The Aztexan

Austin American-Statesman — With future uncertain, Aztex begin playoffs in Montreal

The North American Soccer League announced Monday that a San Antonio-based team will join the league in 2012. The move won’t immediately affect the league’s application to be granted Division 2 status by the United States Soccer Federation, but it raises more questions about the future of the Austin Aztex, the most significant free agent remaining among Division 2 clubs.

… “We are excited to see professional soccer head to San Antonio, however, the announcement will have no bearing on the decision we make to move this club forward,” Aztex CEO Djorn Buchholz said in a statement.

… “We are always open to Phil if (the Aztex) want to join,” said NASL CEO Aaron Davidson, who’s also the team president of Miami FC. “We’ve been open arms.”

Read it all.

Tampa Bay Online: Rowdies’ Christie proud to represent New Zealand

This time promises to be different. In fact, soccer may be as big as it has ever been in both New Zealand and Australia, thanks to the Australian A-League, a similar-level league to Major League Soccer, and the Wellington Phoenix, based in New Zealand’s capital. Christie made 27 appearances in three seasons for the Phoenix under All Whites coach Ricki Herbert prior to joining the Rowdies before this season.

“I think the Wellington Phoenix has been massive,” Christie said. “The fact that they qualified for the finals and were one game away from the grand final this year, that alongside the All Whites qualifying for the World Cup really sent football into a different level in New Zealand.

Christie came on in the 77th minute in New Zealand’s 1-1 draw against Slovakia yesterday. New Zealand got a dramatic last-gasp equalizer in the 93rd minute.

The Aztex have faced Tampa Bay twice so far this year, both draws. Christie notched one of the Rowdies goals in the game in Tampa on May 8. The team will face Austin two more times this season: at home on Aug. 7, and in Tampa on Sep. 16.

Portland Timbers: MLS Timbers introduce new crest

The team will keep its historic name – the Timbers – as it makes its ascent to MLS in 2011; the new primary mark embodies this monumental move to top-flight professional soccer, while prominently carrying forward elements of the team’s considerable history and paying tribute to the heritage and traditions that led to Portland becoming “Soccer City USA.”

The Whitecaps announced their logo just before Austin played Portland, and now Portland unveil theirs just before we play Vancouver. I like this one all right, too. It’s updated, but keeps the essence of their current crest.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 2011 logo and ticket information

“Today was a historic moment for our club, our fans, and our city. I believe our fans and our players will take immense pride in wearing the logo we’ve unveiled here today – and that it will set the tone for the many great years to come,” stated Whitecaps FC chief executive officer Paul Barber. “Having now shared the basis of our club’s new identity, I know our fans will be even more anxious to show their pride and see it come to life in the stands and on the pitch – so I’m also pleased to share the news that we are offering fans the chance to secure their opportunity to be there when we kick off the 2011 season.”

The Whitecaps are one of several to make the jump from USL/Division-2 to MLS. They become a Major League club next year, along with the Portland Timbers (who will unveil their new logo next week). Both clubs hope to see the kind of astounding success that their regional rival Seattle Sounders have had since they became an MLS franchise last year. And on the other end of Canada, the Montreal Impact plan to also join MLS in 2012.

Meanwhile, back here in 2010, the Aztex will host the Division-2 version of the Vancouver Whitecaps here at House Park on Saturday at 7:30PM.