Apr 4, 2009
Aztex Draw With Puerto Rico Islanders, 0-0
It was a beautiful evening at Nelson Field last night for the final exhibition match of the Aztex's 2009 preseason. The Puerto Rico Islanders were in town to warm up for their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal game in Mexico City next week. Heading into the 2nd leg with a 2-0 advantage, the Islanders last night were practicing the defensive tactics they'll employ against Cruz Azul on Tuesday.
One unique feature of the match, which would be fun to include in future exhibitions, was a scheduled penalty shootout. The score happened to be tied at the end, but the shootout was planned in advance and announced throughout the game. Why not give the players a chance to practice penalty shots with all the pressure of the crowd looking on? In this instance, neither team put their starting keeper in the net: Chris McClellan was in for Puerto Rico, and trialist Sam Reynolds was in for Austin (saving 2 out of 3 Islander PK shots — the 3rd went wide — one would think that was a pretty successful trial outing!).
The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: when the announcer's booth experienced technical difficulties trying to play the national anthem, and the crowd — led by a woman with a megaphone in the supporters' section — spontaneously got it going themselves.
Here's a rundown of other post-match coverage:
Until then, best of luck to the Islanders in their quest for CONCACAF Champions League glory next Tuesday night!
One unique feature of the match, which would be fun to include in future exhibitions, was a scheduled penalty shootout. The score happened to be tied at the end, but the shootout was planned in advance and announced throughout the game. Why not give the players a chance to practice penalty shots with all the pressure of the crowd looking on? In this instance, neither team put their starting keeper in the net: Chris McClellan was in for Puerto Rico, and trialist Sam Reynolds was in for Austin (saving 2 out of 3 Islander PK shots — the 3rd went wide — one would think that was a pretty successful trial outing!).
The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: when the announcer's booth experienced technical difficulties trying to play the national anthem, and the crowd — led by a woman with a megaphone in the supporters' section — spontaneously got it going themselves.
Here's a rundown of other post-match coverage:
- Aztex tie Islanders in scoreless preseason game — Austin American-Statesman
With the Islanders content to sit back in a defensive posture as a dress rehearsal for the expected Cruz Azul onslaught, the game lacked a cutting edge as waves of Austin possession broke on the defenders' orange wall.
...But even as the Aztex moved the ball in midfield with relative ease, they were unable to offer a genuine threat on the Islanders' goal. - Austin Aztex vs islanders — Patrick Meredith, Official Aztex Photographer
- Aztex FC and Islanders play to scoreless draw — AustinAztex.com
"I am very pleased with the way we played tonight with what is the benchmark of our division in Puerto Rico," Aztex head coach Adrian Heath said.
While happy, Heath mentioned there were some mistakes made that will be addressed. "We kept patient during the game, which is hard. When we were impatient, they got the ball. The last thing we want to do is give them opportunities for openings with our mistakes." - Aztex wins friendly in penalty shootout — The Offside's Puerto Rico Islanders Blog
Wes Allen, Jarius Holmes and Alex Tapp scored the winning penalty goals for the Aztex; while Cristian Arrieta, Noah Delgado and Josh Hansen missed their shots for the Puerto Ricans. Arrieta missed his shot wide right; Delgado and Hansen had their shots saved by the Aztex goalkeeper. Sam Reynolds covered the posts for Austin, and newly acquired goalie Chris McClellan did the same for the Islanders.
Until then, best of luck to the Islanders in their quest for CONCACAF Champions League glory next Tuesday night!
Labels: exhibition, postgame, USL-1
// posted by Chris @ 8:48 PM 
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