Apr 25, 2010
Home Game 4/25: Rochester Rhinos
Time for home game number 2! The Aztex will host the Rochester Rhinos tonight, Sun. Apr. 25, at 6:00 at House Park. The Aztex will be looking for their third win in three games, while the Rhinos will be looking for their first. Rochester comes to Texas after a 1-0 loss to the Portland Timbers last Saturday (match report / box score). Despite that loss, and a 1-1 draw at Miami FC the week before, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle's Jeff DiVeronica reports that they are "playing with confidence":
The young Rhinos lost on an 85th-minute penalty kick, but they feel they outplayed a team expected to challenge for the USSF D2 Pro League title. If they turn in the same effort and add better finishing to complement the fluid and efficient ball movement they've shown, they hope wins tonight at Austin and Wednesday in Minnesota will give them momentum for Saturday's home opener.
"At this stage you focus more on your own development," said coach Bob Lilley, who is adamant about his players dictating tempo instead of reacting to their opponent.
"If we had tried to figure out all the ways to stop Portland last week, we'd have been under a barrage. We forced them to adjust to us and it almost cost them a game on their field. That's our mentality. We're not going to wait for teams to hit us, we're going to win."
Meanwhile, our Aztex are eager to continue their strong start to the season, but Coach Heath isn't taking this game for granted:
We have changed the squad quite considerably from last season and after two games I am more convinced than ever we have made some shrewd signings that over the next few seasons will be a great asset to this football club. I’m sure those of you who attended the first game in our new home “House Park”, were as excited as the players, I honestly believe this move will help the club move forward both on and off the field. We entertain Rochester this Sunday, and having watched their first two games, I know if we fall below the standards we have set ourselves we will be in for a very difficult afternoon. Their performances have deserved more than one point, from two very difficult away games.
If you couldn't make it to the home opener two weeks ago, now's your chance to see what the 2010 Aztex experience is like. It has the same high-level pro soccer on the field as last year, but in a cooler, more intimate and better-located stadium.
Join us starting at about 4:00 PM at The Tavern. Hoist a pint or three of your favorite, march with us the block or so to House Park in time for the 6:00 kickoff, and cheer on our boys in red & white. (I, for one, can't wait to try the new Amy's Ice Cream flavor, "Red Hot Aztex", currently available only at Aztex home games.) After the match, Cuatro's on 24th is the place to go to discuss the game with not only fellow fans, but Aztex staff, coaches and players. See you there!
Update: Check out this nice pre-game piece in today's Austin American-Statesman: Leonard Griffin grateful for chance with Aztex.
// posted by Chris @ 8:12 AM 
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