The Aztexan

I told you the games are coming thick and fast. And here we are again: Austin will host the Vancouver Whitecaps tonight at 7:30 at House Park.

Vancouver (4-2-4) is in first place in the NASL Conference, although they’d be third in the league standings overall. They are also on a busy schedule: while the Aztex were slugging out the 0-0 draw with Portland on Wednesday, the Whitecaps were battling the Carolina Railhawks to a 1-1 draw in Vancouver (match report/box score).

Vancouver is busy preparing for their debut in MLS next year. They’ll have a new logo, a new kit and sponsor and a new home stadium. Come out and see the 2010 Whitecaps, and see if you can pick which players will move up to the majors.

As you’re no doubt aware, there’s another soccer game of rather some interest today: U.S. vs England in their first World Cup matchup since 1950 (which, you’re no doubt also aware, the U.S. won). Today’s epic contest kicks off at 1:30 CT (you can watch it with the Aztex at Cuatro’s, or with the American Outlaws at Mister Tramps, or at any of a thousand places around town, really).

The pregame for the Aztex vs Whitecaps game, meanwhile, would usually start 2 hours before kickoff, at 5:30 at The Tavern. I’m sure people will be there, but I’m not sure if they’ll be there earlier than usual (straight from U.S.-England), or later (tired & hungover from U.S.-England).

Will it be the Aztex owners, coach and English fans with joyful smiles this evening? Or will it be us U.S. fans who are the jubilant ones? Maybe there will be a diplomatic détente, and both sides can have equal happiness (or lack thereof)?

No matter what the outcome, we can all agree on one key point: Vancouver’s country didn’t even go to South Africa.

After you’ve come out to support your country, be that Mexico yesterday, or the U.S., England or Nigeria today, then come out to support your boys in Red & White. All games at House Park are in stunning 3-D!