BRENDAN HINES-IKE Austin FC Defender Performance, Stats, and Impact Analysis

Brendan Hines-Ike has quickly become a key defender for Austin FC, earning respect for his composure and reliability on the back line. After signing as a free agent in February 2024, Hines-Ike jumped right into action with Austin FC. He racked up 28 MLS appearances in his first season, starting 25 times and playing a big part in 7 of the team’s 9 clean sheets.

He brings tactical awareness and a knack for strong tackles, giving Austin’s defense the kind of stability every fan wants to see. Hines-Ike doesn’t just shut down attackers—he chipped in two goals during the 2024 campaign, proving he’s valuable at both ends. You can really feel his steady presence and professionalism, and it’s hard to imagine Austin FC’s backline without him at this point. Check out his career summary for more details.

Season	Club	Appearances	Starts	Clean Sheets*	Goals
2024	Austin FC	28	25	7	2

*Clean sheets mean the team allowed no goals while Hines-Ike was on the pitch.

Profile of Brendan Hines-Ike

Brendan Hines-Ike is a seasoned American soccer player who’s made a name for himself with a calm, steady approach in defense. His background, physical tools, and playing style make him a real asset for Austin FC.

Background and Early Life

Brendan Hines-Ike was born on November 30, 1994, in Denver, Colorado. He grew up playing youth soccer in Colorado, and folks noticed his defensive instincts and commitment pretty early on.

He attended college in the States, where he kept sharpening his skills against tough competition. Hines-Ike built a reputation for reliability and leadership—qualities that paved his way to a pro career and, eventually, Austin FC. If you’re curious about his journey, his player profile is worth a look.

Physical Attributes

Standing at 1.85 meters (about 6’1″), Hines-Ike has the height for aerial duels and defensive clearances. That size, along with his solid athleticism, helps him match up well against bigger forwards.

He weighs in at around 185 pounds. That’s pretty standard for a center back—strong but still mobile. These traits let him play full matches and help keep Austin’s defense steady.

Attribute	Value
Height	1.85 m (6’1″)
Weight	185 lbs
Position	Defender
Birthplace	Denver, CO
Date of Birth	Nov 30, 1994

Playing Style and Position

Brendan Hines-Ike lines up as a center back, holding down the middle of Austin’s defense. He’s known for staying in the right spot, tackling smartly, and reading the game a step ahead.

He doesn’t depend on pure speed. Instead, he cuts out passes and intercepts attacks by anticipating what’s coming. His leadership organizing the back line led to several clean sheets for Austin during 2024.

He’s also a set-piece threat, scoring clutch goals—including a wild 93rd-minute winner. You can dig into his highlights and game stats for more.

Professional Career Journey

Brendan Hines-Ike’s soccer journey is a story of consistency, growth, and adapting to new challenges. He started at the college level, then took the leap to play overseas before returning to MLS with a wealth of experience.

Collegiate Soccer Experience

Hines-Ike started his college career at Creighton University. That’s a big-time NCAA Division I program with a serious soccer tradition. He made an impact right away, showing off his tackling and leadership.

After two seasons, he transferred to the University of South Florida. With the Bulls, he kept developing his technical and physical game, earning All-Conference honors. He also spent time with local youth academies, boosting his soccer IQ along the way.

That mix of competition and coaching gave him a strong foundation for the pro game.

Early Professional Years

Right after college, Hines-Ike had a short stint with the Chivas USA U-18 academy. He also trained with the Colorado Rapids and leaned on his development years in the States to chase opportunities abroad.

He didn’t go the usual MLS draft route. Instead, he signed his first pro contract overseas, showing some real ambition and a willingness to take risks for bigger challenges.

Jumping straight to Europe set him on a unique career path.

European Tenure

Hines-Ike landed with Örebro SK in the Swedish Allsvenskan and quickly became a key piece of their defense. He played 70 league matches, scored four goals, and even picked up three assists—which is pretty impressive for a defender.

His play in Sweden earned respect, proving he could handle top-level competition. In 2018, he signed with K.V. Kortrijk in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League. Facing Belgian competition meant adjusting to new tactics, language, and coaching styles. Those years in Sweden and Belgium gave him confidence and sharpened his leadership, both on and off the field.

European Club Stats

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Örebro SK	2016-2018	70	4	3
KV Kortrijk	2018-2020	39	1	1

Major League Soccer Transition

Hines-Ike returned to the U.S. to join D.C. United in MLS. He stepped right into a starting role, valued for his organization and physical presence. Injuries did sideline him at times, but when healthy, he anchored the backline.

He later signed with Austin FC as a free agent. In his first season, he made 28 MLS appearances and started 25 times, instantly shoring up the defense. His international experience set a tone for younger teammates and brought reliability to the club.

Teams like St. Louis City SC have shown interest in him, so his stock in MLS is definitely rising. Every squad he’s joined has benefited from his leadership and ability to handle the big moments.

You can find more about his career at Austin FC at the official club site and MLSsoccer.com.

Brendan Hines-Ike at Austin FC

Since arriving before the 2024 season, Brendan Hines-Ike has become a true anchor for Austin FC’s defense. His arrival brought much-needed experience and a sense of calm to the backline.

Transfer to Austin FC

Brendan Hines-Ike joined Austin FC in February 2024 as a free agent, signing a one-year deal with an option for another season. At 29, he brought years of experience from MLS and Europe.

Austin FC made central defense a priority in the offseason, and Hines-Ike fit the bill for depth and leadership. The move aimed to fix a defense that just hadn’t found its rhythm before. He won over the coaching staff quickly during training and preseason.

The contract gives both sides some flexibility. If Hines-Ike keeps performing and stays healthy, Austin FC can extend him into 2025. That’s a smart play for a team trying to build around veteran defenders.

Role in Defense

Hines-Ike usually plays as a central defender, often paired with other experienced backs. He’s physical but keeps his cool, and he’s got a real knack for winning balls in the air and reading the play.

During games, you’ll see him organizing the line, directing teammates, and talking constantly. His decisions under pressure bring calm, especially when things get tense against MLS attacks.

He’s stepped up as a leader, mentoring younger guys and helping a back four that’s still gelling. By midseason, he’d played the full 90 minutes in most of Austin’s clean-sheet matches. His presence has tightened up the defense compared to past years.

2024 MLS Season Highlights

In the 2024 regular season, Hines-Ike played in 28 MLS games and started 25. Austin FC kept 9 clean sheets in all competitions, and he was on the field for the full match in 7 of them.

He also chipped in 2 goals from set pieces—huge for a team that sometimes needs scoring from defenders. His consistency stands out, as he rarely missed games due to injury or suspension.

Brendan Hines-Ike – 2024 Season Stats (MLS & All Competitions):

Statistic	Value
Appearances	28
Starts	25
Goals	2
Clean Sheets	9 (7 full 90)
Minutes Played	Significant

He’s become one of the first names on Austin’s lineup card and could be sticking around for another season if the club picks up his option. For more, check out Brendan Hines-Ike’s career summary with Austin FC.

Key Stats and Achievements

Brendan Hines-Ike has delivered steady, reliable performances as a core defender for Austin FC. His minutes, goals, and defensive work all show how important he’s been.

Appearances and Matches

Hines-Ike came to Austin FC in February 2024 and fit right in. He made 28 MLS appearances in his first season, starting 25.

He was on the field for the big moments, helping carry the backline through routine games and high-pressure situations. Coaches have shown real trust in him, making him a fixture in the defensive lineup.

Here’s a look at his recent match numbers:

Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played
2024	28	25	N/A
2025	15	15	N/A

You can find more on Hines-Ike at his Austin FC player profile)..

Goals and Assists

Alright, folks, let’s talk about Brendan Hines-Ike—yeah, he’s a center-back, but he’s not afraid to get forward and make something happen. In the 2024 season, Hines-Ike found the net twice, and you can bet that 93rd-minute winner in a wild 3-2 home match got the crowd on their feet.

He doesn’t rack up assists, though. That’s just not his thing. His bread and butter is shutting things down at the back. So far in the 2025 MLS season, he hasn’t put up any goals or assists as of mid-year (ESPN player stats).

Season	Goals	Assists
2024	2	0
2025	0	0

But hey, when he scores, it’s usually in a clutch moment. That’s a knack you just can’t teach.

Clean Sheets and Defensive Records

Hines-Ike has been a rock for Austin FC’s defense. In 2024, the club posted nine clean sheets across all competitions, and Hines-Ike played every single minute in seven of those.

He organizes the backline and times his challenges well. That’s made a real difference in those clean sheet numbers.

Coaches and fans really value his focus and his positioning. He goes toe-to-toe with some of the league’s best forwards and doesn’t back down.

You want someone to anchor your defense? Hines-Ike fits the bill (Austin FC player profile).

Awards and Recognitions

Inside the club, Hines-Ike gets plenty of respect. He hasn’t snagged league-wide awards like Defender of the Year, but Austin FC’s staff and players know just how important he is.

Coaches and teammates praise his leadership on and off the pitch. He’s always in the lineup, always logging big minutes.

Right now, he’s one of those guys you count on. You need a steady hand in the locker room? He’s that guy.

Notable Matches and Impact

Let’s set the stage—Brendan Hines-Ike wasted no time making his mark in Austin. He anchored the back line and delivered some truly memorable moments in big games.

He’s faced tough MLS opponents and has come up big in playoff pushes. That’s the kind of value you want in your squad.

Influential Games

Hines-Ike hit the ground running in 2024 with Austin FC. He brought a calm, reliable presence, even when the pressure was on.

Remember that 93rd-minute winner? That’s the stuff you dream about as a defender. He stepped up when it mattered most.

All season, he played the full 90 in seven of the club’s nine clean sheets. His presence settled the defense, even against the likes of LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC.

It’s not just defense, either—he’s dangerous on set pieces. In 28 MLS appearances (25 starts), he scored twice. That’s not something you see every day from a center-back.

Check out his 2024 stats for Austin FC:

Category	Number
MLS Appearances	28
Starts	25
Minutes Played	2,200+
Goals	2
Clean Sheets	7

Performance Against MLS Opponents

When Austin FC matches up with big-name clubs like NYCFC, LA Galaxy, or Seattle, Hines-Ike shows up. He reads the game, times his tackles, and breaks up attacks before they get dangerous.

Against LA Galaxy, he shut down their wingers and plugged passing lanes. The defense stayed organized from start to finish.

Seattle, a team that’s always in the playoff mix, couldn’t break through when Hines-Ike anchored the back. That’s no easy feat.

He brings a steadying influence. In the air, he wins battles at both ends of the field. Set pieces? He’s got it covered.

Physical teams, tight games—he thrives in those moments. That’s how Austin keeps its edge in the Western Conference.

Contribution in Playoff Races

Down the stretch, when every point matters, Hines-Ike’s experience really shines. He logs critical minutes in tight matches, especially when Austin’s holding a slim lead.

He guides the younger defenders and keeps everyone locked in. His ability to read the game and clear danger in stoppage time is huge in close games.

His communication with the goalkeeper and fullbacks helps close out matches. He’s managed to lock things down against playoff contenders, including a key win that boosted Austin’s postseason hopes.

If you want more numbers, check his Austin FC profile.

Team Dynamics and Partnerships

Hines-Ike isn’t just doing his own thing—he’s a big part of how Austin FC’s defense works together. Communication and chemistry are everything back there.

His experience shapes how he connects with teammates and keeps the line organized.

Collaboration with Matt Hedges

The pairing of Hines-Ike and Matt Hedges has been huge for Austin’s defense. Hedges brings the veteran savvy, while Hines-Ike adds athleticism and flexibility.

They talk a lot on set pieces, making sure everyone’s on the same page. Hines-Ike’s tackling matches up well with Hedges’ ability to read the play.

They share the workload and cover for each other when the pressure’s on.

Here’s a look at their 2024 defensive stats:

Player	Games Played	Tackles	Clearances	Blocks
Brendan Hines-Ike	28	42	88	22
Matt Hedges	26	36	91	24

That combo? It keeps Austin tough to score against.

Relationship with Julio Cascante

Sometimes Hines-Ike lines up with Julio Cascante in the middle. They switch off or play side by side, and the chemistry is building.

Cascante dominates in the air, while Hines-Ike focuses on positioning and picking off passes.

Together, they limit mistakes and help the keeper out. Their teamwork lets the fullbacks push up, giving Austin more options going forward.

Cascante brings the muscle, Hines-Ike brings the calm. It works.

Working with Zan Kolmanic

Zan Kolmanic, usually at left back, likes to get forward. Hines-Ike’s smart positioning lets him do that without leaving the defense exposed.

Kolmanic overlaps, Hines-Ike hangs back and covers. It’s a good balance.

They use quick signals and pre-planned moves to adjust when the other team switches play. That keeps the left side solid and hard to break down.

Coaching and Management

Hines-Ike’s time with Austin FC really shows how much a club’s leadership can shape a player’s role and growth. The coaching staff and management set the tone for everything he does on the field.

Austin FC Coaching Staff

Austin FC’s coaching crew mixes experience from all over. They focus on technical skills and the mental side of the game. That helps keep injuries down and confidence up.

Team meetings zero in on defensive organization, pressing, and transitions. Hines-Ike benefits from clear instructions and feedback.

Coaches use video sessions so defenders can study their own positioning. Fitness coaches, analysts, and medical staff are always around, making sure players stay healthy and ready.

You can see the coaches’ impact in both team results and individual improvements.

Role of Rodolfo Borrell

Head coach Rodolfo Borrell brings serious experience, especially from his days at Manchester City. He’s all about tactical structure and defensive balance—which fits Hines-Ike’s style perfectly.

Borrell wants defenders to make smart choices, not risky ones. Off-the-ball communication is key.

He encourages playing out from the back, but never at the expense of defensive duties. Borrell is clear and direct—everyone knows what he expects.

Defensive Statistics Table

Statistic	Value (2024 Season)
Appearances	28
Starts	25
Clearances per game	5.2
Tackles per game	2.4

Sporting Director’s Influence

The Sporting Director calls the shots on roster building and makes sure everyone’s on the same page. For Austin FC, that means targeting players who fit the club’s identity.

The club brought in Hines-Ike for his experience and leadership. The Sporting Director saw how he’d fit the defensive system.

This approach lets the staff build lineups that support the coach’s plan and use each player’s strengths.

The Sporting Director works with coaches on long-term planning and talent development. Good communication between the front office and staff gives the team a strong foundation to compete.

Knowledge of MLS and Leadership

Hines-Ike knows MLS inside and out. He’s a pro’s pro, and that sets a standard for the younger guys on Austin FC.

Experience in Major League Soccer

He’s played several MLS seasons, and before that, he spent time in Europe. That helped him adapt to the American game’s speed and physicality.

With D.C. United and now Austin FC, Hines-Ike has built a reputation for steady play. He logs big minutes and adjusts to lineup changes.

His stats show regular starts, solid tackling, and good passing numbers.

Season	Club	Appearances	Starts	Minutes	Passing %	Tackles
2022	D.C. United	12	12	1,080	84%	27
2024	Austin FC	10	9	815	81%	19

He knows how to talk to refs, handle the schedule, and deal with the pressure of playoff races and rivalries.

Mentoring Younger Players

Hines-Ike has stepped up as a mentor at Austin FC. He shares tips on tactics, preparation, and recovery.

Younger defenders look to him for advice about marking and positioning. He leads by example, showing up early and staying late to work on drills.

He keeps things approachable, so new players feel comfortable asking questions.

That leadership is huge for Academy call-ups and MLS newcomers. He explains what makes this league tough—travel, weather, you name it.

Defensive Leadership

Let me tell you, Hines-Ike gets loud out there—he’s always organizing, always talking. You’ll see him pointing, shouting, making sure the back line knows exactly where to stand before corners or free kicks.

He reads the game well, jumps in to break up attacks before they get scary. That’s the kind of anticipation you want from your anchor in the back.

When things get messy, he chases down attackers and recovers in a hurry. He’s always chatting with the keeper and midfield, keeping everyone locked in on their roles.

Honestly, Hines-Ike just leads by example. His calm, steady play really sets the tone for Austin FC’s defense.

He limits dangerous chances, and that helps the team chase those clean sheets—even when the league throws tough tests at them.