Berhalter Won MLS Cup in 2020 with Columbus Crew SC
Son of U.S. National Team Men’s Head Coach, 19-Year-old Midfielder Berhalter joins Austin FC on Loan for 2021 Season.
Austin FC acquired 19-year-old midfielder Sebastian Berhalter on loan from Columbus Crew SC for the 2021 season. Austin FC has the option to trade for the player’s rights on a permanent basis at the conclusion of the ‘21 season.
“Sebastian is a young and talented midfielder who will add depth to our growing roster.”
Claudio Reyna, Austin FC Sporting Director
“We are excited to have him join the Club and look forward to his continued professional development with Austin FC,” said Claudio Reyna, Austin FC Sporting Director.
“I’m excited for this new opportunity and looking forward to the challenge,” commented Berhalter. “I can’t wait to get started.”
The former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill midfielder was signed as a Homegrown Player in 2020. While at the Crew, Berhalter made nine (9) appearances (four (4) starts) in 2020 as a member of the team that won MLS Cup.
Son of U.S. National Team Men’s Head Coach, Berhalter made 103 appearances (97 starts) for Crew SC’s Academy (2014-19), scoring 11 goals and helping the team to a third-place finish in the USSDA U-19 Tournament. At the collegiate level, Berhalter made 17 appearances (nine (9) starts) in 2019 for the Tar Heels. Internationally, Berhalter has featured in three (3) U.S. U-16 Men’s National Team matches (one (1) start).
Ready to go. See you soon, @sebaberhalter! pic.twitter.com/gIbxIoltxF
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) March 3, 2021
Austin FC will officially begin play in 2021 in the new, 100% privately financed, $260 million, state-of-the-art Q2 Stadium in Austin.
“I’m excited for this new opportunity and looking forward to the challenge,” said 5’9″ Berhalter who was born in London, England. “I can’t wait to get started.”
The former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill midfielder arrives from Columbus Crew SC, where he was signed as a Homegrown Player in 2020. With Crew SC, Berhalter made nine (9) appearances (four (4) starts) in 2020 as a member of the team that won MLS Cup.
Berhalter (Pronounced “BURR-hall-ter”) made 103 appearances (97 starts) for Crew SC’s Academy (2014-19), scoring 11 goals and helping the team to a third-place finish in the USSDA U-19 Tournament. At the collegiate level, Berhalter made 17 appearances (nine (9) starts) in 2019 for the Tar Heels. Internationally, Berhalter has featured in three (3) U.S. U-16 Men’s National Team matches (one (1) start).
Following the acquisition of Berhalter, Austin FC’s roster consists of:
Goalkeepers
Brady Scott (USA)
Brad Stuver (USA)
Andrew Tarbell (USA)
Defenders
Matt Besler (USA)
Julio Cascante (Costa Rica)
Hector Jimenez (USA)
Freddy Kleeman (USA)
Žan Kolmanič (Slovenia)
Nick Lima (USA)
Jhohan Romaña (Colombia)
Ben Sweat (USA)
Midfielders
Sebastian Berhalter (USA)
Diego Fagundez (USA)
Daniel Pereira (Venezuela)
Tomás Pochettino (Argentina)
Alex Ring (Finland)
Ulises Segura (Costa Rica)
Jared Stroud (USA)
Forwards
Cecilio Domínguez (Paraguay)
Jon Gallagher (Ireland)
Danny Hoesen (Netherlands)
Kekuta Manneh (The Gambia)
Rodney Redes (Paraguay)
Aaron Schoenfeld (USA)
Transaction: Austin FC acquire midfielder Sebastian Berhalter on loan from Columbus Crew SC on March 3, 2021, with an option to trade for the player on a permanent basis at the end of the season. Additional conditional GAM could be achieved based on performance-based benchmarks.
Source: Release
Top Image Credit: USA Today Sports Images
