The Aztexan

The Haiti men's national soccer team, taking refuge from a homeland still devastated from the January earthquake, is spending a few weeks in Texas. Based in San Antonio, they're looking to get some practice under their belt ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers coming up soon.

They played Trinity University in San Antonio last night, drawing a crowd of more than 2,000 despite the short notice of the match. The Crocketteers have the story (and pictures, too):

This game had a different feel to it than the other fundraising events for Haiti, this wasn’t about mourning. This was a celebration of the Haitian’s recovery and the power of soccer for good. The Haitian’s arrival on the pitch was welcomed by a round of applause and donations were given before the kick off.

The Haitians won the match 2-0, although that wasn’t the most important thing last night. The support the San Antonio Soccer public gave this organization in deep need was immense. We don’t know the figures but large buckets were being filled with money for donations, people were wearing the “I love Haiti” t-shirts that were on sale at the grounds, not to mention the number of equipment donations.

The Haitians have two more matches lined up. First, they'll play FC Dallas this Friday, Apr. 23, at 7:00PM.

And last but certainly not least, they'll play our own Aztex, here in Austin at House Park, next Wednesday, Apr. 28 at 7:30PM. The announcement (also available in Spanish) includes some of Coach Heath's personal connection to Haiti:

“From a personal point of view, having visited Haiti just before the tragic earthquake, I am delighted to help in any way we can,” Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath said. “The visit had a profound effect on me. I can’t even imagine how difficult life must be for them right now.”

To promote the friendly with the Aztex, the Haitian national team will also be at Austin’s next match on April 25 against the Rochester Rhinos where they will be honored at halftime.

The friendly on April 28 is free to all fans, though the Aztex are asking each fan who attends to make a donation to the Haiti Earthquake fund. Collections will be available at House Park on the night of the game. All proceeds from the match will go directly to the relief effort.

Mark your calendar & tell your friends: a bonus Aztex game, against a national team no less, and a chance to help people out; what's not to like?

Update: Good story from the Associated Press about the team and their trials: Quake-affected Haiti team trains in Texas.

But players said facing Argentina will be as important to Haiti as a World Cup match.

“In Haiti, people say ask when we’re going to play Argentina. People think you’re going to do something good for the country,” said defender Peter Germain. “If we win against Argentina, the people are finally going to be happy. We can do something positive for this country.”

Labels: community, exhibition