The Aztexan

I missed this preseason exhibition game, though I followed the game live via the new Chantico's Army live-tweet account, @Aztex_MatchCast. Sadly, the Houston Dynamo have won the inaugural battle for the "coveted" Roadkill Cup. Here's a quick rundown of post-match coverage:

• Pre-season Friendly - Aztex 0, Dynamo 1 — Chantico's Army
  

  The Aztex came out a completely different team than what the fans last saw. Not only were the new faces so numerous we had difficulty tracking them, but the style of play was much different. Ball management had been an issue for many fans last season. Numerous were the times that we saw the Aztex fight to win the ball, only to turn it over on a sloppy pass to their teammates. Instead, on Sunday night, we saw clean plays followed by beautiful distribution. Some real highlights for me were Jay Needham, Eddie Johnson, Jamie Watson, Miguel Gallardo and Lawrence Olum.



• Aztex fall 1-0 in second preseason game — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Geoff Cameron's 84th-minute goal, three minutes after he came on as a substitute for the Major League Soccer's Dynamo, was the impetus for more scoring opportunities in the final six minutes . Austin had four clear scoring chances in the final minutes and Houston had one.
  
  . . . the Aztex are still looking for seven or eight players to fill out the team . Six new, unsigned players were on Sunday's roster hoping to make the team.
  
  "We looked a little fitter," Heath said, "we've been working hard and we're not as sharp as I'd like but I thought we were well organized and disciplined."



• Dynamo clip Aztex at the finish, 1-0 — AustinAztex.com
  

  Austin went on the attack all game long, firing off seven shots and earning six corner kicks against Houston, but were unable to put a tally on the board to earn a second-straight tie against its MLS foes.
  
  The Aztex started the match on the offensive and kept the gas pedal on for much of the match with their first real opportunity coming in the 16th minute when Yordany Alvarez placed a free kick just inches out of reach for Jay Needham to send it home. Later in the half, Sullivan Silva and and Eddie Johnson joined in the act, each booting shots on net, but Dynamo keeper Tally Hall was able to save them both from danger.



• Austin Aztex vs Houston Dynamo [photos] — LaVida Studios

Rumors persist that additional pre-season games will pop up; I'll be sure to let you know if those come true. Until they do, however, the next Aztex match will be the first regular-season game, here at House Park on Sunday, April 11, against the Montreal Impact.

Labels: exhibition, postgame, USL-1

This is it . . . almost. It's not quite the real season, and it won't be at the real Aztex home stadium, but it will definitely be the best pro soccer to be found in Austin — no, in all of Texas — this weekend.

Come on out to Nelson Field this Sunday, March 14, at 5:00 PM for one final farewell match at last year's ground. The Houston Dynamo are coming to town for the second leg of the Roadkill Cup (as I'm hoping it comes to be called).

Last weekend was the first game, in Houston. It ended up a 1-1 draw, even though the orange team scored both goals (oops, better practice those back-passes, Tally). Although I attended the game, I shirked my post-game reporting duties. You can get some post-match info from Chantico's Army, the Aztex site or MyDynamo.net.

Why the shirking? I've been in crunch mode on an another soccer/web project. It's not quite ready for prime time, but you'll hear more than enough about it soon (I hope). In the meantime, I'll do my best to keep up with Aztex happenings here.

Much to my dismay, I'll be out of town and miss Sunday's game. But you shouldn't! The weather should be great (60s or 70s) and the game should be good (the Red & White have had twice as much practice time as they'd had before last week's game). I haven't heard whether many Dynamo fans are coming over, but one would think lots of them would jump at the chance to come to Austin (or, more to the point, escape Houston).

So get some tickets ($20 adults, $15 kids), meet up with Chantico's Army at The Nomad about an hour before the game (this game's at Nelson, remember!) and have a blast. Kickoff is at 5:00 PM.

And one last reminder: this weekend is the world premier at SXSW of the soccer documentary Pelada. The first showing is Sunday night at 7:15, with another on Monday at noon and a third next Friday at 3:30 PM (schedule).

Let the year of soccer begin!

Labels: exhibition, gameday, MLS, USL-1

Ticket sales were announced this week for the first game of Aztex's 2010 campaign: a home exhibition against MLS' Houston Dynamo on March 14.

“We are delighted to be playing Houston again this season,” said Aztex head coach Adrian Heath. “Last year’s game against the Dynamo was one of the highlights of the year. We know we will be playing one of the favorites for the MLS title so it will be a great game for soccer. Fans in Austin can come and watch top level players, some of whom will be playing for the United States in the upcoming World Cup.”

This date is a slight reschedule from an earlier date that was announced. Unfortunately the new House Park locker rooms won't be finished in time for this game, so it will be held at last year's stadium: Nelson Field. Tickets are $20 ($15 for children, under 5 free).

The Houston games last year (a preseason draw and a U.S. Open Cup loss) were great, and this one should be just as good. The number of orange-clad fans that make the drive over is really impressive. Sadly, due to a mixup in which I wasn't personally consulted about all game dates, I'll be out of town, and will miss it.

On a related note, the full 2010 USSF Division 2 schedule was finally released. The first league game will see Austin host the Montreal Impact on April 11. The first few home games are also scheduled at Nelson Field, while we await completion of the House Park locker rooms. Additional details will continue to come out, but here is my copy of the 2010 schedule/scorecard. I can't wait to start filling it out with "W"s!

Labels: exhibition, MLS, USL-1

The Aztex have returned from their tour of England, victorious in all 3 of their exhibitions there. They also trained at top-flight facilities, attended a couple of Premier League matches, and even left a player behind for a trial in the big league.

• Game 1, Oct. 14 — Austin Aztex 1-0 Stoke City FC Academy
  
  This game was a bit of disappointment to some fans, as we had assumed that Stoke would field their first team, or at least some level of it, rather than the U18 academy squad. But given that they played the day after their transatlantic flight, a 1-0 win isn't bad, even against teenagers.
  
  Stoke's match report gives lots of love to Eddie Johnson:
  

  The inexperienced Potters side had to defend for long periods of the match as former Manchester United apprentice Eddie Johnson caused them particular problems throughout an encounter watched by City boss Tony Pulis.
  
  And it was indeed livewire Johnson who set up the 85th minute winner for the Aztecs [sic] by flicking the ball across goal for central defender [Gareth] Evans to plant a close range header past City goalkeeper Dave Parton.
  
  After a fairly uneventful first half hour to the friendly match, the arrival of Pulis seemed to spark a lively end to the first half in which Johnson went close to scoring on three occasions for the USL-1 team.
  
  He had a goal disallowed in the 35th minute for a foul in the area, forced Alexander Hedley into a last-ditch clearance at the far post and brought the best out of Parton with a curling shot just before the break.



• Game 2, Oct. 15 — Austin Aztex 2-1 Accrington Stanley
  
  
  • Heath leads Aztex on their longest trip yet — The Independent
    

    Around 5,000 miles, not to mention a chasm in history, separates Accrington Stanley and Austin Aztex. To the relief of the American club's coach, Adrian Heath, tonight's journey up to Lancashire from their Staffordshire base is almost like nipping out to the shopping mall in Texas.

  • FULL-TIME: Accrington Stanley 1 Austin Aztex 2 — Lancashire Telegraph
    

    Stanley fielded a number of trialists, including former loan striker Craig Lindfield, but went behind when Nicky Patterson found the net just after the half-hour mark.
    
    Substitute Viniel Sirin volleyed home a second for the touring Aztex, who are managed by former Burnley boss Adrian Heath, on the hour before Gary King pulled a goal back by finding the empty net after Lindfield had beaten the visiting keeper to a loose ball.

  • Another day, another win — The Aztex Blog
    

    We put on a great show, looking more confident and clearly enjoying the playing surface. The fans showed some great British humour when our first goal went in, chanting "USA, USA" and then 'touchdown'!!!

  • Match Photo Gallery — Accrington Stanley
  
  


• Game 3, Oct. 20 — Austin Aztex 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday FC
  
  Other than text messages from the team back to stateside Aztex fans, and subsequent posts to BigSoccer, I could find no record of this game anywhere on the Intarwebs.
  

  Goals by Michael Callahan (1st half) and Jarius Holmes (2nd half) were enough to put the match away. Last I heard was that the guys are in the locker room, trying to warm up by having some pies.

In addition to playing, our American team also attended 2 Premier League matches. They saw Stoke City beat West Ham 2-1 at Stoke's Britannia Stadium on Saturday, the 17th, and Wigan draw 1-1 with Manchester City at Wigan's DW Stadium the next day.

And of course, this wasn't all just for the fun of the experience. These guys weren't just playing; they were auditioning.

In general Heath said the scouts from throughout England and those based in England representing clubs abroad were impressed with the quality of the Aztex. “They were quite surprised at how competitive we were,” he said about the scouts’ reactions. “We enjoyed the trip, and it gave the players a very good idea of the professional game at that level.”

And according to that article, this trip might even pay off for some of our boys:

• Keiron Bernard — "In addition to having an extended visit with the English Premier League side Stoke City, an affiliate club of the Aztex, the defender has sparked interest from unidentified La Liga, Serie A and top Dutch sides as well as Spanish second division club Real Murcia."


• Miguel Gallardo — "also garnered some attention from Real Murcia"


• Eddie Johnson — "may be seeing a move back home with interest coming from a pair of League One clubs and a third from League Two", and is "staying back in England at home there since our season is done and weighing the different opportunities."


• another, unidentified player — "has garnered significant interest from a team in Mexico, something that could see movement over the next few weeks"

So concludes the 2009 post-season; done & dusted. Stay tuned in the off-season for news of how Austin is ramping up for a stronger 2010 showing (and in what league).

Labels: exhibition, gameday, internacional, Stoke City, USL-1

Just a quick reminder: the Aztex are in England for the next week or so.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the Aztex players and for many of them this is the trip of a lifetime," said Rawlins. "Many of them have never even been to England, let alone been exposed to the English game which they have seen and heard so much about. They will be able to experience football in a different environment, play against some top Premier League players and also have the opportunity to benefit from their training methods."

He added: "We hope in the long run that this will be the first of regular visits to England which will certainly boost the development of the squad and raise the profile of the Aztex. It will also be good from Stoke City's point of view to take a look at how things are developing with Aztex as we look to develop that relationship for the long term future."

This marks the first time a USL-1 team has toured England. They'll be training at sister club Stoke City FC's facilities, attending the Stoke vs. West Ham match at the weekend and have three friendlies lined up:

• Wednesday, 10/14 — Stoke City (at Nantwich Town's Weaver Stadium)


• Thursday, 10/15 — League Two's Accrington Stanley (at Crown Ground; benefits Save Our Stanley)


• Tuesday, 10/20 — The Championship's Sheffield Wednesday (at Hillsborough Stadium)

The 18-player roster for the trip includes mostly familiar faces, plus a few new ones: Miguel Gallardo, Nick Noble, Kevin Sakuda, Kieron Bernard, Salif Diao-Jimenez, Ednerson Raymond and Vaniel Sirin (Haitian internationals), Sullivan Silva, Mike Callahan, Ryan McMahen, Tynan Diaz (Victoria Highlanders), Jarius Holmes, Nicholas Patterson (Harrisburg City Islanders), Michael Dello-Russo, Jamie Watson, Jean Alexandre, Eddie Johnson and Gareth Evans.

Kickoff for Wednesday's Aztex - Stoke City match is 1:00 PM CT; you can listen to live match audio, courtesy of StokeCityFC.com. The best way to follow the rest of the team's trip will be via the official Aztex blog, which Kay Rawlins plans to keep updated.

Labels: exhibition, internacional, players, Stoke City, USL-1

The Aztex bagged an impressive win last night at the RRISD Athletic Complex, beating Mexico's first-division contenders Monterrey 1-0.

Though just an exhibition match, the win is significant. For one, it ends 2009 play in Austin on a high note. The fact that it was earned from a good, in-form Mexican pro team, adds to the victory. It's also a nice result to have in their pocket as they head to England next week - much better than a 2-0 loss to a PDL club.

However, I find the attendance troubling. At 1,930, it would rank as the second worst regular season crowd this year. It also compares poorly to last year's Aztex-Mexican match-up. When Tigres came out to Dragon Stadium — to play an Aztex U23 squad — they drew 4,743 fans. Lastly, there's this year's Copa Aztex match between Cruz Azul and Tigres. The official attendance, though widely considered to be underreported, was still in excess of 7,000.

So I'm not sure what happened with this game. Ticket prices were cut from $30 to $25 not long after they went on sale, and additional sales outlets (La Moreliana markets) were added.

Was it just timing, that it took place on a weeknight after school is back in session? Was it poor marketing? Presumably it would have been marketed heavily to Mexican fans, but not being in that demographic, I have no idea what level of publicity it got there. I can say that a coworker who plays in AMSA (Austin Men's Soccer Association) told me that, unlike other Aztex events, he hadn't heard anything about this game.

Were fans put off by the Aztex's losing form this season? Are there just not that many Rayados fans in Austin? Or did they all decide to drive to Houston for Monterrey's exhibition against the Dynamo on Sunday? Is there some kind of Bermuda Triangle on Parmer Lane?

Here's a rundown of other post-match coverage (the match did get some coverage in the Mexican press, at least):

• Austin Aztex 1-0 Monterrey... Triunfo texano — mediotiempo.com
  

  La Pandilla utilizó un equipo alterno ante las ausencias de Walter Ayoví, Humberto Suazo y Osvaldo Martínez, pretendiendo poner en forma a jugadores con poca actividad en la liga.
  
  Pero eso no le impidió ser dueño del esférico de principio a fin del cotejo, aunque sin cohesión con su zona delantera para alcanzar al menos el empate 1-1.

• Aztex score early, hold off Club de Futbol Monterrey for 1-0 win — AustinAztex.com
  

  It didn’t take long. Just seven minutes into Wednesday night’s exhibition match against Club de Futbol Monterrey and Austin Aztex midfielder Jean Alexandre found the back of the net. Despite numerous opportunities in both halves, Monterrey never countered with a goal of its own and the Aztex held on for a hard-earned 1-0 victory.

• Exhibition Match :: Austin Aztex 1, Club de Futbol Monterrey 0 — Chantico's Army

  In front of a crowd that was 95% in support of the blue and white, the Aztex really impressed all (well, okay, maybe not all) in attendance. The Aztex' Jean Alexandre (on a loan from Real Salt Lake which has been extended through the trip to the UK) took advantage of an early Monterrey defensive failure to punch the ball into the goal in the 8'.

Next up for Austin is that big trip to England, where they'll have exhibition matches against Stoke City, Sheffield Wednesday and Accrington Stanley.

Labels: exhibition, postgame, Rayados, USL-1

I mentioned this last week, but don't forget: there's one last chance to see the Aztex play in Austin this year. On Wednesday, Oct. 7, they will host Monterrey's Rayados, of Mexico's Primera División.

Monterrey is doing well in the current Apertura season. They are 2nd overall, with 23 points from 11 games (7-2-2). Most recently, they beat Puebla 2-1 at home. As MLSNet.com notes, that game saw two former FC Dallas players face off: Rayados' Duilio Davino and Puebla's Carlos Ruiz.

Kickoff for the Aztex game will be 7:30 PM, at the Round Rock ISD Athletic Complex (aka "The Palace") at 10211 Parmer Lane (map). Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids, and are available online as well as from the Aztex office, both Soccer USA locations and all 3 La Moreliana markets.

The Chantico's Army folks will meet at the main gate about 6:30, and will probably gather at Mister Tramps for the customary post-match pint.

Labels: exhibition, Rayados, USL-1

Though the 2009 regular season is finished for them, the Aztex are still going strong. A number of players and other individuals were honored at a recent post-season awards banquet, and the team is still looking forward to a few bigger-than-usual exhibition games.

First, the awards:

• Yordany Alvarez — Fans' Player of Year


• Miguel Gallardo — Chantico's Army's Player of Year (more info)


• Eddie Johnson — Players' Player of Year


• Michael Callahan — Clubman of Year


• Ignacio "Nacho" Araujo (Univision Radio) — President's Award

Additionally, Eddie Johnson was just named to the All-League Second Team. (Presumably the First Team won't be selected until after the league final.)

There's a distinct international flavor to the slate of post-season exhibitions the Aztex booked this year. They've already played the first, a 2-0 loss to the Victoria Highlanders in British Columbia the week before last. So much for the Canadians.

Next up, our neighbors across the other border. The Aztex will host CF Monterrey, their partners from Mexico's Primera División, next week. Aztex president Rawlins:

“We’re delighted to bring in Rayados for the exhibition match on October 7. It will be a great challenge for our players to compete against one of the top Mexican teams. It’s also an opportunity for our fans to come out and enjoy top-level professional soccer in Austin one more time this year at a state-of-the-art facility that will provide fans with a great soccer viewing experience.”

Rayados ("the striped ones"), as Monterrey is popularly known, are indeed one of the top Mexican teams this year. They are 2nd overall in the current Apertura, with 23 points from 10 games (7-2-1).

The match will be held at the Round Rock ISD Athletic Complex (aka The Palace) at 10211 Parmer Lane (map). Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids, and are available online as well as from the Aztex office, both Soccer USA locations and all 3 La Moreliana markets.

Then, having pretty much played out this continent, the Austin squad will head overseas, to England. There they'll play exhibitions against 2 Premier League teams: sister club Stoke City FC (naturally)and newly-promoted Burnley FC as well.

The first match, against Stoke, will be on Wed., Oct. 14 at Nantwich Town’s Weaver Stadium. I don't know why they're not playing at Stoke's fabled Britannia Stadium. Though while nobody here has ever heard of Nantwich Town, at least it won't be frickin' astroturf covered with frickin' bright white throwball lines.

After almost a week of training at Stoke City's facilities and driving on the wrong side of the road, they'll face Burnley FC on Tues., Oct. 20. That match will take place at Burnley's home ground of Turf Moor, where they've played since 1883. (Eights, people; those are eights. Not nines. 1883. As in, shortly after electric lights started to catch on. As in, 30 - 40 years before Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, etc.) [Schedule change; see update below.]

Coach Heath on the trip:

“For our players it’s a fantastic opportunity to pit themselves against players who play in the Premier League week in, week out,” said Heath. “The thing I’m looking forward to is for them to see the intensity that the game is played over there and to give them an understanding about some of the things I’ve been talking about this year, they’ll see it first hand.”

Rawlins also called the trip something that the players will remember for the rest of their lives. He didn't say, but I expect a lot of people are thinking, that if any of them are able to impress someone in England, that it might be even more than that.

Rumors that the Aztex will continue playing exhibitions indefinitely after they leave England, traveling to Timbuktu, Siberia and Jupiter's moon Ganymede, have not been confirmed at this time.

Update, 10/2: the England schedule has changed. The game against Burnley has been cancelled (no reason given), and 2 more matches against lower-level clubs have been added. The first will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15, the day after the Stoke match, against League Two side Accrington Stanley at that club's Crown Ground. All proceeds from that match will go to help keep that struggling club afloat, via the Save Our Stanley (S.O.S.) campaign. The following Tuesday, Oct. 20, Austin will take on Championship side Sheffield Wednesday at that club's training grounds. Wednesday are currently in the middle of the table, with 13 points from 10 games (3-4-3).

Labels: exhibition, internacional, Rayados, Stoke City, USL-1

The Aztex finish their trip to the northwest still winless against all Canadian opponents. The Victoria Highlanders PDL side is either tougher than one would expect, or the Aztex were showing the effects of 4 games in 8 days and a less-than-stellar conclusion to the 2009 season. Both Highlander goals were off penalties.

Here's a rundown of post-match coverage:

• match timeline — Chantico's Army


• Highlanders ground Aztex — Victoria Times Colonist
  

  “We just got off playing six games in 12 days, from Miami to Vancouver, and we were tired tonight,” said Aztex owner Phil Rawlins, also an owner and director of Stoke City of the English Premiership.
  
  “But Victoria thoroughly deserved the victory. The set-up and crowd here is excellent. I don’t see any reason why Victoria shouldn’t step up to the USL pro division, if it wanted to.”

  ["Nudge nudge, wink wink," he kept himself from adding. - ed.]


• Aztex give up two penalties, lose 2-0 to Victoria — AustinAztex.com
  

  Both offenses started slowly and didn’t manage any real scoring opportunities in the first 20 minutes. In the 21st minute, Austin’s Lyle Adams tripped up Victoria’s Matt Pele. On the ensuing penalty, Pele sent his shot past Aztex goalkeeper Nick Noble for the 1-0 lead. The Aztex countered minutes later with an opportunity on the Highlanders half of the field, but after a scramble in the goal box, the Aztex couldn’t find the back of the net and the ball was cleared away.

The Aztex have a 3 week break before their next post-season exhibition game. They'll host the Rayados of Monterrey here in Austin on Oct. 7. Tickets are on sale now: $25 for adults, $15 for children.

Labels: exhibition, internacional, postgame, USL-1

Hailed as the biggest professional soccer game in Austin history, the State Farm Copa Aztex is this Saturday, July 18. The match will be an exhibition game between two storied Mexican teams gearing up to start their season: Cruz Azul and UANL Tigres.

The Chronicle has more on the game and why it's a big deal:

It’s the final preseason tune-up for the clubs, who open the 2009 Apertura season next week. Tickets are $30 and $50. Doors open at 4pm, with a pregame concert by Espinoza Paz.

This could be a huge deal for soccer in Austin, not just because of the game itself but because it’s the first time UT has teamed with an outside entity to use its gorgeous Myers Stadium. (Another first for both the Aztex and Myers: “adult beverages” at the pregame beer garden!) This event is the beginning of a three-year agreement between UT and the Aztex.

If you're not into Espinoza Paz, a group of Aztex supporters will also be gathering at Scholtz's Beer Garden on San Jacinto before the game, at about 6:00.

One interesting aspect of this game for fans of the U.S. men's national team is the presence of Edgar Castillo, currently on loan from Club América to Tigres. U.S.-born Castillo has previously been called up to the Mexican national team, but has no international caps. Though previously stating he didn't want to play for the U.S., he has been singing a different tune more recently. Whether you're a fan of the Nats or El Tri, you have a chance to scout him for yourself Saturday night.

Tickets for this huge soccer event are available at Texas Box Office.

Labels: exhibition, internacional, UT

The news came out this week that Austin Aztex FC and the University of Texas will jointly host an exhibition match featuring 2 premier Mexican pro soccer teams, dubbed the "State Farm Copa Aztex". The deal is to last for several years, making this an annual event. The teams announced for this first year's matchup on July 18 are Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL.

News 8 Austin has a short video clip from the press conference.

The games will be played at the home of UT's womens' soccer program, Mike A. Myers stadium. Seating 20,000, and marred by a big track around the pitch, the facility features a beautiful natural grass field. Many believe grass fields cannot exist in Texas, but apparently UT has the know-how and/or big bucks to keep it up.

Tickets are priced at $30 or $50, and go on sale Monday, June 8. I haven't seen exactly what the $20 difference gets you, presumably closer to the middle of the field. The event will also feature "Univision Radio presenta El Golazo Musical", a pre-game festival featuring food, giveaways, a beer garden and live music. That starts at 4:00; the game kicks off at 7:00.

As the Aztex and UT say in their press releases, this will be a big event that will boost soccer's profile in Austin, especially among Mexican fans. (Hopefully Cruz Azul and Tigres fans are loyal enough to turn out for this, even though both teams fared poorly in the just-finished Primera División Clausura.) But for myself, as a fan primarily of American soccer, this match isn't for me.

If nothing else, I wish some actual Aztex would play in Copa Aztex. Even a pre-game scrimmage between the Aztex U23s and the reserves of one of the Mexican teams (the USL-1 team will be in Minnesota playing the Thunder that night) would tie it more to the hometown team. Without anything like that, it seems at first glance that the team has little more to do with the event than the other title sponsor, State Farm Insurance. Of course, I know they had much more to do with it than that, using and building their soccer relationships with first division Mexican clubs to put the whole thing together. I hope the event is a big success, and gets lots of publicity. I also hope that future Copa Aztexes include more of the Aztex FC than the name and the front office.

Labels: exhibition, internacional, UT

It was a beautiful evening at Nelson Field last night for the final exhibition match of the Aztex's 2009 preseason. The Puerto Rico Islanders were in town to warm up for their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal game in Mexico City next week. Heading into the 2nd leg with a 2-0 advantage, the Islanders last night were practicing the defensive tactics they'll employ against Cruz Azul on Tuesday.

One unique feature of the match, which would be fun to include in future exhibitions, was a scheduled penalty shootout. The score happened to be tied at the end, but the shootout was planned in advance and announced throughout the game. Why not give the players a chance to practice penalty shots with all the pressure of the crowd looking on? In this instance, neither team put their starting keeper in the net: Chris McClellan was in for Puerto Rico, and trialist Sam Reynolds was in for Austin (saving 2 out of 3 Islander PK shots — the 3rd went wide — one would think that was a pretty successful trial outing!).

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: when the announcer's booth experienced technical difficulties trying to play the national anthem, and the crowd — led by a woman with a megaphone in the supporters' section — spontaneously got it going themselves.

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

• Aztex tie Islanders in scoreless preseason game — Austin American-Statesman
  

  With the Islanders content to sit back in a defensive posture as a dress rehearsal for the expected Cruz Azul onslaught, the game lacked a cutting edge as waves of Austin possession broke on the defenders' orange wall.
  
  ...But even as the Aztex moved the ball in midfield with relative ease, they were unable to offer a genuine threat on the Islanders' goal.

• Austin Aztex vs islanders — Patrick Meredith, Official Aztex Photographer
  


• Aztex FC and Islanders play to scoreless draw — AustinAztex.com
  

  "I am very pleased with the way we played tonight with what is the benchmark of our division in Puerto Rico," Aztex head coach Adrian Heath said.
  
  While happy, Heath mentioned there were some mistakes made that will be addressed. "We kept patient during the game, which is hard. When we were impatient, they got the ball. The last thing we want to do is give them opportunities for openings with our mistakes."

• Aztex wins friendly in penalty shootout — The Offside's Puerto Rico Islanders Blog
  

  Wes Allen, Jarius Holmes and Alex Tapp scored the winning penalty goals for the Aztex; while Cristian Arrieta, Noah Delgado and Josh Hansen missed their shots for the Puerto Ricans. Arrieta missed his shot wide right; Delgado and Hansen had their shots saved by the Aztex goalkeeper. Sam Reynolds covered the posts for Austin, and newly acquired goalie Chris McClellan did the same for the Islanders.

The USL-1 season officially kicks off next weekend, with Minnesota Thunder at Carolina RailHawks and Charleston Battery at Vancouver Whitecaps (I hope USLLive is up and running by then!). The Aztex's season, however, won't start until the following Saturday, with a home opener against the Minnesota Thunder on April 18.

Until then, best of luck to the Islanders in their quest for CONCACAF Champions League glory next Tuesday night!

Labels: exhibition, postgame, USL-1

The Aztex will host USL-1 rivals Puerto Rico Islanders on Friday night at Nelson Field at 7:30 PM. The game will be Austin's last exhibition match before the start of the regular season.

Tickets for this match are $18 and $22, the just-announced regular season ticket price.

The Islanders most recently faced Mexico's Cruz Azul at home in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, winning that match 2-0.

Also potentially significant late for the Islanders was the debut of the tall Kyle Veris as a defender. Veris has CONCACAF experience having played for the Galaxy in the 2006 CONCACAF Champions Cup, and also is a veteran of the Norwegian second division. (Veris played a role in getting his side promoted to the top flight of Norwegian football but was released after promotion.) It is possible Manager Colin Clarke will feature Veris and possibly sit Scott Jones in the second leg.

Another disappointment for Puerto Rico was the inability to spring Kendall Jagdeosingh free on counter attacking goal scoring opportunity. The Islanders seemed too tired and too committed to defending to take chances going forward.

Puerto Rico will be heading from here to Mexico City's Estadio Azul for the second leg of that Champions League semifinal next Tuesday. If they advance to the finals, they will face one of the two other Mexican powerhouses remaining in the championship: Santos Laguna or Atlante.

Though the first games of the USL-1 season begin next weekend on April 11, the first Aztex game will be the home opener on April 18 vs. the Minnesota Thunder. That will be the first of 3 home games in a single week: Austin will also host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday, April 21, and the Cleveland City Stars the following Saturday, April 25.

As for the last game, supporters will meet before & after at the Nomad Bar (map). See you there, and at the game!

Labels: CONCACAF, exhibition, gameday, USL-1

The Aztex were in Sandy, Utah on Saturday for their fourth pre-season match against a high-quality MLS opponent. This time it was Real Salt Lake, a team that just barely missed a trip to the MLS Cup last year, and which is ranked highly by many for 2009, including ESPN & Ives Galarcep.

The match was part of a unique free open-house event put on by RSL to show off Rio Tinto, the newest soccer-specific stadium in MLS. It was a clever way to make lemonade out of the lemons they got by being the odd team out of MLS First Kick weekend.

The Better Than Nothing I Suppose award goes to the live streaming audio provided of the game via KALL700. Listeners were able to follow the score, and a few of the big plays, but had to endure approximately 85 minutes of pointless chit-chat. Some other post-match coverage:

• Real finish preseason with 3-1 victory & box score — MLSnet.com
  

  If the Utah side hoped for a good test before officially starting MLS play, its wish was granted in the form of the USL-1 Aztex. Austin gave RSL a run for its money, but ultimately could not do enough to slow down the club's offensive attack.
  
  ...The Aztex finally struck in the 72nd minute when reserve midfielder Alex Tapp delivered a pass perfectly on target to defender Kieron Bernard in front of the goalie box. Bernard mimicked what Olave did earlier and unleashed a header in one fluid motion that sailed right past Rimando and tied the score at 1-1.

• Real Salt Lake Defeats Austin Aztex 3-1 — Keepin' It Real!
  

  The game had a few chippy moments as Kyle Beckerman and an Aztex midfielder had several encounters, one bringing both sides together in the middle of the field for what appeared to be just a minor shoving and shouting match.

And a little video footage, including two of RSL's goals:



That leaves nearly 2 weeks until the next Aztex game: another tough preseason exhibition here at Nelson Field against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Friday, April 3.

Labels: exhibition, MLS, USL-1

It was another good game last night to wrap up MLS Madness. The crowd was definitely smaller than last week's Dynamo match, but the weather wasn't nearly as bad as I'd braced myself for.

The You Had To Be There Moment of the Match: supporter Alejo Loco's mad dash across the entire width of the stands (and back again!), a giant Texas flag streaming behind him. Here's a rundown of other post-match coverage.

• Aztex beat Columbus Crew 1-0 in exhibition — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Even as captain and center forward Gifton Noel Williams looked on from the bench Saturday with an ankle injury, the Aztex controlled the game from the first kick. The home side took the lead in the 25th minute courtesy of a 20-yard strike from forward Eddie Johnson. He turned his man outside the box and fired a low shot to the far post, beyond the reach of goalkeeper William Hesmer.

• Austin Aztex 1, Crew 0 — Covering The Crew (Columbus Dispatch)
  

  Gino Padula was sent off in the 35th for a hard but late single-leg tackle. He was going for the ball, but the referee deemed it egregious.
  
  ...The USL-1 Aztex were not at full strength roster-wise but were pretty impressive. They are a skillful bunch and were a good test for the Crew. Too bad the playing surface, while not horrible, was not what the Crew needed to be playing on in its final tune-up.
  
  ...The always affable Dominic Kinnear and his staff were watching from the press box. The Dynamo tied Chivas USA 2-2 in the Home Depot Center last night. Kinnear and Co. flew home to Houston this morning, hopped in the car and made the trip to Austin.

• Austin Aztex 1 - Columbus Crew 0 — Austin Photographer Patrick Meredith

  

• Austin Aztex FC defeat MLS Champion Columbus Crew 1-0 — AustinAztex.com
  

  Aztex head coach Adrian Heath was obviously pleased with the result. “The first half was good. I saw some of the stuff that we’ve been working on during training. It actually looks as though I know what I’m doing for the moment,” Heath joked . “We’ve come an awful long way. Sullivan excited people in first half. I’m really happy Eddie got his first goal. And Jarius made some terrific runs in the box.
  
  “I was pleased with the shape of the team. When you’re doing two sessions a day and working them hard, (a result like this) is a bit of vindication of what you’re doing. I can’t be too hasty though. I know we’ve got an awful long way to go to be where I want to be.”

Next week the Aztex will be dancing with the odd girl out from MLS' "First Kick" season opening weekend, Real Salt Lake. The next home game will be another tough preseason exhibition that was just announced last night: the Puerto Rico Islanders on Friday, April 3. The Islanders will be gearing up for the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal against Mexico's Cruz Azul the following week.

Labels: exhibition, MLS, USL-1

Last but certainly not least in the Aztex's "MLS Madness" preseason is this Saturday's match against reigning MLS champions and Supporters' Shield winners Columbus Crew.

Actually, this won't be the last preseason game the Aztex play against an MLS side, just the last home game. Official word was out Tuesday that the team will travel to Salt Lake City to play MLS' Real Salt Lake. The game is part of a free open house event that RSL is using to show off the brand new and highly acclaimed Rio Tinto Stadium.

Meanwhile, back here in Austin, Saturday is the the last officially announced Aztex action before the season starts on April 18, with our opener against Minnesota Thunder.

The Columbus Dispatch's Crew beat writer Shawn Mitchell is in town with the team. His Dispatch-hosted blog included this post yesterday: Crew reserves 4, St. Edward's University 0. Along with details of a slight hamstring strain suffered by forward Robbie Rogers and a mention of Austin native and former Crew player Jacob Thomas was this item:

Word is the Crew attempted to get out of Saturday's game against the Austin Aztex after it found out the exhibition will be played on an artificial turf field but were unable to do so because of contractual obligations.

Discussion of the field at Nelson merits its own post(s), but I'm not sure what to make of that little tidbit. Surely the Crew knew before they agreed to the trip that the match would be on artificial turf? Is the surface at Nelson Field somehow worse than they thought? And is it substantially worse than the handful of MLS stadiums with plastic grass? I don't mean these as rhetorical questions, I'd really like to know.

Unfortunately the weather hasn't been cooperating this week. It has been, and will continue to be, chilly and wet. Game-time temperatures are predicted to be in the low 50s, with a "slight chance" of rain. With crummy weather, without a boost from lots of opposition fans, but playing against the best team in MLS, it will be interesting to see what the crowd turns out to be.

As always, kickoff is at 7:30 at Nelson Field. Supporters warmup (i.e., 12-ounce weightlifting, etc.) starts at 5:00, this week at the Nomad Bar (map) rather than La Palapa.

Labels: exhibition, gameday, MLS

Great game last night, as the traveling Dynamo fans swelled the crowd at Nelson Field to nearly 4,200. The weather was much warmer than last week, as predicted, but the March wind was still roaring.

• Aztex get 1st pro goal in club history, tie Houston Dynamo — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The Austin Aztex pulled ahead twice in the first half of Saturday night's exhibition against two-time MLS champion Houston, but the Dynamo rallied with goals on either side of the break to produce a 2-2 draw.
  
  There was plenty of history made for the Aztex, who are playing their first pro season: first goal, first lead and first red card. Aztex captain Gifton Noel-Williams was sent off in the first half after earning two yellow cards. In a move of sportsmanship that stood out sharply in contrast with the physical nature of the game, the Dynamo allowed Austin to replace Noel-Williams with another player to keep the game going as a contest.

  I especially liked the description of the first goal (emphasis added):
  

  Noel-Williams won a header near the halfway line and released winger Sullivan Silva with a perfectly weighed chip. The Brazilian outran the Dynamo defense before beating goalkeeper Tally Hall with a composed finish. The first goal in team history was Silva's final contribution on the night before he limped off with a hamstring injury.

  Here's hoping the hamstring is no problem, and we start seeing that sentence a lot, fill-in-the-blank style: The Brazilian outran the _________ defense before beating goalkeeper ____________ with a composed finish.


• Aztex secure 2-2 tie against Dynamo — AustinAztex.com
  

  With the valuable lessons learned from last week’s defeat against the Revolution and another solid week of practice, Heath said he expected this type of performance from his team. "I thought we would be better and we were. We had some good performances out there tonight including some of the younger guys. Sullivan Silva can be a good player. Jarius Holmes can be a good player. For being just 12 days in, I’m pleased with the result."

• Austin Aztex vs. Houston Dynamo — Austin Photographer Patrick Meredith
  


• 2009 Spring Break Camps — AustinAztex.com
  Not directly related to the game, but there was a postcard for this on everyone's windshields after the game, so I'll mention it, too.
  

  The Austin Aztex Spring Break Youth Soccer Camps will be held March 16-20 at two locations in Austin. English soccer star and Aztex USL-1 Head Coach Adrian Heath will oversee the camps, which are designed for children ages 5 to 15.
  
  "We are very excited to present our Austin Aztex soccer camps during the 2009 Spring Break. Players will have several new camps to choose from this Spring as I have added a skills school, shot stoppers-GK and striker school, and a basic Soccer 101 to our usual rec/select player camp offering."

That does it for Houston. And look at me, I managed to be nice and not say a word about what a bunch of bland, generic losers they are, or how they totally blew it in the CONCACAF Champions League, or how their kit is hands-down the ugliest combination of ugly colors to ever mar a soccer pitch. Oops, well, I almost managed it.

Next weekend we'll see our third and final MLS exhibition (unless rumors about going to Dallas or Salt Lake City pan out), when we host the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew. Is it Saturday yet?

Labels: exhibition, MLS, USL-1

Next up in the Aztex's preseason MLS lineup is the Houston Dynamo this Saturday, March 7. As the Chronicle reports, they're coming off a 3-0 loss Tuesday night to Atlante of Mexico's Primera División, which eliminated them from the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.

With Houston being our closest pro soccer neighbor, plus their renowned supporters groups (El Batallón and Texian Army), we could have quite a crowd at this one. And if you can round up 11 or more friends, you can all get in for the new group discount price of just $15.

The Aztex are expected to once again be trialing a good number of players, though the roster did officially grow by one this week with the signing of English midfielder Eddie Johnson:

The 24-year-old Johnson comes to the United States after a successful career in England, which included stints on the U16-U20 English national teams as well as his first professional job with Manchester United back in 2001 at age 17.

United loaned Johnson to the Belgian club Royal Antwerp in January 2004 where he made 11 appearances, scoring five goals. In July 2004, Johnson went on loan to Championship-side Coventry City for the 2004–05 season where he gained valuable first-team experience.

Eddie and I will see you at Nelson on Saturday night. Once again, an open invitation to meet up with other fans at La Palapa at 5:00; kickoff is at 7:30. Best of all: you can leave your winter coat and mittens at home this week. The current forecast calls for temperatures in the 70s.

Labels: exhibition, gameday, MLS

In a month or two, temperatures in the 40s at Nelson Field will seem impossible, but that's what we endured last night.

Considering how young the Aztex team is — remember, they haven't even announced enough signings yet to field a full eleven — they held their own very respectably against the New England Revolution. Sure it was a 2-0 scoreline, but the Revs only scored one of those goals themselves!

Following is a rundown of post-match coverage. The best part of the game that's not covered in any of these stories was the One-Man Chris Albright Hate Club, who verbally assaulted the Revs defender throughout the second half.

• Gameday: Revs at Aztex— New England Revolution Blog

  "This feels like classic New England fall weather with the chill in the air and heavy wind."
  "It’s so chilly out that [acting head coach Paul] Mariner has brought a towel out from the locker room to wrap around his legs on the bench."

  [Ha ha!]


• Aztex Fall Short Against Revolution in Exhibition Match, 2-0 — AustinAztex.com

  More than 2,000 fans braved blustery conditions Saturday night at Nelson Field to see what professional soccer under the Aztex brand name would look like...
  
  Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath was understandably disappointed in his team’s shaky start. “We started off quite poorly. I think we actually started both halves very nervous. That’s something we’ll have to speak about. But after the initial 10 minutes we played some really good football.”

• Aztex get a quick dose of reality from MLS power New England — Austin American-Statesman

  Despite missing talismanic striker Taylor Twellman and several other starters, the Revolution and All-Star midfielder Shalrie Joseph bossed possession for most of the match.
  
  see also: Statesman photo gallery

  [How's that for a nickname: Taylor "The Talisman" Twellman?]

Next week: soon-to-be-CONCACAF-Champions-League-losers Houston Dynamo come to town. And bring some warmer weather with them, I hope!

Labels: exhibition, gameday, MLS, USL-1

This is it, today's the day! The first Aztex game ever!

Okay, granted that since we're in our first season (for the second time; this year it's the USL-1 team), we get to have lots of "firsts". We'll get to have another one with the first league game, but that's still more than a month away.

For now, this is it: the first official public game to ever be played by the Austin Aztex USL-1!

The opponent tonight is MLS' New England Revolution, who have been in town all week, training in the warm Texas sunshine. The Revs and the Aztex scrimmaged at least once this week, with the Aztex winning or drawing all 3 30-minute matches.

Supporters group Chantico's Army has a nice match preview, which includes details on lots of the Aztex players who are not yet officially signed. And News 8 Austin has a short video on the Aztex's preparations for the game. As they note, this is the first of a 3-week exhibition home stand. Next week we'll see the Houston Dynamo. The week after that the Columbus Crew will be in town.

Though we've had highs in the 80s the last couple of days, a cold front came in overnight. Highs today will be in the 60s, but temps during the game are forecast to drop from mid 50s to high 40s.

Kickoff tonight is 7:30PM at Nelson Field. Individual tickets are $20 or $30. Chantico's Army folks are gathering at La Palapa at 5:00, and then heading over to the stadium. I unfortunately won't be able to join them, but it's open to anyone, fans of either team. I will be at the game, hope to see you there!

Update: rosters for both teams on the Aztex website.

Labels: exhibition, gameday, MLS, USL-1

Huge news: Aztex FC has managed to schedule not one, not two but three exhibition games against MLS teams in the upcoming months. All three will be played at Nelson Field, the new home stadium of the Aztex.

• Feb. 28 vs. New England Revolution (4-time MLS finalists, 2007 Open Cup Champions, 2008 Superliga Champions)


• Mar. 7 vs. Houston Dynamo (2-time MLS Champions, 2008 Western Conference winners)


• Mar. 14 vs. Columbus Crew (2002 Open Cup Champions, 2-time Supporters Shield winners, 2008 MLS Champions)

Owner Phil Rawlins was on AM 1300's The Zone today to make the announcement. The story is on the team's site, and was also covered by the Statesman:

"Exhibitions are a great way to evaluate talent and since this will be our first-ever game action, I believe these games will allow us to really identify who will see considerable playing action in the upcoming season," said Aztex coach Adrian Heath.

These games are going to be fantastic. Sure it's offseason for the MLS teams, and the Aztex side won't even really be complete. But in terms of publicity and excitement and a demonstration of the seriousness of our Austin team, this could hardly be better. These aren't run-of-the-mill MLS squads, either: no San Jose, no Toronto, no Kansas City. They even made it easier on all of us FC Dallas fans — who would have been conflicted about who to cheer for — by inviting that other Texas team, the one that's easy to root against.

Best of all, it drastically brings in the date to look forward to: instead of being way out in mid-April, now it's just over 6 weeks until that Feb. 28 match against the Revs. Suddenly, instead of too much time, it almost seems like too little (key word, "almost").

Seating at Nelson Field is divided into two levels. Better is "Center Circle"; cheaper is "Sideline" (see chart). Tickets for the individual exhibition matches will be $30 and $20, respectively. If you buy season tickets ($290 for Center Circle; $240 for Sideline) before February 23, the MLS games are included. There's also an "MLS Madness" pack: the 3 MLS games plus 2 regular-season Aztex games ($100 or $70). Full details on the team website.

Labels: exhibition, MLS, USL-1