Austin FC defender Brendan Hines-Ike has hit the ground running for El Tree
Brendan Hines-Ike has quickly made himself at home on the Austin FC defense.
It’s been barely more than six weeks since Hines-Ike joined the club just before Valentine’s Day, but his recent performances make it seem he’s been part of Verde & Black coach Josh Wolff’s roster for years. Since starting the club’s fifth match against Orlando on March 23, Hines-Ike has provided another strong option at center back for a squad that is desperately thin on the back line.
Brought in as the fourth player at the position on the depth chart behind Julio Cascante, Leo Väisänen and Matt Hedges, Hines-Ike immediately found himself thrust into the important role of being the team’s only backup when Väisänen went down with an injury in the season opener.
He played a few minutes in the third game of the season against St. Louis, then when Cascante was called up for national team duty with Costa Rica, Hines-Ike entered the spotlight.
With Austin FC in a crunch at the position with no true backup, he played the full 90 minutes at Orlando. Though the Verde & Black lost 2-0, it was a major contribution that kept Austin FC’s goal differential minimal and from forcing other players into the position.
Hitting the ground running for Austin FC
It’s been smooth sailing since for Hines-Ike, something that Wolff is grateful for, but not surprised at.
“He’s a good footballer,” Wolff said. “He’s a pro. He takes care of himself, and he’s played in different structures. Getting him up to speed was the first thing … but now he’s had good minutes with us.”
Though he may not be flashy — what center backs are? — Hines-Ike is calm on the ball, solid at defending, makes good decisions and is decent in the air.
He credits the environment created by the Austin FC coaches and players for his smooth transition to the club.
“There’s a good group here with clear instruction from the coaching staff,” said Hines-Ike, who played in college at both Creighton and South Florida. “The style of play fits what I have been as a player for most of my career. … But the biggest thing is (the coaching staff’s) attention to detail. … They map out everything, and at first maybe it’s a bit overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, it’s very clear.”
Hines-Ike has fit in perfectly for El Tree's defense
Hines-Ike began his professional career in the top division in Sweden, where he played three seasons before spending another parts of three seasons in Belgium’s first division. He returned to the U.S. when he joined D.C. United in 2021.
Now in his ninth year as a pro, Hines-Ike noted though he’s no longer young — though at 29, he’s hardly old for a center back — his background has also helped in swiftly adapting to a new team.
“I’ve been doing this long enough where the climatized aspect of the position I’m in comes with my experiences,” he said. “When I have my chance to put my stamp on the game with whatever I can do, I do my best for that.”
Hines-Ike, who is fluent in Swedish and speaks that language on the field with midfielder Alex Ring, may not have been the splashiest MLS offseason signing, but if Austin FC is to stay in the playoff chase this season, his fast onboarding appears it’s going to be a big reason why.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised that I’ve been able to get (on the field) as quickly as I have,” he said. “I’m getting relationships built as quickly as I can and just coming in and doing what I know how to do. Pushing my teammates, whether it’s young guys, same age as me or older guys, whatever it may be, that’s usually my role.”
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin FC defender Brendan Hines-Ike is playing a big role for team
