MICAH BURTON Austin FC Midfielder: Performance Highlights and Season Review
Let’s talk about Micah Burton—a young midfielder for Austin FC who’s really making people sit up and take notice. He doesn’t just play with poise and skill; he does it with a confidence you don’t usually see in players his age.
Back in January 2024, Burton inked his first Major League Soccer contract with Austin FC. That move made him only the second guy from the club’s academy to step up as a Homegrown player with the first team. That’s a big deal, and it says a lot about what the club thinks of him.
Born in 2006 in Minnesota, Burton’s rise through the ranks has come fast. He’s got sharp technical ability and vision in the midfield that you can’t teach. Fans, analysts, probably even his teammates—they’re all keeping an eye on how he handles the jump to pro soccer.
He’s already played on the international stage with the United States U17 national team. If you want to check out his latest stats, the Austin FC official website has you covered, plus all the big soccer databases.
Here’s a snapshot of his numbers so far:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Austin FC | – | – | Midfielder |
| 2023 | Austin FC II | – | – | Midfielder |
Burton’s story is just getting started, but he’s already showing signs that he could help shape Austin FC’s midfield for years.
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Micah Burton: Profile and Playing Style
Micah Burton lines up as a midfielder for Austin FC. He’s got maturity and technical ability that’s impressive for someone so young.
His quick rise, smart play, and youth national team experience shape his role for both club and country.
Early Life and Background
Micah Aiden Burton grew up in Mounds View, Minnesota. He got hooked on soccer early.
He started out at local youth clubs, then moved on to bigger programs. By his early teens, Burton landed in the Austin FC youth academy.
He stood out with the Austin FC U15 squad, helping them reach the MLS Next Cup quarterfinals in 2020-2021. He didn’t waste time moving up, joining the U17s and grabbing honors like an Honorable Mention for the MLS Next Generation Cup Best XI.
These youth teams gave him a strong foundation. His performances caught eyes, and soon he was suiting up for the United States U-17 team at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.
Position and Role as a Midfielder
Burton usually plays centrally as a midfielder, but he’s shown he can handle other spots across the middle too. He understands spacing and timing, connecting the defense and attack.
Austin FC signed him as a homegrown player in January 2024. That’s a real sign of belief in his potential.
In matches for both Austin FC and Austin FC II, coaches have used him to press forward and help shield defenders when needed. He handles distribution, transition, and adds to the offense with quick passing and movement.
He’s just 19, but his soccer IQ and calmness on the ball make him a player to watch. He even broke a club record as the youngest-ever professional goalscorer, netting his first goal against St. Louis CITY2 in April 2023.
Check out his recent stats:
| Season | Club | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Austin FC II | 19 | 2 | 3 |
| 2024 | Austin FC | 6 | 0 | 1 |
Strengths and Skills
Burton’s got a knack for crisp passing and awareness. He plays well under pressure, using his vision to spot runs and deliver dangerous balls.
He makes quick decisions and controls play in tight spaces. Off the ball, he moves well and keeps defenses honest.
His game-reading skills help him intercept passes and start counter-attacks. On defense, he works hard, tracks back, and helps win the ball.
In one-on-one spots, he rarely panics. He keeps his cool, holds possession, and finds ways out of trouble.
He’s already played for the U.S. U-17 team at the World Cup. That confidence and experience are showing up at the club level.
For more on his journey, here’s his Austin FC profile.
Austin FC Career
Micah Burton’s time at Austin FC has been a story of steady progress. He’s moved from the academy to the first team, making his mark at every step.
Joining Austin FC Academy
Burton joined the Austin FC Academy early on. He quickly stood out for his skill and drive.
He started with the U15s and helped them reach the MLS Next Cup quarterfinals in the 2020-2021 season. Then he moved up to the U17 squad for 2022-2023, earning an honorable mention in the Best XI for the 2022 MLS Next Generation Cup.
His teams made the playoffs, which sharpened his competitive edge and tactical smarts. Austin FC’s academy is all about technical growth and getting players ready for pro soccer.
Burton’s rapid improvement caught the coaches’ attention. His strong performances put him ahead of most players his age.
MLS Homegrown Player Contract
Burton’s academy work paid off with a huge moment—his first MLS homegrown player contract with Austin FC. The club announced the deal in early 2024, running through the 2027 MLS season with a club option for another year.
Key Contract Details:
| Length | Through 2027 MLS Season |
|---|---|
| Club Option Year | Yes |
| Age at Signing | 17 |
Homegrown contracts go to the best academy players, and expectations are high. Burton became one of the youngest to earn that commitment, which says a lot about his ability.
This deal gave him the chance to train and play alongside seasoned pros. It also marked him as one of the club’s young talents for the future.
That homegrown status gives Austin FC some extra roster flexibility under MLS rules.
Austin FC II and Development Path
Before he debuted with the first team, Burton spent key time with Austin FC II. Playing for the reserve squad bridged the gap between youth and senior soccer.
With Austin FC II, Burton scored his first pro goal in April 2023. That made him the youngest-ever professional goalscorer in the club’s history.
Austin FC II gives young players real minutes against tough competition. For Burton, those matches were crucial. He improved his work rate, learned from setbacks, and sharpened his impact on games.
This stage got him ready for MLS action.
Impact in MLS Season
Once he moved up, Burton started making MLS matchday squads. His transition drew attention after strong academy and reserve performances.
His position and style fit right in with Austin FC’s attacking approach. Here are his early MLS stats as of June 2025:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 410 |
| 2025 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 786 |
Coaches have praised his work rate and movement off the ball. He’s improved his game awareness, too.
Burton’s contributions on both sides of the ball give the coaching staff more options. For a teenager, his technical ability and tactical discipline really stand out.
National Team Experience
Micah Burton has started making waves in youth international soccer. He’s represented the United States at some big tournaments, showing skill and reliability.
United States U-17 Men’s National Team
Burton made the United States U-17 Men’s National Team and played in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia. He appeared in all four matches, showing presence and composure in midfield.
Coaches leaned on him in both group play and elimination games, trusting his consistency and technical skill.
He helped the U-17s go up against some of the world’s best youth teams. The staff saw him as a key link between defense and attack.
He showed vision and stayed calm under pressure.
| Tournament | Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA U-17 World Cup | 2023 | 4 | 0 |
| U-17 Men’s Youth Team Caps | 2023 | 15* | 3* |
*Approximate totals including friendlies and qualifying matches
International Level Achievements
Playing at the U-17 World Cup was a huge milestone for Burton. Competing on that stage means the national program trusts you.
He contributed on both sides of the ball, completing key passes and helping out defensively under pressure.
Burton’s ability to keep possession and control the tempo made him a dependable midfield option against top youth talent. Coaches and analysts recognized his tactical discipline and smart positioning.
He wasn’t the main goal scorer, but he set up chances for teammates. His work got noticed internally for all the right reasons.
US Youth International Recognition
Burton’s rise through the US youth system shows his steady development. Before the U-17 World Cup, he took part in different U.S. Youth National Team camps and friendly tournaments.
He also got a call-up to the USYNT U-19 team for the June window—a step up in age and competition. That kind of trust says a lot about his abilities.
His experiences prove his standing with the youth national program. US Soccer keeps picking him, which points to strong performances and future potential.
Burton is one of the most reliable midfielders among his age group for Austin FC II and the United States.
Major Tournaments and Achievements
Micah Burton’s mature performances have earned him attention on both the national and club stage. He’s already represented the United States in youth international competition and lifted silverware at the domestic level.
FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023
Micah Burton suited up for every single match with the United States at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia. Now, that’s a stage—one of the biggest for youth soccer worldwide.
The coaching staff kept him in the lineup for all four games, clearly trusting his skills and tactical sense. Burton took on the midfield role, working to control possession and disrupt opponents’ attacks.
He stayed calm under pressure, even when the U.S. faced the group’s top teams. The team didn’t get past the knockout rounds, but Burton really showed consistency and a relentless work rate.
2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup Stats
| Matches Played | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 298 | 0 | 1 |
You can dig deeper into his U-17 World Cup journey right here: Burton representing the U.S. U-17s.
CONCACAF U-17 Championship
Burton also played a big part for the United States in the CONCACAF U-17 Championship. This tournament acts as the qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
He filled a key midfield role, helping the U.S. earn big wins against Caribbean and Central American squads. His passing, defensive coverage, and quick thinking stood out, especially as the games got tougher.
Burton drove several attacking plays that led to crucial goals. Facing top players from North America gave him valuable experience and a taste of high-level competition.
MLS NEXT Pro Title with Austin FC II
On the home front, Micah Burton made waves with Austin FC. He bagged his first pro goal in April 2023, setting the record as the youngest-ever scorer for the club.
His work with Austin FC II boosted the team’s MLS NEXT Pro campaign. Burton’s knack for linking defense and attack, along with his tactical smarts, came through as Austin FC II fought for the title.
The club wanted to build a winning culture, and Burton’s growth stood out as he earned more trust from the coaches. Austin FC II reached new heights, and Burton played a big part in that push.
Want more on his rise with Austin FC? Check out his player profile.
Notable Performances and Goals
Micah Burton keeps making headlines as an attacking midfielder for Austin FC II. He’s chipped in with some eye-catching goals and assists, and you get the sense he’s just getting started.
Memorable Goals
On April 16, 2023, Burton became the youngest pro scorer in Austin FC history. That first goal—against St. Louis CITY2—put him on the map for fans and coaches.
He reacted quickly in the box and helped seal a win that night. It was a big moment, and Burton handled it with impressive calm.
Scoring at such a young age on a big stage? That says a lot about his maturity and readiness for the spotlight. When the pressure ramps up, Burton’s finishing gives his team a real edge.
Key Matches for Austin FC II
Burton’s been a regular in high-stakes games for Austin FC II. During the 2022-2023 season, he helped lead the squad to the MLS Next Cup quarterfinals.
His steady presence shows just how much the coaches rely on him. In MLS Next Generation Cup action, he even earned an honorable mention for Best XI.
His playmaking and pressing from midfield played a big part in the team’s playoff push. Even when he didn’t score or assist, he kept his cool and made an impact.
Professional Goalscoring Record
Here’s a quick look at Burton’s pro scoring highlights:
| Season | Team | Appearances | Goals | Notable Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | Austin FC II | N/A | 1 | St. Louis CITY2 |
| 2023 | Austin FC | N/A | – | – |
That goal against St. Louis CITY2 marked his breakthrough. Since then, he’s been working to build up his scoring record for club and country.
He also played every game for the U.S. U-17s at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, picking up experience on the international stage. More details? See his official club profile.
Assists and Attacking Contributions
Burton isn’t just about scoring—he creates plenty for his teammates too. As an attacking midfielder, he’s known for sharp passes into the final third and smart movement off the ball.
He often delivers assists when it matters most, keeping Austin FC II on the front foot. Burton’s high pressing disrupts defenders and opens up chances, even if he doesn’t always get the stat.
These are the little things that make him so valuable in Austin’s attack. The coaches clearly appreciate his vision and relentless energy.
Influential Figures and Teammates
Micah Burton’s rise at Austin FC comes from both his own drive and the people around him. Teammates, mentors, and coaches all shaped his journey as a midfielder.
Teammates and Young Talents
He joined an Austin FC squad loaded with both youth and experience. Playing for Austin FC II, Burton lined up with other promising prospects.
These young players pushed each other, building a strong team spirit. Take Ervin Torres—another Academy product—who’s teamed up with Burton both on and off the field.
That competitive atmosphere has made Burton tougher and more resilient early in his career. Here’s a snapshot of some basic stats for Burton and a few teammates over the 2023 and 2024 seasons:
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micah Burton | 51 | 8 | 1 |
| Ervin Torres | 43 | 6 | 3 |
Those shared moments, especially during the MLS NEXT Pro title run, really built lasting bonds and chemistry.
Owen Wolff and Peer Comparisons
Let’s talk about Owen Wolff—a midfielder who’s probably Burton’s closest comparison at Austin FC. Both climbed through the Academy and broke into the first team as homegrowns.
Wolff is a little older and has already seen some big minutes in MLS. Their styles overlap; both are technical and make smart decisions under pressure.
Wolff tends to push forward more, while Burton often keeps things steady in the middle. Together, their strengths balance out—Wolff creates space, Burton controls the pace. Watching them grow side by side has become a favorite storyline for Austin FC fans.
Notable Coaches and Mentors
Coaching has played a huge role in Burton’s development. The Academy coaches gave him structure and honest feedback as he moved up from youth soccer.
After he signed his MLS contract in January 2024, the first-team staff took over, guiding him through the next steps. Mentors at the club encouraged good habits and emotional growth.
The MLS NEXT Pro title run tested him under pressure, and the technical team backed him all the way. That blend of coaching and daily support has helped turn Burton into a reliable midfielder for Austin FC, according to club records.
Impact on MLS and American Soccer
Micah Burton’s rise is a great example of the youth movement sweeping through Major League Soccer. His path from the Austin FC Academy to the first team sets the tone for young American players dreaming of MLS.
Contribution to Austin FC’s Growth
Burton now plays a key role in Austin FC’s push to develop young talent. He signed a four-year deal at just 17, which says a lot about the club’s faith in him.
He gives Austin FC another creative option in midfield. His steady play brings stability, especially in tough matches.
Coaches love his work rate and how he helps transition from defense to attack. It’s not just his skills—the example he sets for Academy kids matters too.
Burton’s impact shows in the minutes other Academy grads are getting. Austin FC wants to lead MLS in player development, and Burton is right at the heart of that plan.
Micah Burton at Austin FC (2024 season to date):
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| MLS Appearances | 12 |
| Minutes Played | 615 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
Representation in Major League Soccer
Burton’s influence goes beyond Austin. As a young American breaking into MLS, he represents a new wave of homegrown talent.
His journey encourages kids to chase pro soccer in the U.S. instead of heading overseas. Coaches and scouts around the league have noticed his discipline and technical ability.
He matches up with international pros and doesn’t look out of place. Burton’s progress highlights just how much MLS academies have improved.
Fans want to see local players on the field, and teams see the value in homegrown development. Burton’s success makes the case for both.
Significance as a Homegrown Player
Burton stands out as Austin FC’s second-ever Academy grad to sign a homegrown deal. His January 2024 signing marks a big step for Austin FC’s commitment to developing its own.
A homegrown like Burton isn’t just filling a roster spot—he bridges the gap between Academy and first team. His presence shows young players in Austin, and across the country, that there’s now a clear path to MLS.
Burton’s journey proves that investing in youth can pay off—on the field, in the locker room, and for American soccer as a whole.
Personal Life and Off-the-Field Interests
Micah Burton brings pieces of Minnesota and his international travels to his life with Austin FC. These experiences shape who he is, both as a player and a person.
Minnesota Roots and Community
Micah grew up in Mounds View, Minnesota. He comes from a single-parent family with two siblings.
That background taught him about hard work, family, and resilience. He got his start in youth soccer there, making a name for himself on local teams.
Family support helped set the foundation for his move to Texas and the next steps in his career. Community still matters to him.
He often connects with young players and volunteers at Minnesota events, even while representing Austin FC. Those roots remain important, no matter how far his career takes him.
Personal Details Table:
| Birthplace | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Family | Single-parent, 2 siblings |
| Notable Experience | Youth soccer, community involvement |
International Experiences in Indonesia and Cambodia
Micah Burton’s soccer journey? Oh, it’s taken him way beyond the Midwest. Thanks to the U.S. youth national teams, he’s packed his bags for places like Indonesia and Cambodia—tournaments, training camps, the whole deal.
When Micah landed in Indonesia, he had to adapt on the fly to new cultures and different playing styles. That international competition really opened his eyes to just how global this sport is.
He met athletes from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s wild how soccer connects people who might never cross paths otherwise.
Cambodia brought its own set of challenges. Micah faced unfamiliar conditions, and honestly, it wasn’t always easy.
Those trips forced him out of his comfort zone. He had to double down on preparation, both physically and mentally—no shortcuts.
Traveling and playing in Indonesia and Cambodia gave Micah a whole new appreciation for soccer’s power to unite people. Off the field, those experiences have shaped the way he sees the game and fueled his drive as he chases his professional dreams.
