FC Austin Elite was an American women's soccer team, founded in 2015.[1] The team folded in 2022 after United Women's Soccer placed sanctions on the team based on allegations of misconduct.[2]
 | |
| Nickname(s) | The Elite |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Dissolved | 2022 |
| Stadium | Round Rock Multipurpose Complex Round Rock, Texas |
| Chairman | Danny Woodfill |
| League | United Women's Soccer |
History
editAfter their founding in 2015, FC Austin Elite played in the Women's Premier Soccer League in 2016 & 2017. The team became a member of the United Women's Soccer in 2018.[3]
Workplace misconduct allegations
editChristiane Lessa was hired as the FC Austin Elite head coach by Danny Woodfill in April 2022, and led the team to a 1st place ranking in the Southwest Conference and 5th place ranking nationally. On July 29th, 2022, it was announced that Danny Woodfill had fired Coach Lessa for "failure to meet objectives, failure to build a program, and creating a negative environment”. [4] On June 30, 2022 FC Austin Elite players posted a statement on social media condoning the firing of Coach Lessa and the workplace misconduct of Danny Woodfill.[5] On July 1, 2022 the players filed an official complaint with United Women's Soccer.[6] On July 11, 2022, United Women's Soccer announced sanctions against Danny Woodfill.[2] Because of the sanctions FC Austin Elite were unable to participate in the 2022 play-offs.[6]
Year-by-year
edit| Year | Division | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | WPSL | 4th, Southwest | DNQ |
| 2017 | 2 | WPSL | 7th, Southwest | DNQ |
| 2018 | 4 | UWS | 3rd, Southwest | DNQ |
| 2019 | 4 | UWS | 2nd, Southwest | DNQ |
| 2020 | 4 | UWS | COVID-19[7] | |
| 2021 | 4 | UWS | 5th, Southwest | Conference Semi-Finals |
| 2022 | 4 | UWS | 1st, Southwest | Removed[2] |
References
edit- ^ "FC Austin Elite Brings Women's Soccer to Austin". www.VioletCrown.com. Violet Crown Soccer. May 12, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c "UWS Implements Sanctions Against FC Austin Elite Following Grievance Review". www.UWSSoccer.com. United Women's Soccer. July 11, 2022. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "United Women's Soccer Welcomes FC Austin Elite". www.UWSSoccer.com. United Women's Soccer. May 3, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ Gawronski, Danielle (July 5, 2022). "Taking a Stand: FC Austin Elite Players Allege Misconduct and Empty Promises". www.ProtagonistSoccer.com. Protagonist Soccer. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
"failure to meet objectives, failure to build a program, and creating a negative environment."
- ^ Lloyd-Hughes, Theadore (July 3, 2022). "UWS launches investigation into FC Austin Elite, allegations against Danny Woodfill". www.TheStriker.com. The Striker. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ a b Lloyd-Hughes, Theadore (July 14, 2022). "'We've had enough': What led to FC Austin Elite players speaking out". www.TheStriker.com. The Striker. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "UWS Provides Update on 2020 Season". www.UWSSoccer.com. United Women's Soccer. Jun 9, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2023.