Héctor Jiménez will be back in Verde in 2023. It was announced on Thursday that Austin FC had re-signed the veteran fullback to a one-year contract, with a club option for the 2024 season.
Importantly, Jiménez will occupy a supplemental roster spot, freeing up a spot on the senior roster where he was previously categorized.
Jiménez, 34, has been with the club since the inaugural 2021 season and has made 39 appearances (27 starts) during that span with a goal and five assists. In 2022, while battling through an adductor injury suffered in July, he contributed three assists in 601 minutes.
His presence off the field might be even more important though, as the departure of Felipe leaves Jiménez as the player with far and away the most MLS experience on the roster.
In an interview with The Striker last season, Jiménez opened the door to a future in coaching, but playing the 2023 season (and possibly beyond) was always in his plans.
"I took my B course a couple of years ago when I was in Columbus with with Josh and Gregg, so it's something that I have a passion for," he said. "I'd still like to play a couple more years. I think my body's still good enough to give me a few more years, but it's something I've seen in the future. Hopefully, just down the road, I can pass along everything I've learned and everything I've experienced."
He'll be entering his 13th season in the league, with three MLS Cups to his name. He won two of those early in his career with the LA Galaxy (2011 and 2012) and the other during his last of seven seasons with the Columbus Crew (2020).
Last season, Austin FC came two wins shy of hoisting his fourth league crown.
Here for Austin. 🌳@Hector__J16 signs a new contract with the VERDE & Black! pic.twitter.com/mL8NsFnB2t
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) December 8, 2022
“I’m very happy to return to Austin FC after so many great moments here over the last two years,” Jiménez said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get back out in front of the fans at Q2 Stadium.”
Jiménez is the second player that Verde has signed to a new contract so far this offseason, joining goalkeeper Brad Stuver who signed a multi-year deal to remain in Austin. The club also added Sofiane Djeffal via the re-entry draft and Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez from end-of-year waivers. Meanwhile, Felipe signed with Orlando City and Andrew Tarbell was picked up by the Houston Dynamo after both players were not re-signed by Austin FC.
