The Aztexan

I can't believe it's come so quickly, but this is it: the 14th and final home game of the 2009 Austin Aztex season. It will also be the last game they'll ever play at Nelson Field, since they're moving to House Park next year.

The Portland Timbers make their second trip to town Monday evening, Sept. 7. They were last here nearly two months ago, when they got a 2-1 win on July 11. That was one of the games in the Timbers' record-breaking 24-game unbeaten streak. A streak, I'm not sorry to say, that was broken in their last game, last weekend. They were beaten 2-1 at home by the Rochester Rhinos (match report / box score).

While we can hope the Aztex will extend that 1-game losing streak on Monday, it won't matter a hill of beans to the Timbers' playoff picture: they clinched their berth weeks ago. With 52 points (14-2-10), they're right at the top of the table. And with their last 4 games all being against the two last place teams (Austin and Cleveland), I'm sure they're confident that they'll finish the season in the same position.

The Aztex are rolling back into town after a rough, cross-continental road trip: a 2-1 loss in Vancouver on Wednesday and a 3-1 loss in Miami on Saturday. That's 5,800 miles in 6 days, plus the weight of 2 losses to carry home.

On the other hand, Saturday saw Miguel Gallardo make his return from a 3-month stint on the injured list. Though it didn't turn out to be the most triumphant return, he did make some great saves. Surely the Austin defense will only keep getting stronger now that he's back at its heart.

On the offensive side of the field, RSL loaner Jean Alexandre has continued to be a bright spot, getting both Aztex goals in Vancouver. And recent signing Jamie Watson has added instant spark to the Austin offense, getting the lone goal in Miami and constantly threatening opposition defenses.

This being the last home game, the club has designated it Fan Appreciation Night:

• discount tickets - $15 adults, $12 children
• free kid admission - for kids wearing a youth soccer an Aztex jersey
• halftime prize drawing - prizes include a signed jersey, official ball & $100 Soccer USA gift certificate
• Aztex apparel sale - $40 jerseys, $10 t-shirts & $15 scarves (prices also available at both Soccer USA locations)

Kickoff will be at 6:00; the pre-match supporter gathering at Nomad Bar will begin around 4:00. As this is the last game at Nelson, this will probably be our last time at Nomad. Yes, it's the end of an era, but it's not too late to be able to say you were there!

Come on you Aztex!

Labels: gameday, USL-1