Ex-crew assistant named Austin coach

Austin FC is turning to a familiar face in U.S. soccer to the lead the new franchise into its inaugural MLS season in 2021.

Josh Wolff, former U.S. men’s national team striker and current assistant, was named coach of Austin FC on Tuesday, taking over a club that doesn’t yet have a roster or a stadium but does have big plans for the future.

“Josh Wolff is a rising star ... When there’s an opportunity to hire a talent, you’ve got to jump on it,” team owner Anthony Precourt said at Wolff’s introduction. “We’re in Austin because we believe we can be a big club. We’re going to be taking this club to the next level.”

Wolff, 42, is taking his career to the next level as a coach. While rumored to be a candidate for several jobs, Austin FC will be his first as a head coach after seven years as an assistant, the last six with Gregg Berhalter with the Crew and the U.S. national team. He will stay with the national team through November.

“I know what Anthony expects. I’m proud to be on board with that,” Wolff said. “Our stated ambition is to establish ourselves quickly within MLS as a vibrant, attacking side, and we want to reflect the diverse, competitive and passionate makeup of our club’s home, both on and off the field.”

Wolff scored nine goals in 52 appearances with the national team from 1999 to 2008 and was on the World Cup squads in 2002 and 2006. He was a twotime all-star in MLS.

“Hiring our coach now shows our commitment to putting the best product on the field in our inaugural season,” Precourt said.

Crew signs Scottish player, loans him out

The Crew signed Scottish midfielder/ defender Chris Cadden, who will immediately be loaned to English club Oxford United before joining the Crew for the 2020 season, the team announced Tuesday.

Cadden, 22, has played his entire career with Scottish club Motherwell in the first division. His contract expired at the end of the Scottish Premiership season. He primarily played at winger, but also has experience as an outside back.

Cadden will play with Oxford United in the English third division for the 2019-20 season. When he joins the Crew, he will occupy an international roster slot.

Cadden has scored 12 goals with 21 assists in 139 appearances in the Scottish top division.