08.03.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.

👋 Farewell Fagúndez

Farewell Fagúndez: an Austin FC roster update

Diego Fagúndez has been playing with the league since its inception in 2021. | Gif via Giphy

El Tree has undergone some big changes in the last few days.

The Major League Soccer secondary transfer window is now closed, so you can expect to see — and miss — some new faces on Q2 Stadium’s pitch.

Diego Fagúndez traded for Memo Rodríguez

First off, say goodbye to midfielder Diego Fagúndez. The Uruguyan player, who has been with Austin FC since its inaugural season in 2021, was traded to LA Galaxy pending league approval. Fagúndez was Austin FC’s all-time leader in assists and scored the first goal in the club’s history, appearing in 95 matches.

Because Fagúndez was one of the highest-paid players on the team, the trade will give Austin FC more flexibility to manipulate the roster.

In exchange for Fagúndez, Austin FC will receive native Texan and midfielder Memo Rodríguez, plus up to $900,000 in general allocation money (GAM). Rodríguez — who began his MLS career with Houston Dynamo FC — will join the roster through the 2023 season, with options for 2024 + 2025.

Matt Hedges acquired

In a trade with Toronto FC, defender Matt Hedges will join Austin FC through the end of the 2024 season, with options for 2025 + 2026. Hedges currently ranks eighth among active MLS players in minutes played. Toronto will receive up to $475,000 in GAM.

Amro Tarek waived

Austin FC waived the guaranteed contract buyout of defender Amro Tarek after just one appearance with the league. The move opens up a senior spot on the roster.

Brandan Craig acquired

Austin FC acquired defender Brandan Craig — who will play with El Tree through the 2023 season — via loan from Philadelphia Union.

Philadelphia will receive Austin’s natural third-round pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and up to $125,000 in GAM.

These players have some time to acclimate — El Tree’s next game is on Sunday, Aug. 20 against St. Louis City FC.

Asked

What’s your favorite sport to watch?

A. Football
B. Soccer
C. Basketball
D. Other

Who's your team?

Events

Thursday, Aug. 3

“The Big Lebowski” | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $11 | Celebrate 25 years of The Dude and his friends at this downtown screening.
One Night of Queen | Thursday, Aug. 3 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $30-$75 | This two-hour show pays homage to the group’s most iconic works.

Friday, Aug. 4

Dominic Fike | Friday, Aug. 4 | 8 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St., Austin | $38-$202 | Hether will also perform on this “Don’t Stare at the Sun” tour.

Saturday, Aug. 5

Oklahoma City Spark vs. Texas Smoke | Saturday, Aug. 5-Monday, Aug. 7 | Times vary | Concordia University, 11400 Concordia University Dr., Austin | $10-$57 | Cheer on Austin’s new pro softball team at this three-game series.

Sunday, Aug. 6

This is Your Sign: Astrology Themed Comedy | Sunday, Aug. 6 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Fallout Theater, 616 Lavaca St., Austin | $8 | Join in on this comedy show, hosted by Jenn Rosario, about the signs.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Outdoors

Jacob’s Well in Wimberley stopped flowing for the sixth time in recorded history, each of which occurred within the last 23 years. Experts say the well’s flow is indicative of the region’s dwindling water supply. (KUT)

Open

The space that once housed bars like Zie Haus and the Lost Lei has a new tenant: Swank Cocktail Room. Located at 117 W. 4th St., the bar specializes in champagne, sparkling wine, and bottle service in a swanky space. (Eater Austin)

Pets

Me-wow. From now until Thursday, Aug. 31, all Austin Pets Alive! dog, cat, puppy, and kitten adoptions are $23 in celebration of Clear the Shelters 2023. APA!'s Town Lake location will also host an event from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19.

Kids

Co-working space and daycare hybrid WorkCastle will hold a grand opening for its first Austin location at 9901 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. on Saturday, Aug. 5. The space offers daycare for children 18 months to 13 years old, activities, and a quiet space for parents. (Community Impact Austin)

Civic

With an ongoing drought and temperature highs surpassing 100º, the Lower Colorado River Authority is asking locals to be mindful of water usage. The LCRA expects the capacity of Lakes Buchanan and Travis to fall below 45% and may move into Stage 2 of its drought plan this month. (KXAN)

Transit

XCharge North America will build its new, 3,500-sqft US manufacturing facility in Hays County. The facility will be the electric vehicle company’s home base for EV charging research and development, and potentially expand to 20,000 sqft in a few years. (KVUE)

Pets

🐱 Cat’s out of the bag

POP Cats Austin returns this month

Curious cats are invited to spend the day with some feline friends at POP Cats Austin. | Photo courtesy POP Cats

Are you cool with cats? Are you infatuated with felines? Are you keen to be seen when you’re smelling a rat?

If you were and you are, you might enjoy POP Cats Austin.

The Palmer Events Center at 900 Barton Springs Rd. will transform into a kitty wonderland from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13.

What’s in store?

Cat-themed pop art galleries
Photo opportunities
Adoption “catios” from Austin Humane Society, Shadow Cats, and Kingdom Rescue
Artisan vendors for you and your feline
Crafting stations
Vintage video games

Tickets run from $25-$50 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the participating cat rescue organizations.

Share ATXtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_5}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Figi

From the editor

In my experience, Austin is a very physically active town, and I’m trying my best to keep up.

I’m a big Yoga with Adriene fan, but when the weather cools down, I’m putting my roller skates back on. I’m curious — how do you work out? Let me know using this survey.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY