Austin FC announced Thursday that what's likely to be the first match of 2023 at Q2 Stadium will feature two marquee teams — neither of them being Austin FC.
The Jan. 10 friendly will feature River Plate, one of the top club teams in Argentina (with some Austin FC connections to boot) playing C.F. Monterrey, a top-tier Liga MX team with a substantial Austin fan base.
According to the release, Oak Collective Season Ticket and Waitlist members will have access to a ticket pre-sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. CT and 2 p.m. CT respectively. Whatever tickets remain will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. CT this coming Monday.
“This match is an exciting opportunity to welcome two historic, and internationally recognized clubs to Q2 Stadium,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “River Plate and Rayados have very passionate and far-reaching fanbases and the friendly at Q2 Stadium will give fans of both clubs the chance to see them up close shortly after the conclusion of FIFA World Cup.”
River Plate, of course, is the Buenos Aires-based club where current Austin FC star Sebastian Driussi developed. Druissi played in the club's youth system and began his pro career there in 2013, scoring 21 goals in 67 matches before moving to Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2017.
River Plate was also the loan destination in 2022 for another Austin FC designated player, Tomas Pochettino, who developed with River Plate's fierce rivals, Boca Juniors, before embarking on his prior career. Pochettino is back with Austin FC for the time being.
Current notable River Plate players include Uruguay national team player Nicolas de la Cruz, former Atlanta United player Ezequiel Barco, and MLS veteran Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.
C.F. Monterrey is making a return to Q2 Stadium, having played a friendly with Club América at Q2 Stadium this past March. Notable Rayados include capped Mexican national team players Hector Moreno, Rogelio Funes Mori and Jesus Gallardo.