The Aztexan

The sudden appearance of tax season has kept me from posting this in a more timely manner, but better late than never, I hope.

Before I get to others' coverage, I will say that it was great. Big surprise, I know. But the expected, even hyped, improvements brought by having the game at House Park were clearly apparent. The pre-match crowd at The Tavern, several times bigger than anything we ever had at The Nomad last year, was truly abuzz. And though the crowd of 2,642 didn't break any attendance records, I'm optimistic that a higher percentage of this crowd will be back week after week.

Plus, hello, we won!

• Scorecrow box score — Scorecrow.net


• Aztex shut down Impact — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Despite Kevin Sakuda only playing for half of last season and two offseason additions — Leonard Griffin and Jay Needham — having to learn quickly, the Austin back line contained the Montreal offense for most of the night. The Impact's attack found its way in third but couldn't find many quality chances.
  
  Sturdy defense is a welcome addition for an Aztex team that gave up plenty of goals in the final moments last season.
  
  "I was more pleased with the clean sheet than I was with the win," Aztex head coach Adrian Heath said. "We worked very hard on learning our lessons from last year."



• Aztex Shutout Defending Champs — AustinAztex.com
  

  In the second half, the Aztex dominated possession and nearly scored on two chances by Eddie Johnson before Jamie Watson’s goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Defender Leonard Griffin set up Watson’s strike on a pass to the left side of the box, which allowed Watson to spin around and shoot one past the helpless keeper.

  Also: Photos on the Aztex Facebook page


• Impact lose USSF Second Division season opener 2-0 to Aztex — Canadian Press
  

  "This match brings us back to reality," Impact coach Marc Dos Santos said. "We won the championship last year and we have to start winning again this year.
  
  "When you are eager to win, you have to fight stronger than the opponent. Tonight, Austin fought harder than us so they deserve the win."



• Austin Aztex 2, Montreal Impact 0 :: Match Report — Chantico's Army
  

  Seemingly, as the Aztex increased in confidence, the Impact continued to try and find their way. Passes never reached their intended targets, players were frustrated again and again by the attacking force of not only Jamie Watson and Eddie Johnson, but also Lance Watson (who seemed to be everywhere) and Sullivan Silva. This started to show with such plays as an Impact takedown of Sullivan Silva in the 28' inside the Montreal penalty box, with no call from the official.

  Also: this week's Futbol En Vivo radio show/podcast has guests Jay Needham (Aztex player) and Matthew Gray (Chantico's Army Overlord)

The next Aztex game will be against AC St. Louis in St. Louis on Saturday, Apr. 17. Kickoff is at 7:10 CT; I believe live video should be available on ac-stlouis.com.

The next home match will be the following weekend, when the Aztex host the Rochester Rhinos at House Park on Sunday, Apr. 25 at 6:00 PM.

P.S. Though I don't usually subject you to such things, I've had this picture bookmarked since last season, just waiting to use it. Unfortunately, as the Aztex had never yet beaten a league opponent from Canada, I could never use it. Until now!

Labels: postgame, USL-1