DANI PEREIRA Austin FC Midfielder Profile and Season Impact
Dani Pereira’s made himself a crucial part of Austin FC’s midfield, showing off skill, vision, and a level of consistency that’s tough to teach. He’s only 24, but his path from college soccer at Virginia Tech to becoming the first pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft is something you just have to respect.
His rise really says a lot about his work ethic and love for the game.
Fans in Austin have noticed how steady Pereira is in the middle of the park. He’s out there breaking up plays, threading passes, and just making things tick.
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In the 2025 MLS season, he put up one goal and five assists in 26 matches—starting 23 times. That’s a real sign of how much Austin FC trusts him.
The club locked him in for 2025, plus a club option for 2026. That’s a statement—they see him as a big part of their plans (Dani Pereira).
Pereira also earned a call-up to the Venezuela National Team. That’s a serious milestone in any player’s career.
With every match, he keeps growing. Austin fans and Venezuelan supporters have every reason to keep their eyes on this guy.
Contents
Profile of Dani Pereira
Dani Pereira brings sharp midfield play and a relentless work ethic to Austin FC. He’s got that mix of technical skill and grit that really sets him apart in MLS.
Background and Early Life
Dani was born July 14, 2000, in Caracas, Venezuela. He moved to the U.S. as a kid and started building his soccer game here.
At Virginia Tech, he stood out right away as a dynamic midfielder. He played two seasons for the Hokies, earning all-conference honors and turning heads across college soccer.
That growth made him the clear top pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
His journey from Caracas to the U.S. pro scene shows just how driven he is. It’s a story of hard work and adapting to whatever comes next.
Position and Playing Style
Pereira lines up as a central midfielder for Austin FC. He’s got a knack for precise passing, tight ball control, and seeing plays before they happen.
He links defense and attack, often pushing the ball forward and setting up teammates. His style is balanced—he’s smart about when to defend and when to go forward.
His quick decisions and ability to hold onto the ball under pressure make him a real asset. He covers a ton of ground every match, always playing with high intensity.
Let’s check out some of his career numbers:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Austin FC | 27 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | Austin FC | 33 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | Austin FC | 29 | 2 | 2 |
Nationality and Eligibility
Pereira is Venezuelan, and he made his senior national team debut on June 15, 2023.
He’s kept getting called up for friendlies, which just shows how much his reputation is growing.
Because he’s spent so much time in the U.S. and has residency, he counts as a domestic player in MLS. That’s a big plus for Austin FC’s roster.
Most recently, Venezuela picked him for a friendly against the United States. That’s another sign he’s making waves internationally. You can see more on his official club profile.
Dani Pereira’s Journey to Austin FC
Dani Pereira’s story starts in Venezuela and winds its way to Austin FC. He made a gutsy move to the U.S., shined in college soccer, and jumped right into MLS making an impact.
Youth Career and Development
He grew up in Venezuela, playing soccer from a young age. When his family moved to the U.S., it wasn’t easy, but he adapted.
He joined youth clubs and worked hard on his technical game and vision. American youth soccer really helped him sharpen his passing and tactical sense.
Coaches quickly noticed his work rate and ability to read the game. He became a standout in local leagues and started attracting attention from bigger programs.
Those early years gave him a foundation, both as a leader and a creative player. Living in two soccer cultures shaped his style and gave him an edge.
College Soccer Experience
Pereira took the next step by joining Virginia Tech. He played in the tough ACC and quickly became a key midfielder.
As a freshman, he made an immediate impact and just kept getting better. He earned praise for his technical skills, calmness under pressure, and creativity.
In two seasons, he started almost every match. His junior year especially stood out for big-game performances and leadership.
Quick look at his college stats:
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 19 | 5 | 5 |
| 2020* | 10 | 3 | 4 |
*2020 season shortened due to COVID-19
College soccer put him on the MLS radar and prepped him for the next stage.
MLS SuperDraft and Signing
Austin FC picked Pereira first overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. That’s a huge moment for him and for the club—he’s their very first draft pick.
Austin’s staff saw his vision, skill, and work rate as the foundation for their midfield.
He jumped into preseason and made a quick impression. He handled the faster, more physical MLS game like a pro.
Pereira’s flexibility let him play several midfield spots, making him a key part of Austin’s plans.
His journey—from Venezuela to college to the No. 1 pick—shows not just talent, but real determination. You can read more about his draft experience.
Impact at Austin FC
Dani Pereira stepped in and brought consistency and technical quality to Austin FC’s midfield. Since joining, he’s shown he can adapt, make quick decisions, and stand out both defensively and in transition.
Debut Season Overview
Austin FC picked him first overall in 2021, and he jumped right in as a rookie starter. He showed advanced vision and ball control from day one.
He racked up over 1,700 minutes in 27 matches that first season. His pass completion rate stayed above 85%, which is impressive for a rookie in MLS.
Pereira’s work rate and ability to adapt helped steady Austin’s midfield. He chipped in defensively with tackles and helped build up play.
Teammates and coaches often praised his maturity and readiness.
Key Performances and Highlights
Since his debut, Pereira’s delivered some big performances for Austin FC. In 2023, he posted one goal and five assists in 26 matches, showing his growing impact in attack and creative passing.
He had a standout game against FC Dallas, where his distribution and ball-winning kept Austin competitive in midfield.
His ability to handle pressure and connect the lines is a real asset.
Season Stats Table:
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes | Pass % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27 | 0 | 3 | 1,700+ | 85% |
| 2023 | 26 | 1 | 5 | — | — |
His highlights? Advanced dribbling, timely interceptions, and the guts to play forward passes in tight spots.
Role Within the Team
Pereira usually lines up as a central midfielder, handling both defensive work and playmaking duties.
He often plays in a double pivot, breaking up attacks and starting transitions. The coaches trust his stamina and tactical smarts to keep the team’s shape, especially when they’re under pressure.
He’s calm on the ball and can move it upfield, making him the key link between defense and attack.
Austin FC just gave him a contract extension through 2025. With his new Green Card, he doesn’t take up an international spot—solidifying his status as a core piece of the club’s future.
Midfield Contributions and Playing Techniques
Dani Pereira is right at the heart of Austin FC’s midfield. He mixes sharp passing, steady defense, and a drive to push the ball forward.
Passing and Vision
Pereira stands out for his calmness on the ball and his knack for finding teammates in tight spots. His pass completion numbers are always among the best for Austin.
He led the team with 1,338 completed passes in 2023. That shows he’s a reliable playmaker.
He often controls the tempo, switching play with short and long passes. His vision lets him spot runs before they even start, setting up teammates in attacking positions.
That ability makes him the ideal link between defense and attack.
Key Passing Stats (2023):
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Completed Passes | 1,338 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Big Chances Created | 6 |
He stays cool under pressure, escapes tight spaces, and keeps possession—super valuable during buildup play.
Defensive Skills
Pereira isn’t just a holding midfielder—he reads the game and positions himself to break up attacks without diving in.
In 2023, he registered 321 duels and 32 interceptions. He closes down passing lanes quickly and puts pressure on opponents in central areas.
His tackling is clean and efficient, focused on winning the ball back. His anticipation leads to well-timed interceptions, which lets Austin transition fast.
His defensive awareness limits mistakes and forced turnovers, keeping the team organized.
Offensive Support
Even though he’s a midfielder, Pereira helps drive Austin FC’s attack. In 2023, he tied for the team lead in assists and kept creating big chances, especially with those late runs into the final third.
He’s not afraid to take shots when there’s space, and his creativity shines in tight combination play around the box. He can slip quick passes to forwards or release wingers, always keeping defenders guessing.
He manages to balance his attacking support without forgetting his defensive job. That balance makes transitions smooth, whether Austin is pressing or recovering.
His efforts have made him essential to both the team’s stability and creative buildup. You can check out more on his MLS profile.
Achievements and Recognition
Dani Pereira’s quick rise and strong performances in Austin’s midfield have caught plenty of attention. His career shows real growth and a big impact on his club’s progress.
Individual Awards
Alright, folks, let’s talk Dani Pereira. He went number one overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. That’s a huge deal in pro soccer—just ask anyone who’s followed the league. It really showed off just how quickly he developed at Virginia Tech, and honestly, it’s not every day you see that kind of rise.
He also snagged a Generation adidas contract. That label? It’s reserved for players with serious upside, and it definitely put him on everyone’s radar.
Now, Pereira’s not just making up the numbers at Austin FC—he’s out there starting games, setting the tempo in midfield. Venezuela’s Men’s National Team took notice, too. They called him up for big matches, including a friendly against the United States.
When coaches keep picking you, both at club and international level, you know you’re doing something right. He’s got a reputation as a rock-solid midfielder, and his skillset just keeps expanding.
| Season | Club Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 33 | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 | 34 | 1 | 4 |
You look at those numbers—more games, more assists every year. He’s not just sticking around; he’s getting better, more important to the team every season.
Team Accomplishments
Since he landed in Austin, Pereira’s been the engine in midfield. He played a massive role in pushing Austin FC to their first-ever MLS Cup Playoffs. That’s a milestone for a new club, no question.
His energy, passing, and discipline have really tied the team together. He connects the defense and attack, keeping things moving when it matters.
Pereira helped drive Austin FC all the way to the Western Conference Finals. That’s no small feat for a young club. His defensive poise and calm on the ball let them go toe-to-toe with the league’s big boys.
The trophy case is still waiting for its first major addition, but Pereira’s steady hand has set the groundwork for what’s ahead. Want to dive deeper into his role? Check out Dani Pereira’s Austin FC profile.
Career Statistics
Dani Pereira has turned into a core contributor for Austin FC since joining up. Every season, you see him grow—more minutes, more impact, you name it.
MLS Appearances and Goals
He’s already crossed the 110-match mark in MLS, and he’s started almost all of them since he broke in. Four seasons in, he’s got 116 appearances and 98 starts for Austin FC.
He’s scored three goals so far. Not a huge number, but let’s be honest—his job’s about controlling the midfield, not filling the net.
Here’s how his numbers stack up, season by season:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27 | 19 | 0 |
| 2022 | 33 | 32 | 1 |
| 2023 | 29 | 29 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 | N/A | 1 |
| Total | 116 | 98 | 3 |
He stays healthy, he’s almost always available, and he racks up serious minutes. That’s what you want in a central midfielder. If you want the nitty-gritty, check his Austin FC match log.
Assists and Key Metrics
But hey, Pereira’s game is about more than goals. He’s racked up 17 assists in MLS, including eight last season—a team-high.
That tells you he’s at the heart of creating chances. He’s also the team’s top guy for completed passes in 2023, with 1,338. And he led Austin in duels (321) and interceptions (32) that year.
Those stats? They paint a picture of a midfielder who does it all—passing, winning the ball, breaking up plays.
He’s become one of the most reliable guys in Austin’s lineup. For a deeper look at his yearly numbers, head over to MLSsoccer.com.
Off-the-Field Influence
Dani Pereira’s story isn’t just about what happens between the lines. He’s made a name for himself around Austin and in the sports media world, changing the way fans see him and the club.
Community Involvement
You’ll catch Pereira at all sorts of Austin FC outreach events. He drops by local schools and youth soccer clinics, helping kids build confidence and get excited about the game.
He’s a regular at team charity events, too. Whether it’s food drives or fundraisers, he shows up, signs autographs, and shares a bit about his journey from Venezuela to MLS. Austin FC often credits players like Pereira for building those strong community ties.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Visiting school sports programs
- Attending community soccer clinics
- Supporting fundraising for local causes
Media Presence
Pereira keeps a steady media presence both in Austin and beyond. He often talks about his path from Venezuela to the MLS spotlight.
Outlets like MLS Soccer and Deadspin have told his story, shining a light on his personality off the pitch.
He’s pretty active on social media, too. You’ll see photos from practice, charity events, and family moments. Sometimes he posts behind-the-scenes videos, giving fans a peek at life as a pro athlete.
His growing media profile has brought more eyes to Austin FC and the league as a whole.
Future Prospects
Dani Pereira just signed a contract extension that keeps him with Austin FC through the end of the 2025 season. The club even holds an option for 2026.
That says a lot about how much they trust him to anchor the midfield soon. At 24, Pereira’s really stepping into those prime years.
Fans and scouts are definitely keeping an eye on him. You can see why—he’s been a steady starter for Austin FC, thanks to his playmaking and consistency.
Rumors are already swirling about European interest, especially if he shows out at big international tournaments like Copa America.
Key Strengths Moving Forward:
- He’s got sharp vision and passing.
- His work rate in midfield? High.
- He looks comfortable breaking up plays and pushing forward.
Let’s check out his stats with Austin FC from 2021 to 2024:
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 33 | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 | 31 | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | 26 | 1 | 5 |
If he keeps trending upward and makes a splash on the international stage, you’ve got to wonder—could a move to Europe’s top leagues be next? For now, though, Pereira stays at the heart of Austin FC.
