The Aztexan

This Sunday, August 16, will find the Aztex back at Nelson Field once again. They'll be facing the Minnesota Thunder in a game that is essentially a must-win for the Austin team if they're to reach the post-season. With just 8 games left in the season, 5 on the road and 3 at home, it's down to the wire for our struggling squad.

Minnesota has done their share of struggling this season as well; they sit just above the Aztex in the league standings. They have 18 points to Austin's 14, with 3 of those coming last night (Friday) from a 1-0 win over Miami FC (match report / box score).

The Aztex, on the other hand, have to look all the way back to the beginning of July for their last win (1-0 over the Cleveland City Stars, the only team lower in the standings than Austin). The Red & White's most recent game was a 1-0 loss to the Rochester Rhinos.

This will be the third and final meeting this year between the Thunder and the Aztex. The first was here in Austin, a 1-1 draw in the very first game of the season. The 2nd result was 1-0 loss in Minnesota on July 18.

Though the team will be without the services of striker Gifton Noel-Williams thanks to an ejection of the BS variety in Rochester last weekend, we may see the return of another player we've been sorely missing, Yordany Alvarez:

Alvarez and Gallardo were both back in action training hard this week with the squad. Head coach Adrian Heath said while Gallardo is still a few games away, Alvarez may see some action for the first time since he injured his foot on June 16 in pre-game warm-ups before the U.S. Open Cup second-round matchup against the Mississippi Brilla. “He will be a late decision but the good news is he is available for selection. We have to discover has he done enough work to play.”

Prior to the injury, Alvarez had tallied eight points including three goals and a pair of assists in just 10 games. He was the second-leading scorer on the squad. His breakout game came against the Puerto Rico Islanders in which he scored a pair of goals and added an assist in a 3-1 victory over one of the USL-1’s top teams and top goalkeepers in Bill Gaudette.

It's not quite time yet for the return of our own top goalkeeper. Hopefully soon, but until then it looks like we'll have Nick Noble taking over in goal.

Kickoff for Sunday will be at 6:00. Come early and be one of the first 500 fans through the gate, and you'll get a free team photo. You can also bring a bulletin from your church, civic or nonprofit organization to get in for just $15.

Who knows, this match may be the beginning of a miraculous Cinderella-story ending to the season, and you could say you were there! Regardless, don't miss one of your last chances to see live pro soccer in Austin this year. Come on you Aztex!

Labels: gameday, USL-1