The Aztexan

The Aztex start a game-packed June on Friday night, hosting the Charleston Battery at Nelson Field at 7:00. It's the first of 3 home games in 5 days: they'll play Charleston again on Sunday, and start their 2009 U.S. Open Cup qualifying against the PDL's Mississippi Brilla on Tuesday.

The still-undefeated Battery, chasing the Carolina Railhawks at the top of the standings, are coming off their own 3-game home stand. They've made the most of those last three matches, not just winning them all, but getting shutouts in each as well. The most recent of those was a 2-0 defeat of Cleveland City Stars (match report / box score).

The Aztex lineup, though still missing Noel-Williams and Silva to injury, will get some reinforcements this weekend:

Ciaran O'Brien was acquired earlier in the week on loan from the Colorado Rapids while the U23 squad has produced Kyle Helton and Jerry Harwell, both now with the pro team.

Harwell in particular has shined when given his chance on the field. In his USL-1 debut last Friday, Harwell tallied an assist to Yordany Alvarez and proved effective in the midfield, impressing the coaches.

"That’s what people have got to do," Heath said. "Jeff Harwell will play on Friday and his performance [last Friday] got him that position. That is the same for everybody else."

The Aztex roster will see some familiar faces return to help with the upcoming schedule. Eddie Johnson and Gareth Evans have both returned from England after getting their respective work permits approved. Both will be available to play in Friday’s game against Charleston.

This will be the second (and final) Aztex home game to be televised nationally on Fox Soccer Channel. The broadcaster must not have liked their angle after the first match they broadcast, judging by this statement from the Aztex:

Due to requirements of Fox Soccer Channel for the national television broadcast on June 5, all fan seating will be moved from the west side to the east side of Nelson Field.

As a token of our appreciation and understanding, all Aztex fans attending the game will receive a 50% off voucher for the June 7 game. Fans who have already purchased a ticket can exchange it for one of equal value and are encouraged to call the Aztex ticket office to make the exchange in advance of the game to avoid possible delays on gameday.

While the west side parking lot will be used, fans will enter the stadium through the east side gates.

Kickoff will be at 7:00 for this one, so Chantico's Army invites supporters to join them before the match at Nomad Bar, starting at 4:30. And if you'd like to get together with fans (and the Aztex themselves, sometimes) after the game, Cuatros on 24th is the place to be.

Believe it or not, we're nearing the halfway point in the number of Aztex home games. After these 3 games, there will be just 6 more regular season USL-1 home games. And given the opponent, you won't want to miss what should prove to be a great match. Will the Red & White be able to snap the Battery's unbeaten strike? Come to Nelson on Friday evening and see for yourself!

And then rest up on Saturday, because no matter the result, we get a rematch on Sunday evening.

Labels: gameday, USL-1