The Aztexan

The Aztex may be out of the Open Cup, but their standing in the league is as strong as it’s been all season. At 7:30 tonight, Saturday July 3, the Puerto Rico Islanders will put them to the test at House Park once again.

Puerto Rico continue to struggle this season. Their 4-6-1- record puts them in last place in the USL Conference (though not in the league overall). One of those losses was at House nearly a month ago, when the Red & White beat them 2-1. Their most recent game was a 3-0 road loss to the Rochester Rhinos last Saturday (match report/box score).

But Coach Heath isn’t taking the Islanders for granted:

“Puerto Rico is always tough competition for us,” Aztex coach Adrian Heath said. “We expect this game to be very close, as it always is between us, and hope we can find a way to get a result out of the match like the last time we played them.”

The edges of Hurricane Alex have kept it rainy this week in Austin, and there’s a continued chance of rain tonight. Note that Aztex games always take place rain or shine. Bring a poncho or an umbrella, but don’t let the threat of a little precipitation keep you home.

As usual, fans will start gathering at The Tavern on Lamar about 2 hours before the 7:30 PM kickoff. If you’re looking for people to talk with about yesterday’s Dutch upset of Brazil, Luis Suárez‘s “Hand of God 2010″ or whatever excitement comes out of today’s World Cup quarterfinal matches, you won’t find a better group in Austin than Aztex fans preparing for a home game. Except, possibly, Aztex fans (and players, coaches and staff) celebrating a home win at Cuatro’s on 24th. See you there!

After this game, the Aztex head “up east” to face the Rochester Rhinos next Friday evening (6:30 CT). The next home game is Saturday, July 17, hosting AC St. Louis.