and they soon find out it’s totally different. He has the ideal combination of quality, finishing, assists, and, more than anything, commitment.”
Torres also joins Austin FC at a critical time in his international career. Uruguay is preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Torres said discussions with head coach Marcelo Bielsa’s staff influenced his decision to sign with Austin. He now hopes strong performances with the Verde & Black will secure his spot in La Celeste’s squad.
“They gave me their opinion, and based on that and what I was thinking, I made my decision,” Torres said. “The national team is something very important for me… I have the highest of hopes. That’s why I’m here.”
