The first Austin FC player to set off the Q2 goal seismograph has made a long-term commitment to the club.
Austin FC announced Thursday that it's agreed to a new multi-year contract with Jon Gallagher, who started his time with the club in 2021 as a winger, but made the transformation to fullback prior to the 2022 season.
Proud to call this place my home 💚🖤 So happy to be representing this city for the next few years! https://t.co/UAdILgyvcP
— Jon Gallagher (@JonGallagher96) November 10, 2022
Gallagher is signed for four years through the end of the 2026 season, according to a press release from the club, with an option for the 2027 season.
“Being a part of Austin FC has been a genuinely special experience for me, and I’m excited to continue building something amazing for this community,” said Gallagher. “I can’t wait to be back with our fans at Q2 Stadium next year.”
So far, Gallagher has 59 appearances in Verde, scoring four goals and five assists along the way. Three of those four goals came in the 2021 season, when Gallagher was deployed as a winger, but four of his five assists came from the fullback position he converted to in 2022. The 2021 goals included one of the loudest in Q2 history — the opener in July 1's win over Portland Timbers, the first goal scored by an Austin FC in Q2 history, its anticipation extended into the third home match after scoreless draws against San Jose and Columbus to start Austin FC's residency at Q2.
“Jon was a consistently strong performer throughout 2022,” said Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “He’s adapted incredibly well to playing a new role and we’re thrilled to keep him in Austin. We look forward to watching his continued growth.”
The release also noted that Gallagher tied for second on the team in interceptions in 2022, with 32, and only trailed teammate Diego Fagundez in key passes (with eight) during the team's run through the playoffs in 2022.
Gallagher, who hails from Dundalk, Ireland, has been in MLS since 2018 with Atlanta United, when he was drafted 14th in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. He saw his first MLS action with his former club in 2020. The personable player is a fan favorite — a subset of the Los Verdes supporters' group has christened itself the Gally Gals, in celebration of the player.