Jul 12, 2009
Aztex Fall To Portland Timbers, 2-1
Another game, another heartbreak for Austin soccer fans. This one was extra cruel, thrilling us the only way a stoppage-time goal by the home team can, only to turn around a moment later and crush us, the only way a stoppage-time goal by the opposing team can.
Once again, officiating was pretty poor. In one case, Austin was right in the middle of a promising attack, with Noel-Williams just dribbling into the box, when the ref called a foul — for the Aztex. There was also controversy about an uncalled foul by Portland immediately before their winning goal. And there was the 2nd half stoppage time itself, which went on for a good 6 or 7 minutes, despite being called for 4.
The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: Austin's 93rd minute equalizing goal. Though the feeling didn't last long, for that moment, it was fantastic. I especially relished the prospect that Portland would let another win slip away at the last minute, like they did in Minnesota last Saturday. But it was not to be.
One strange aspect of the game not mentioned elsewhere: the sudden onset of high winds shortly after the hour mark. The wind up to that point had been barely enough to raise our flags. But suddenly it was blowing so hard, it was hard to hold on to them. This affected play for both teams, of course, as long balls became significantly longer or shorter, depending on the direction.
Here's a rundown of other post-match coverage:
Here in Austin, the 18th will see Mexico's Tigres vs Cruz Azul, in the first annual Copa Aztex.
The Aztex will be back home to host the Montreal Impact the following Saturday, July 25th.
Once again, officiating was pretty poor. In one case, Austin was right in the middle of a promising attack, with Noel-Williams just dribbling into the box, when the ref called a foul — for the Aztex. There was also controversy about an uncalled foul by Portland immediately before their winning goal. And there was the 2nd half stoppage time itself, which went on for a good 6 or 7 minutes, despite being called for 4.
The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: Austin's 93rd minute equalizing goal. Though the feeling didn't last long, for that moment, it was fantastic. I especially relished the prospect that Portland would let another win slip away at the last minute, like they did in Minnesota last Saturday. But it was not to be.
One strange aspect of the game not mentioned elsewhere: the sudden onset of high winds shortly after the hour mark. The wind up to that point had been barely enough to raise our flags. But suddenly it was blowing so hard, it was hard to hold on to them. This affected play for both teams, of course, as long balls became significantly longer or shorter, depending on the direction.
Here's a rundown of other post-match coverage:
- box score — USLSoccer.com
Weather: Hot, partly cloudy
- Aztex lose to Portland 2-1 — Austin American-Statesman
The Aztex worked their way back into the game as Portland's players tried to adapt to the searing conditions on the field, some even throwing water on their shoes to try to cool their burning feet.
About midway through the second half, Heath re-introduced Noel-Williams, setting the stage for the striker's brief equalizer.
"I don't think we deserved to get beat tonight," Heath said. "I can rant and rave and shout, but unfortunately we keep making similar mistakes. I'm too angry at this time to say the things I need to say." - Aztex surrender stoppage-time goal, fall 2-1 to Portland — AustinAztex.com
“They’re better than their representation on the table says,” Portland head coach Gavin Wilkinson said. “Sometimes you need a bit of luck and they’re not getting it right now. ... It’s the way the game goes.”
Here in Austin, the 18th will see Mexico's Tigres vs Cruz Azul, in the first annual Copa Aztex.
The Aztex will be back home to host the Montreal Impact the following Saturday, July 25th.
// posted by Chris @ 5:37 PM 
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