The Aztexan

They put up a pretty valiant effort, but the Aztex dropped another one Wednesday night, going down 3-2 to the Whitecaps in Vancouver. At least Jean Alexandre's brace and several good, threatening attacks kept Vancouver from being able to coast.

Here's a rundown of post-match coverage:

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Whitecaps claim 3-2 win over Aztex — Vancouver Sun
  

  While the Whitecaps were full value in terms of entertainment, the result didn't come easy. Twice Austin fought back from a two goal deficit to keep the nearly sold-out crowd of 5,081 on edge all night. Trailing 2-1 at the half, the Aztex pressed Vancouver after the break and were carrying the play until Charles Gbeke headed Takashi Hirano's cross past Aztex goalkeeper Nick Noble in the 65th minute.

• Alexandre scores twice, but Vancouver edges Aztex 3-2 — AustinAztex.com
  

  In the second half Austin built off the momentum generated at the close of the first half and had a pair of solid scoring chances early including one in the 59th minute when midfielder Ryan McMahen delivered a line drive from the edge of the 18-yard box. Nolly dove hard to his right and knocked the ball just a few feet wide of the post. There Gifton Noel-Williams slid to the ground and put a tough shot on goal but Nolly once again turned it away for an Austin corner. Two minutes later Aztex defender Michael Dello-Russo sent in a sharp free kick at the far post where Austin’s David Horst avoided a pair of Vancouver defenders and headed the ball just wide of the goal.

Two days and a 2,800 mile plane trip later, Austin's Red & White will be challenging Miami's Blues for the final time this season. Kickoff for the Saturday night game in Miami is at 7:00, shown free as always on USLLive.com.

The USMNT will be playing El Salvador in a World Cup qualifier at the exact same time, but if you prop your computer up next to your TV, you can watch them both. Or make it easy on yourself and join your fellow Aztex supporters at Mister Tramps, where we've secured one of the 8 TVs in Austin that won't be showing the Longhorns game, plus a laptop or 2 for the Aztex game.

Labels: postgame, USL-1