The Aztexan

photo: my iPhone (see the white streak of the
ball right above the 45 yard line? Action shot!)

Another beautiful night at House Park, another Aztex win. Yawn.

All right, all right: just kidding! Of course it was exciting, and fantastic, and Eddie Johnson‘s two goals were just as thrilling as the 11 others he’d scored so far this year.

There was one dark spot on an otherwise pretty perfect evening, however. A blemish that sullied — almost ruined — the experience. A failure on the part of those responsible that was so reprehensible that I hesitate to even bring it up. . .

The Amy’s tent ran out of ice cream. Gutted.

Here’s a rundown of other post-match coverage:

• box score — USSF

  Attendance: 3,744

• Aztex Outshine Minnesota; Return to First Place — AustinAztex.com
  

  In the 24th minute, Johnson struck for the first time in the game after receiving a through ball from Watson that set up a one-on-one against the Minnesota (7-12-7) keeper. After faking to the right, Johnson dodged back outside and left the helpless keeper with nothing to do but watch him put it in the back of the net.

• Austin Aztex 2, NSC Minnesota Stars 0 :: Match Report — Chantico’s Army
  

  Sometime in the second half though, the play took a bit nastier turn as a Minnesota Stars player, accidentally or not is not known, tagged Aztex Midfielder Lance Watson in the back of the head. The referee did not call the foul, even when Watson clearly showed him the blood flowing from his scalp.

  
  One last touch on the new fieldhouse: the stadium name

  Following treatment on the sideline, Lance was able to return to the pitch and complete the match. Eddie Johnson would then collect a yellow (the only of the match for the Aztex) in the 67′, although I felt the booking should’ve gone to the Stars player for a rough tackle.

• Aztex find bursts of energy to shut out Stars — Austin American-Statesman
  

  In the 80th minute, Patterson outran several Minnesota defenders for a loose ball deep in Austin’s attacking third and sent in a long cross. The pass found Jamie Watson on the other side of the field, who promptly sent another into the box. Johnson broke free of his defender and scored on a easy header from four yards away to seal the win and earn Austin its first shutout in six games.

• NSC Stars Fall to League Leader Austin Aztex — Inside Minnesota Soccer
  

  Neil Hlavaty was subbed into the game in the 82nd minute but didn’t even make it to the end of the game, being red carded off 3 minutes into extra time. He will be suspended for the next Stars game against AC St. Louis on Saturday, September 11.

• Austin Aztex Regain USL Conference Lead; Eddie Johnson Scores Twice — The NASL Fanatic
  

  Coach Manny Lagos’ Stars came out pressuring in the second half, and did some good work in Austin’s side of the field, but anytime they looked likely to get off a shot, an Austin defender was there to block it. Many admire Austin’s high-scoring attack, but it’s time to give a shout out to the Aztex defenders. Playing without the injured Jay Needham in the center, Yohance Marshall, Kevin Sakuda, Kieron Bernard and Leonard Griffin seemed to be everywhere, blanketing Stars’ forward Brian Cvilikas anytime he got a touch. Miguel Gallardo will be credited with another clean sheet, but only had to make two saves and perhaps should be buying dinner for his defenders, considering the quality work they did.

• Photos (10): Free Beer Movement in Action: “Danny Beerseed” in Austin — The Free Beer Movement

• Video: Aztex-Stars Highlights (3:17) — AztexSoccer on YouTube

Next up for the Aztex is a 1-week, 3-game road trip that will send them to Puerto Rico, Tampa and St. Louis. The first of those games, against the Puerto Rico Islanders, is next Saturday, Sep. 11, at 7:05 PM CT.