Austin FC Loans Star Defender | MLS News

Austin FC just pulled off a major defensive upgrade by signing 19-year-old Chris Applewhite on loan from Nashville SC — with an option to buy him outright in 2027. Already a U.S. youth national team captain who led his squad to the Concacaf U-20 finals and a spot in the 2027 World Cup, Applewhite brings elite leadership and potential. Though he’s only logged 188 minutes in five MLS games for Nashville, his rapid development makes him a perfect fit for Austin’s push up the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, Nashville gets $50K in General Allocation Money in 2026 — and continues its charge toward the Supporters’ Shield. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5d6cfaa9366e181c