Austin FC sign F Diego Rubio

Austin FC have signed free agent forward Diego Rubio of Chile to a one-year contract with an option for 2025, the club announced Monday.

Rubio, 30, has 55 goals and 35 assists in 171 MLS appearances (including playoffs) over three seasons with Sporting KC and the past five with the Colorado Rapids.

He had a career-best season in 2022 with Colorado, scoring a team-high 16 goals along with seven assists in 30 games. Last season, Rubio recorded three goals and four assists in 16 MLS games (13 starts).

"From the perspective of a visiting player at Q2 Stadium, I experienced the incredible passion that Austin FC fans have for their team and their city," Rubio said in a news release. "It's one of the league's best atmospheres, and I can't wait to play there for the first time as a member of the home team."

A native of Santiago, Rubio has 12 career appearances with the Chilean Men's National Team, most recently in March 2023. Austin FC said Rubio will have domestic and senior designations on its roster.

"Diego is a proven goal scorer in MLS, and we believe his abilities fit well with the Club's style of play," Austin FC sporting director Rodolfo Borrell said in the release.