The Aztexan

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

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

And so it ends.

Still feeling the energy from their 2-1 win over the Portland Timbers, our Aztex made a valiant effort in their final match of the 2009 campaign. But it was not to be. Their last game was reminiscent of many this year, as they surrendered their lead late in the game.

The loss means the club has yet to net a single point north of the border.

But despite the loss, the Red & White ended the season on a strong, positive note. The result may have been disappointingly familiar, but the game they took to the Whitecaps was a solid one. I'm sure Vancouver didn't mind having a man advantage for those last 15 minutes.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Sunny; Attendance: 5288

• Aztex finish first season with loss to Vancouver — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Austin's goal, a strike by Jarius Holmes in the 51st minute, broke a scoreless tie, but was one of only five Aztex shots on goal in the match.
  
  Vancouver had 23 shots, but Aztex goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo-Aparicio kept the Whitecaps at bay until Haber's equalizer.

• Aztex fall in Vancouver 2-1 to conclude USL-1 season — AustinAztex.com
  

  The game dynamics changed when Noel-Williams received a straight red card for a challenge that took down Whitecaps midfielder Kenold Versailles.
  
  With the man advantage, Vancouver capitalized in the 80th minute following a poor clearance by the Aztex on a Whitecaps corner. Vancouver’s Gordon Chin volleyed the ball toward the far post, where Marcus Haber redirected his header over Gallardo to even up the match.
  
  Six minutes later Vancouver took its first lead of the game when Chin received a pass from Lyle Martin heading into the Aztex box. Clear of Aztex defenders Chin sent a blast that struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the net for a 2-1 Whitecaps lead.

• Video Highlights (5:29) — VancouverWhitecapsFC on YouTube
  
  

Before returning home, the Aztex are spending a couple of days in the area. As part of a partnership with the club, they'll play an exhibition match against the PDL's Victoria Highlanders on Tuesday night in the nearby capital on Vancouver Island.

Earlier this summer Highlander’s General Manager Drew Finerty and Aztex owner Phil Rawlins agreed to an affiliation partnership to foster development of young soccer players through their respective PDL and USL1 clubs. The focus of the agreement is to create opportunities for developing players through the Highlander’s system and provide the Aztex “first rights” to young footballers with a chance to play at the higher USL level.

And there's more partner exhibition action coming up soon here in Austin, as well. Tickets are on sale now for the Oct. 7 match against Mexico's CF Monterrey at the RRISD Athletics Complex.

Labels: internacional, postgame, U-23, USL-1

Holy cow! We won!

I mean, er, of course we won, I never had the slightest doubt, it was in the bag, like falling off a log, a walk in the park. (A walk in the park that you're used to getting mugged in, that is.)

Wow, what a difference a win makes. Fifteen minutes in to the second half, I was on the verge of posting on the Aztex BigSoccer "what players should we keep for next year?" thread with something like, "none of them!" But they withstood the Timbers' onslaught, and they kept pecking away, and the next thing I knew, Ryan McMahen put a long-range rocket into the net, and we were level. More withstanding, more pecking, and then suddenly Lyle Adams sneaks in a diving header, and the Aztex take the lead! The lead! What a concept!

That was exciting, but then it was time to endure the final minutes, waiting for the opposition to break our hearts with a late goal, as we've seen so many times this season. But no! They did it; they held on -- they won.

So between barely beating Austin last Monday, and getting shut out at home last night, what's the story with Portland? That's not how it's supposed to go between the teams in first and last place. Are they falling apart at the end of the season? That's possible, of course, though there's no obvious reason (e.g., player injury) why they should be. Perhaps they simply discovered that despite the lack of points the Red & White have earned, they can actually be a pretty tough opponent.

See you next year, Timbers.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Sunny, 86; Attendance: 10,141

• Timbers fall 2-1 to the Aztex — KATU.com
  

  The Timbers attempted 17 of their 23 shots on the night in the second half, including four from Keita. Early in the second half, midfielder Brian Farber slashed his way through the box which drew Gallardo off his line. Farber hit a shot around the goalkeeper, but Keita got a touch on it to send it towards the far post. As the ball crept towards the goal line, an Austin defender was in position to clear if off the line.

• Aztex stun league-leading Portland with 2-1 victory — AustinAztex.com
  

  Timbers defender Stephen Keel headed the ball at the far post in front of the goal where Austin’s David Horst then attempted to clear the ball but instead headed it into upper corner beyond the reach of Aztex keeper Miguel Gallardo to give the home team a 1-0 advantage.
  
  “After the own goal, it was almost like here we go again,” said Heath. “But this time we didn’t.” Instead, in the second half, Austin responded.

Next up for the Aztex is a match-up against Vancouver Whitecaps, Sunday at 6:00 PM.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Well, what can you say. (No, seriously. I've about run out of things to say about these results.)

The Aztex ended the 2009 home season more or less the same way they played all year. They dug in, they fought, they worked hard, they had a few flashes of danger — and then they gave up a late goal, and lost.

I'm once again too late and too short of time to wax poetic about this milestone in the history of Austin pro soccer, so for now, here's a rundown of other post-match coverage:

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Hot, partly cloudy

• Aztex shut out by Portland in final home game — Austin American-Statesman
  

  If an entire season can be summed up in 90 minutes, the Austin Aztex did their best to show a full year of fight and flaws Monday night in a 1-0 loss to Portland.
  
  Early injuries and late goals — so often the scourge of Austin's inaugural-season slide to the foot of the USL-1 table — struck again in the final home game as Austin battled a superior opponent and came up empty. Played out in front of 2,439 fans, the game was the last act of a troubled stay at Nelson Field, before next year's switch to House Park.
  
  ..."We played a team that's gone on a 24-game unbeaten streak, and if you would have come tonight you wouldn't have known there was an awful lot of difference between the two teams," Austin coach Adrian Heath said.

• Portland gets late goal to defeat Aztex 1-0 — AustinAztex.com
  

  “When you consider the games we’ve had in a short period, I can’t be too critical,” Heath said. “On the whole, not bad.”
  
  The travel seemed to have its effects on the team early. Ryan Caugherty went down in the first 10 minutes with a knee injury and Gareth Evans pulled a hamstring less than 15 minutes later. Near the end of the match, Eddie Johnson went down, reinjuring his back.
  
  “It really takes a toll on you,” Gallardo said of the travel. “Our legs gave out toward the end.”

The Aztex season wraps up next weekend in the Pacific Northwest. Friday will see them take the field against the Timbers again, in Portland (their first time there, remarkably). The final game will be on Sunday, against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The team will stay in the area after that game, and play an exhibition with the PDL's Victoria Highlanders next Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Miguel's back!

...Okay, that pretty much does it for the good news portion of the post.

Despite now having everybody but Eddie Johnson healthy and on the field, the Aztex were handed another solid defeat in Miami last night. It seems as though playing matches on either corner of North America 3 days apart isn't conducive to solid play.

Also, perhaps it will take a little time for Gallardo's return to be fully integrated with the current back line. Wes Allen was the only guy on the back line who's played in front of Miguel, it was a new thing for Horst, Dello-Russo and Sakuda.

Any way you cut it, it's a shame to have let this win slip away. The final 3 matches of the season are going to be a hard row to hoe: 2 more against Portland (one here, one there), and the final game back in Vancouver against the Whitecaps.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Miami FC ends six-game losing streak — Miami Herald
  

  Miami FC snapped its six-game losing streak Saturday night, beating the Austin Aztex 3-1. Miami's newest signings made an immediate impact. Midfielder Brain Shriver [sic] and Nelson Pizzaro assisted on two goals, while Aaron King scored his first goal with the Blues in his first start with the team.

• Despite return of Gallardo, Aztex fall 3-1 — AustinAztex.com
  

  The last time the Austin Aztex visited the Miami FC Blues in early June, Austin goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo made the trip but didn’t see any action. That’s because Gallardo had broken his leg just two days before in Puerto Rico. On Saturday night Gallardo returned to the lineup for the first time since his serious injury and showed flashes of his skill in goal, but it wasn’t enough as the Aztex fell 3-1.

Next up, again in very short order, is back here at home Monday night against Portland. More on that game soon, in a separate post.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

They put up a pretty valiant effort, but the Aztex dropped another one Wednesday night, going down 3-2 to the Whitecaps in Vancouver. At least Jean Alexandre's brace and several good, threatening attacks kept Vancouver from being able to coast.

Here's a rundown of post-match coverage:

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Whitecaps claim 3-2 win over Aztex — Vancouver Sun
  

  While the Whitecaps were full value in terms of entertainment, the result didn't come easy. Twice Austin fought back from a two goal deficit to keep the nearly sold-out crowd of 5,081 on edge all night. Trailing 2-1 at the half, the Aztex pressed Vancouver after the break and were carrying the play until Charles Gbeke headed Takashi Hirano's cross past Aztex goalkeeper Nick Noble in the 65th minute.

• Alexandre scores twice, but Vancouver edges Aztex 3-2 — AustinAztex.com
  

  In the second half Austin built off the momentum generated at the close of the first half and had a pair of solid scoring chances early including one in the 59th minute when midfielder Ryan McMahen delivered a line drive from the edge of the 18-yard box. Nolly dove hard to his right and knocked the ball just a few feet wide of the post. There Gifton Noel-Williams slid to the ground and put a tough shot on goal but Nolly once again turned it away for an Austin corner. Two minutes later Aztex defender Michael Dello-Russo sent in a sharp free kick at the far post where Austin’s David Horst avoided a pair of Vancouver defenders and headed the ball just wide of the goal.

Two days and a 2,800 mile plane trip later, Austin's Red & White will be challenging Miami's Blues for the final time this season. Kickoff for the Saturday night game in Miami is at 7:00, shown free as always on USLLive.com.

The USMNT will be playing El Salvador in a World Cup qualifier at the exact same time, but if you prop your computer up next to your TV, you can watch them both. Or make it easy on yourself and join your fellow Aztex supporters at Mister Tramps, where we've secured one of the 8 TVs in Austin that won't be showing the Longhorns game, plus a laptop or 2 for the Aztex game.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Yay! We won! This post is late, and I barely have time to throw even this much together, let alone wax poetic about the win. So I'll have to leave it at: Yay! We won!

Here's a rundown of post-match coverage:

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Hot, partly cloudy; Attendance: 2,611

• Key breaks finally fall Aztex' way in shutout — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Sullivan Silva combined well with [Kyle] Brown on the edge of the Miami box, releasing the forward with a well-weighted ball. Brown then cut the ball back across the Miami six-yard box, where under heavy pressure from the lurking Eddie Johnson, defender Gale Agbossoumonde missed his attempted clearance, allowing Johnson to smash the ball into the roof of the net.

• Austin earns tough 1-0 victory over Miami — AustinAztex.com
  

  Austin looked shaky the first 10 minutes of the match Saturday against Miami.
  
  But Austin forward Eddie Johnson, playing through a back injury, finally settled down the home side scoring an early goal that held up for a much-needed 1-0 victory.
  
  The win is Austin’s first in 10 games, a streak that stretches back to July 3.
  
  “They deserved three points on about three or four different occasions,” Aztex head coach Adrian Heath said. “We’ve played better at times and didn’t get the result. … I’m pleased that the players have gotten some reward for the effort they’ve put in.”

The Aztex have a flurry of games here in the final 2 weeks of the season: one more against Miami FC (at Miami) and two more against the Vancouver Whitecaps (both at Vancouver) and two more against the Portland Timbers (one at Portland and one here). That all starts midweek this week, with road game at Vancouver on Wednesday night.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Well, what can you say. At least the Aztex have been, umm . . . consistent? Sure. Consistent; that's the ticket.

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Sunny, Attendance: 13,034

  Note per the Montreal Gazette article below: that 13K attendance "was the Impact's first sellout of the season, although a sizable portion of those ticket buyers weren't on hand for the game."


• Impact good enough to dispatch lowly Austin — Montreal Gazette
  

  Ah, yes, chances. None greater than that enjoyed by Impact striker Roberto Brown in the 56th minute, early in the second half. Brown was presented with an opportunity to convert a penalty kick after Aztex defender Keiron Bernard bowled over Impact striker Eduardo Sebrango in the penalty area.
  
  Brown decided to take a leaf from the penalty-taking technique of former France great Zinedine Zidane, attempting a cheeky chip against Aztex goalkeeper Nick Noble. Brown had Noble beaten after the keeper dove to his left, but floated the ball on to the crossbar. The ball came straight out to Sebrango, but his header was straight at Noble, who had scrambled to his feet.
  
  Brown's attempt was a surprise, and no one was more startled than Dos Santos, who was nonetheless reluctant to criticize his veteran striker.
  
  "Well, I've never seen him practise that shot in training," Dos Santos said. "But he's a veteran, and if he's confident, well, I guess it's worth a try."

  File that coach comment under, "Oh snap". You've got to love an article by the opponent's own press that's almost as nasty to them as it is to your team.


• Austin falls 2-0 in Montreal — AustinAztex.com
  

  With time running out, the Aztex grew desperate looking for an equalizer and almost found it in the 85th minute. That’s when Alexandre received a pass just outside of the 18-yard box. With a Montreal defender draped all over his back, Alexandre spun around to his left, found some space, and fired. The blast cleared all defenders and the Impact keeper who could only watch as the ball crashed off the crossbar and caromed away from the goal.

Next up: back at Nelson again for the next-to-last home game on Saturday, August 29. Our boys host Miami FC at 7:30 CT. Pre-game binge drinking starts the same time the day prior.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Good grief. Is this team stuck in the same game, over and over, like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day?

In fact, here. With just a couple changes I can copy & paste exactly from my post-game report for the 2-2 draw with Montreal on July 26:

Here's an indication of how last night's result felt: when I first entered the title for this post, I typed "Aztex Fall To Montreal Impact Minnesota Thunder", and only when I got to the score, 2-2, did I remember that it was a draw, not a loss.

Sure, we got a point. Sure, that's better than a loss. But having taken the lead — by two twice, mind you — and badly needing all 3 of those points, it didn't feel like anything to celebrate after the final whistle.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Hot, partly cloudy

• Aztex lose lead, settle for tie with Minnesota — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Kieron Bernard crouches on the synthetic turf, eyes fixed on the ground, unable to believe it's happened again. As the clock makes its last ticks towards the final minute, the Aztex have yet again come undone, conceding another late goal to turn a victory into a 2-2 draw against the Minnesota Thunder.
  
  The 3,470 fans at Austin's Nelson Field on Sunday night go silent.
  
  They've seen this before. For the third time this season, Austin has allowed a last-minute goal that caused them to either lose or draw.

• Austin surrenders lead, salvages 2-2 tie against Minn. — AustinAztex.com
  

  Aztex head coach Adrian Heath was disappointed by the result and a pair of non-calls that happened at the end of the game. “It’s very frustrating. I have to say, I thought those two fouls leading up to the goal — a terrible tackle on Jean Alexandre and the guy pushed Kevin Sakuda to get the free header on the goal. At times, I thought the officiating was comical so that didn’t really surprise me.”
  
  ...While Heath readily admitted his frustration with the officials, in the end, he acknowledged his team didn’t finish. “We make individual errors that cost us. I thought at times our football was good and we looked dangerous. I’m disappointed because I think we had enough chances to have won the game tonight.”

• MN Thunder Tie Austin Aztex in Final Minute — Inside Minnesota Soccer
  

  The brace by Tarley not only gave Minnesota the draw and a point, it also meant that the Thunder forward has now scored 3 goals in 2 games, which moves him into a tie with Ricardo Sanchez for most goals this season with 5.

The next draw, er, game for the Aztex will be this Sunday, August 23, against the Montreal Impact in Montreal.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Another game, another not-great, not-terrible performance by the Aztex, another loss.

The lineup was about the same as it has been, with the exception of Nick Noble instead of Sam Reynolds in goal.

One difference, though not necessarily an improvement, was the number of cards they racked up. Yellows were earned by AJ Godbolt, Gifton Noel-Williams (who got 2, and was ejected in the 63rd minute), Ryan Mirsky and David Sias. Kyle Brown managed to bag a red from the bench at the same time Noel-Williams left the field, presumably for dissension.

But then, what do you expect when the referee's name is "Lee Suckle"? Seriously.

Those of us watching the webcast piped through a flatscreen TV at Cuatro's were happy to be joined by Aztex goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo. It's one thing for fans to yell "good save!" or "come on, shoot!", but when it's the team's first-ever pro signing, that's even better. He also said that recovery is going well, he's had some light workouts, and he may be able to get back on the pitch before the end of the season.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Rochester nips Austin Aztex — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The goal came when Danny Earls sent in a cross that found its way to the far side of the goal, then Ryan Heins sent a return volley back across the goal, where Menyongar sent it past Aztex goalkeeper Nick Noble for his ninth goal of the season.
  
  Rochester tried to add to its lead five minutes later when a deep throw-in caught the Aztex defense sleeping, but Warren Ukah sent the ball wide left of the goal.

• Controversial call costs Aztex; lose 1-0 in Rochester — AustinAztex.com
  

  In the 64th minute, the game took a dramatic turn. That’s when Austin’s Gifton Noel-Williams appeared to make a relatively harmless move on Rochester defender Kenney Bertz. After Bertz sent a long ball up from his right back position, Noel-Williams ran into Bertz’s leg on the follow through. Though it was not malicious and Bertz didn’t complain, the referee, who had already given Noel-Williams a yellow card earlier in the match, gave him a second and the Aztex went down a man.

The Aztex's next game will be back home at Nelson Field next Sunday, August 16, as they welcome the Minnesota Thunder. The Thunder are fellow cellar-dwellers, so come on out and see the beginning of a stunning end-of-season turnaround for the Red & White!

Labels: postgame, USL-1

We knew it would be tough for the Aztex to get any points on this road trip. Their form this season has been especially poor on the road (their away record drops to 1-7-1 after this weekend), and these Carolina teams are a couple of the toughest in the league right now. Combined with back-to-back Thursday/Saturday matches, it shouldn't come as too big of a shock that Austin is coming home without gaining any points.

That doesn't make it easy to take, however.

I will say, despite this game's 3-0 scoreline being worse than Thursday's 1-0 loss to Charleston, that I thought the Red & White's performance was a little sharper, a little more threatening, and a little less lead-footed against the Railhawks. If they could just keep a starting lineup together and healthy for a few games in a row, maybe they could actually be dangerous. Though time is fast running out for that kind of turnaround to make a difference this season.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  


• Aztex fall to Carolina — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Just before halftime, Gregory Richardson sent a cross to Joseph Kabwe, who headed it in for Carolina's first goal.
  
  In the 69th minute, Richardson set up the second goal with a counterattack that led to a free kick from 25 yards out. The ball bounced around in the box and caromed off Austin's Gareth Evans for a goal. Andriy Budnyy scored the final goal in the 85th minute.

• Aztex shut out 3-0 on road against Carolina — AustinAztex.com
  

  The Aztex (3-11-7, 14 points), who concluded a two-game road swing through the Carolinas including a 1-0 loss on Thursday at Charleston, struggled to solve a tough Carolina midfield and couldn’t contain the lightning-quick Richardson. It didn't help the Aztex that regulars Eddie Johnson and recently signed defender Kevin Sakuda were out of the starting lineup with a sore back and bruised foot, respectively.
  
  Austin’s best stretch of play came halfway through the second half, when the Aztex offense showed some aggression.

• Match Report :: Aztex 0, Carolina Railhawks 3 — Chantico's Army
  

  So at the end of the night, we found ourselves leaving the Carolinas without any points, any goals, and seemingly, still trying to find our personality. The lineups for each match continue to be changed based on player availability from injury, loans and the search for a combination that will work. It also saw Austin 11 points out of the 7th and final playoff position currently held by Miami FC. These are points that will be difficult to regain, as we have only 9 games (a possible 27 points) remaining in the season. The question the Aztex faithful are asking themselves is, "Can we turn the ship around in time?".

The Aztex will be on the road again next weekend, back to New York for their 3rd and final match against the Rochester Rhinos next Saturday, August 8. Austin has lost to the Rhinos in both previous meetings, a 2-0 shutout at home on June 21, and a 4-1 loss in Rochester on July 5.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Another less than inspired game, another loss for the Aztex. At least they didn't lose any points off this game (that we've heard of yet, anyway). This loss gives the Aztex a road record of 1-6-1.

Some post-match coverage:

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Battery blank Aztex, 1-0 — Charleston Post and Courier
  

  Scott Buete scored a goal and Dusty Hudock recorded his league-leading 12th shutout of the season as the Charleston Battery blanked the Austin Aztex, 1-0, Thursday night before 2,576 at Blackbaud Stadium.
  
  With the victory, the Battery improved to 10-3-8 (38 points) and took sole possession of first place in the USL First Division. The Aztex dropped to 3-10-7 (16 points).

• Aztex fall 1-0 on road to Charleston — AustinAztex.com
  

  Eventually, the Aztex began to create chances of its own due to some well-placed fouls that gave Austin two set pieces just outside of the box. In the 63rd minute, Jean Alexandre played the free kick off for Gareth Evans, but an aggressive Charleston defense quickly collapsed on Evans’ ball before it made its way over the wall.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Here's an indication of how last night's result felt: when I first entered the title for this post, I typed "Aztex Fall To Montreal Impact", and only when I got to the score, 2-2, did I remember that it was a draw, not a loss.

Sure, we got a point. Sure, that's better than a loss. But having taken the lead — by two, mind you — and badly needing all 3 of those points, it didn't feel like anything to celebrate after the final whistle.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: the short span, just 8 minutes long according to the stats, when the Aztex held a 2-0 lead. I knew 20 minutes can be a long time at the end of a match, but for those few minutes none of us doubted it could be done. After Montreal pulled one back, I started to worry. After they scored 3 more times, even though those were all nullified by offside calls, I knew we were doomed.

From that standpoint, I guess, I should be happier that it wasn't the 5-2 loss it could have been. But, you know, I'm really not.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Hot, partly cloudy

• Aztex again fumble away win in closing moments — Austin American-Statesman

  It might be growing more difficult to be an Aztex fan.
  
  For the second time in as many home games, Austin gave up a heartbreaking late goal, the latest allowing the Montreal Impact to steal a 2-2 draw in front of 2,786 stunned fans at Nelson Field.
  
  The draw came after the Aztex appeared to be cruising to a much-needed victory, holding a 2-0 lead. The loss stung in part because Austin is battling Montreal for the seventh and final playoff spot in the USL's First Division.

• Aztex surrender two-goal lead late, salvage 2-2 tie with Montreal — AustinAztex.com
  

  In the 89th minute a scramble in the box led to a crowd of players around Austin keeper Sam Reynolds before the ball made its way into the net to level the score. The goal was credited to Roberto Brown, capping off an offensive barrage from Montreal that yielded two official goals and three taken away by the referee.
  
  “We showed loads of inexperience after the two goals,” Heath said.
  
  In stoppage time, Ryan Caugherty almost erased the final minutes from memory when a Kyle Brown ball found him with space. Caugherty charged the goal and put the ball in the net, but the referee ruled he fouled [goalkeeper Srdjan] Djekanovic on his run. Caugherty wound up in the net himself and a scuffle broke out between both teams. In the end, the goal didn’t count, Caugherty earned a yellow card, and Austin, despite a second half that was entertaining on both sides, would walk away with only one point.

That leaves the Aztex keeping Minnesota and Cleveland company at the bottom of the standings. Austin is now 6 points down from the closest playoff spot, and the five teams above them all have at least one game in hand over them.

Next up for the Red & White is a trip to the Carolinas. First a Thursday night game against the 2nd-place Charleston Battery in Charleston, SC, followed by a Saturday night game against the 4th-place Carolina Railhawks in Cary, NC. They're going to have to figure out how to pick up some points soon, or the playoffs are going to quickly become an impossibility.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

I couldn't make it to yesterday's Copa Aztex exhibition between UANL Tigres and Cruz Azul, instead I was at home watching the Aztex in Minnesota on USLLive.com.

It was a disappointing game. Not just for the loss Austin ultimately suffered, but for the quality of play, which was pretty poor for most of the match. A spectator not familiar with the 2009 USL-1 table would have been unsurprised to learn that both these teams are at the bottom.

Bright spots: brand new addition Kevin Sakuda did okay, Gifton Noel-Williams got in a full 90 minutes, and Kieron Bernard had a strong game on the back line. However, I think the two biggest remaining issues for Austin are: (1) defense and (2) offense.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Aztex suffer shutout defeat against Thunder — AustinAztex.com
  

  Austin responded to the second-half blitz, finally finding a bit of offensive rhythm itself. A low cross in the 59th minute found Gifton Noel-Williams, who started his first game since going down with a hamstring injury, but his shot deflected off the keeper’s face and out of play, counting for a save even if it was incidental.

The Aztex will be back in Austin next Saturday, July 25, hosting the Montreal Impact at Nelson Field.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Another game, another heartbreak for Austin soccer fans. This one was extra cruel, thrilling us the only way a stoppage-time goal by the home team can, only to turn around a moment later and crush us, the only way a stoppage-time goal by the opposing team can.

Once again, officiating was pretty poor. In one case, Austin was right in the middle of a promising attack, with Noel-Williams just dribbling into the box, when the ref called a foul — for the Aztex. There was also controversy about an uncalled foul by Portland immediately before their winning goal. And there was the 2nd half stoppage time itself, which went on for a good 6 or 7 minutes, despite being called for 4.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: Austin's 93rd minute equalizing goal. Though the feeling didn't last long, for that moment, it was fantastic. I especially relished the prospect that Portland would let another win slip away at the last minute, like they did in Minnesota last Saturday. But it was not to be.

One strange aspect of the game not mentioned elsewhere: the sudden onset of high winds shortly after the hour mark. The wind up to that point had been barely enough to raise our flags. But suddenly it was blowing so hard, it was hard to hold on to them. This affected play for both teams, of course, as long balls became significantly longer or shorter, depending on the direction.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Hot, partly cloudy

• Aztex lose to Portland 2-1 — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The Aztex worked their way back into the game as Portland's players tried to adapt to the searing conditions on the field, some even throwing water on their shoes to try to cool their burning feet.
  
  About midway through the second half, Heath re-introduced Noel-Williams, setting the stage for the striker's brief equalizer.
  
  "I don't think we deserved to get beat tonight," Heath said. "I can rant and rave and shout, but unfortunately we keep making similar mistakes. I'm too angry at this time to say the things I need to say."

• Aztex surrender stoppage-time goal, fall 2-1 to Portland — AustinAztex.com
  

  “They’re better than their representation on the table says,” Portland head coach Gavin Wilkinson said. “Sometimes you need a bit of luck and they’re not getting it right now. ... It’s the way the game goes.”

Next weekend, Austin will head north to play the Minnesota Thunder on the 18th. The Thunder are just below Austin in the standings, with a 2-8-5 record.

Here in Austin, the 18th will see Mexico's Tigres vs Cruz Azul, in the first annual Copa Aztex.

The Aztex will be back home to host the Montreal Impact the following Saturday, July 25th.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Though the Rochester Raging Rhinos dropped the "Raging" from their name last season, it would have suited their performance against the Aztex on Sunday afternoon. Or maybe Austin should have been the ones to have an adjective inserted into their name: Austin Accommodating Aztex? Allowing? Acquiescent?

I'll stop there. And like a good fan, I'll forget about that game and turn to look to the future, and wait for the big winning streak that I'm sure is coming up next.

After all, that game ended an extremely busy month — 12 games in 31 days, or an average of barely 2.5 days between matches — for a team with an already thin roster. And with the win in Cleveland, they did get 3 points on the road this weekend. So although they'll continue to be on the road a good bit, here's hoping that with some rest and some luck, this season can still be turned around.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  
  Interesting, that attendance figure is 6,892, but I'm sure I heard the USLLive announcer say 8,692. I guess one of us got it backwards.


• Rhinos roll to win over Aztex — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The win improved the Rhinos' mark in USL-1 play to 7-5-2 (23 points), while Austin dropped to 3-7-6 (15 points).
  
  The Rhinos took a 1-0 lead six minutes into the second half when Johnny Menyongar scored his fifth goal of the season.

• Aztex sluggish in 4-1 loss at Rochester — AustinAztex.com
  

  When Eddie Johnson’s penalty kick landed quietly in the clutches of Rochester Rhinos goalkeeper Tim Melia in the 56th minute, the scoreboard may have shown more than 30 minutes remaining, for all intents and purposes the game was effectively over.
  
  Already trailing 1-0 early in the second half, when Johnson’s attempt failed, you could sense the wind come out of the sails of an Aztex team that has struggled on the road all season. The Aztex defense, which has given up a league-worst 27 goals (tied with Cleveland) all year and looked a step slower throughout the match, then proceeded to allow three goals in a span of 20 minutes. It all added up to a 4-1 defeat, and the third time this season the Aztex defense has surrendered four goals in a game.

Next up is home game this Saturday, July 11, against the Portland Timbers. I hope the Red & White earn some more flattering adjectives at that one.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Friday night at Middlefield Cheese Stadium saw a pretty even game between the Aztex and the Cleveland City Stars. I was terrified through the last 15 minutes that Cleveland was going to steal a draw again, like they did last weekend. But Austin held on, and got their first win on the road.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Aztex defeat Cleveland 1-0 on the road — Austin American-Statesman
  

  In the 30th minute, Jeff Harwell sent in a corner kick from the right side. A Cleveland defender tried to clear the ball, but it went straight to Silva.
  
  He collected the ball and launched a shot that skipped several times across the turf.
  
  Cleveland goalkeeper Evan Bush, who had made a great save on an earlier shot by Silva, never touched this one, and the Aztex led 1-0.

• Aztex earns first road victory, 1-0 win in Cleveland — AustinAztex.com
  

  Six days after giving up a stoppage-time goal and settling for one point in a 2-2 draw against the Cleveland City Stars (2-10-4, 10 points), the Austin Aztex (3-6-6, 15 points) scored early, and managed to fend off a furious second-half attack from Cleveland to win 1-0 and earn the team its first road win of the season.

Next up is the 2nd game of this weekend's roadtrip: the Rochester Rhinos on July 5 (today) at 2:00 PM CT (see Friday's 2-for-1 pregame post for more on that game).

Then the Red & White will be back in town next Saturday, July 11, for their first-ever match against one of the best teams in USL-1 so far this season, the Portland Timbers.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Well, it wasn't a blowout. It wasn't a romp. It wasn't a massacre. Though for a few minutes at the start, it looked like it might be a couple of those, the Aztex hung in there and fought the good fight. Scoreless at the end of the first half, it was easy to imagine overtime after another 45 minutes like that.

Unfortunately, the second half wasn't quite like that. Houston came out stronger and dominated more thoroughly. Most importantly, of course, they were able to do what Austin has not been able to do reliably for some time now: put the ball in the back of the net.

Some are still wondering about the way Jeff Harwell was brought down in the Houston box early in the game. An Aztex penalty kick at that point would have certainly affected the game. In related news: if a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass a-hoppin'.

So ends the Aztex's 2009 U.S. Open Cup run. But getting to this round wasn't without its benefits. The game last night was very well attended, just a couple hundred shy of the 5,000 mark. A meaningful meeting with a major league team, even if it was just for the poor under-appreciated Open Cup, also brought more press attention than most games get.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: just seeing all the Houston fans in attendance. I don't know if we have a bunch of closet Dynamo supporters in town, or if that many folks really drove 3 hours for a midweek game. Either way, it's impressive and heartening to see that level of fan support. Even if they are all attired in that ridiculous neon orange that Houston is saddled with.

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

• box score — USOpenCup.com
  


• Ashe douses Aztex's chances in Open Cup — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The ever-active Harwell then sprinted the length of the field to turn the ensuing Houston corner kick into a scoring chance at the other end, but his appeal for a penalty went unheeded after he went down in the Houston box following contact with the last defender.
  
  The remaining minutes of the first half followed a similar pattern, as Houston camped in the Austin half but couldn't score while the Aztex sat back and used Harwell's speed to counterattack.

• Ashe’s performance leads Dynamo to 2-0 win over Aztex — AustinAztex.com
  

  Houston’s best chance of the first half came late, when Mullan, who had made himself comfortable along the right side all half, fired in a cross that Danny Cruz headed just wide of the post. The half ended scoreless before Ashe came out and put away the game with his impressive second-half performance.
  
  “They’ve got Ashe, they had Kei Kamara [off the bench]; that shows their strength in depth,” Heath said. “They’re probably one of the best run clubs in the MLS. I’m disappointed with the result, but pleased with the performance.”

The Dynamo advance to the Open Cup quarterfinals, where they'll face the Charleston Battery, in Charleston on Tuesday, July 7. That's the same Cup matchup they've had for the last 2 years, and Houston has gone down to the USL-1 side both times. Here's hoping for a third!

No rest for the Red & White - they're back on the road for a rematch of last weekend's matchup with Cleveland City Stars. That game is Friday, July 3, at 7:00 PM CT. Watch it live on Fox Soccer Channel, at home or in the company of other fans at Cuatros on 24th.

Labels: MLS, postgame, U.S. Open Cup

The Aztex were once again the victims of another team's miracle Saturday night in Ohio, as the Cleveland City Stars stole a goal against the run of play at the last minute to secure a 2-2 draw. Both teams played well throughout the game, trading periods of possession and offense. Austin had the upper hand and a 2-1 lead for the last 30 minutes, but weren't able to put the last nail in Cleveland's coffin.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com


• Aztex settles for draw as Cleveland scores late — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The Aztex fell just short of an inaugural road victory in USL First Division play. Cleveland trailed 2-1 with stoppage time ticking away before Ricardo Pierre-Louis, who came on in the 83rd minute, scored on a diving header to clinch the draw.

• Aztex give up stoppage time goal, still earn 2-2 tie — AustinAztex.com
  

  Pierre-Louis’ goal spoiled a grinding comeback performance from an Austin squad that once again found itself down a goal early in the match. Despite falling behind early, the Aztex (2-6-6, 12 points) eventually found a rhythm and capitalized in the 30th minute when defender Josh Alcala found room on the wing and promptly sent in a shot that found its way over the fingertips of Cleveland keeper Hunter Gilstrap to level the score.
  
  Jeff Harwell put Austin on top in the 38th minute when he found enough space in the midfield, made a nice move past his defender, then scored a goal in the lower corner at the near post past a diving Gilstrap.

The Aztex will have a re-match this Friday, July 3, as they return to Cleveland's Middlefield Cheese Stadium to face the City Stars again in regular season play.

But first, we have them back in town for a huge U.S. Open Cup match against MLS' Houston Dynamo, 7:30 PM on Wednesday, July 1. I'll have more info about that game soon, but make sure it's in your plans. It promises to be a great game, and Houston is sure to bring lots of fans with them, so we need all the red & white we can get to counter their orange.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

It's official: winning is more fun than losing. More fun than getting a draw, too, though that's better than losing, too. But no matter how you slice it, losing is definitely the least preferable outcome.

What makes this loss extra frustrating is that the Aztex played pretty well again. Well, except for the part where they gave up 2 goals and didn't score any, of course. But they didn't stink, and they didn't get completely outplayed. They just... lost.

The attendance was pretty good, at least: breaking the 3K mark with a reported total of 3,114 fans.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: My daughter and I were sitting in the center stands (the noise in the supporters' section is too much for her). Nearby, oddly enough, was a group of 8 to 10 Rochester fans. I don't know if they were vacationing in sunny Texas anyway, or if New York is closer than I thought, or what.

Anyway, the best moments of the match were their expressions whenever a couple of the Chantico's Army guys sitting in the Founders' pavilion jeered at their team. Nothing too nasty: yelling "WHO?!" when the names of their subs were announced, loudly counting to ten — boxing referee style — when a Rhino player flopped, things like that. These folks would just turn and stare in disbelief; it was hilarious. They had the last laugh, of course. But we'll take them where we can get them.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com

  Weather: Partly cloudy, hot

• Aztex fall 2-0, stay winless in league play in June — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The Austin Aztex are attacking well and getting scoring chances but can't put the ball away.
  
  That was the story again Sunday in a 2-0 loss to Rochester. The Aztex (2-6-5, 10 points) haven't won a league game since May 29, going 0-4-2.
  
  "You have to score to win, and we're just not doing that," coach Adrian Heath said. "We have opportunities, but we're not being ruthless in front of the goal."

• Aztex squander multiple chances, fall 2-0 to Rochester — AustinAztex.com
  

  “I thought we played quite well today,” Aztex head coach Adrian Heath said. “We’ve had all the play, we’ve had all the chances and we got beat.”
  
  ... “I understand the second [goal]. We’re pushing forward trying to get an equalizer,” Heath said. “When you’re a goal down and you’re taking a few more risks than you would like to, you’re always susceptible to the counterattack.”

If it's a break the Red & White need to get back on their feet, they finally have a short one this week. 6 days! Their next game is this weekend, though it's on the road: they'll travel to Ohio for the first time, playing the Cleveland City Stars at 6:00 PM on Saturday. Hopefully DFW Airport won't be shut down the day before the game for this trip.

The next home game will be the following Wednesday, July 1, facing the Houston Dynamo in the 3rd round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Wow, what a game. The Aztex played better against the Railhawks last night than we've seen them play in some time. They had possession, their passes were connecting well despite the gusty wind, and at times they were crashing over the Carolina defense like waves on a beach. The 2,629 fans in attendance were given an exciting 90 minutes.

All of which, though very heartening to Austin fans still hoping our team will be contenders this season, makes the end result that much more disappointing. The Red & White should have won that game last night. They should have put it away by at least one goal, and the Railhawks must have been relieved when that final whistle finally blew.

If you ever wanted an example for the phrase, "stole a point on the road", you could hardly find a better one than what Carolina did last night at Nelson Field.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: Seeing these 2 little kids try to spin a giant, heavy wooden ratchet noisemaker (something much like this one) that some guy let them borrow. The thing was as long as their forearms, and looked like it weighed 5 lbs. Frankly I'm not sure I could have done much better. Regardless, they worked on that thing through most of the second half. The other good thing was that they didn't brain each other with it (or take out my knee; I was standing up on the bench right next to them).

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Mostly cloudy, hot

• Aztex draw against Carolina, 1-1 — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The Aztex answered by pushing deep into Carolina's end of the field and generating multiple scoring chances. The Aztex had 10 corner kicks — Carolina had none. Johnson's goal came on a crossing pass from Mike Callahan. Johnson got just enough on the shot to get it past Carolina goalkeeper Eric Reed's fingertips.
  
  Austin had one last prime scoring chance in the 83rd minute, when Johnson fed Kyle Brown for a direct header, but Reed was in perfect position for the save.

• Aztex dominate RailHawks, settle for 1-1 draw — AustinAztex.com
  

  “We’ve won this season and I haven’t been as pleased as I am tonight,” Heath said.
  
  Maybe why Heath is so pleased with leaving two points on the field was the play of his new recruits. Heath brought in three MLS players this week on short-term loans: [Mike] Chabala and Erik Ustruck of Houston and Real Salt Lake’s David Horst.
  
  The three came in late in the week, giving them only one full practice with the team, yet they still managed to fit right in.
  
  “They came in and it was seamless,” Heath said of the new faces. “It was like they’ve been playing with us all season. That’s the biggest compliment I can give them.”

Next up for our home team is game against the Rochester Rhinos at 6:00 PM this Sunday, June 21, Fathers' Day. (I'll have another post later today or tomorrow, previewing that match in more detail.)

Labels: postgame, USL-1

Not good results from the weekend's road games. Not good at all: the Red & White lost 2 games and 1 goalkeeper.

On Friday night, after a long and difficult trip to the Caribbean, they lost to the Puerto Rico Islanders, 4-1 (box score).

• Aztex fall in Puerto Rico — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The Aztex came out a different team in the second half — Gallardo was replaced by Sam Reynolds, and offensive attackers Sullivan Silva and Kyle Brown came in. But the changes didn't provide an offensive spark, and Arrieta scored again on a second penalty kick following a handball in the box by Austin's A.J. Godbolt.

• Aztex suffer 4-1 loss in Puerto Rico — AustinAztex.com
  

  Deep into stoppage time, Austin midfielder Jean Alexandre, who is on his second loan from Real Salt Lake in the last couple weeks, made a highlight reel goal when he collected a pass just past the center circle, settled the ball then fired from 35 yards out. The ball sailed past several Puerto Rico defenders and goalkeeper Bill Gaudette into the top right of the net and gave the Aztex a much-needed boost heading into the half.

• Aztex keeper Miguel Gallardo seriously injures leg, out indefinitely — AustinAztex.com
  

  Gallardo suffered the injury in the 13th minute of the contest Friday night when he challenged a charging Islanders attacker on the edge of the 18-yard box. Because of his precarious position on the field, when Gallardo attempted to kick the ball away he collided violently with the Puerto Rico player.

Then on Sunday, back in the mainland U.S., they were handily beaten by Miami FC, 2-0 (box score).

• Miami FC shuts out Aztex — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The Austin Aztex continued their road troubles Sunday night, falling behind early against the Miami FC Blues in a 2-0 loss. The Aztex are winless away from home in three tries and have scored only one goal.

• Aztex continue road struggles and fall 2-0 to Miami FC — AustinAztex.com
  

  The Aztex offense failed to threaten the Miami back line throughout most of the game. Austin’s first shot on goal came deep in the second half when clever footwork from Jean Alexandre, with the Aztex on a short-term loan from Real Salt Lake, broke down the Miami defense. But an outstretched Patrick Hannigan stopped the chance and all but sealed the Blues’ home win.

The Aztex are back in Austin for three more games this week. Tuesday night at 7:30 they'll host the PDL's El Paso Patriots in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open Cup. Then it's another busy weekend: the Carolina Railhawks on Friday, for the second time this season (Austin lost 1-0 the first time), and the Rochester Rhinos for the first meeting of the season, on Sunday.

And hopefully, some positive results out of those matches.

Labels: players, postgame, USL-1

It was a good game last night, probably closer than it should have been. The Mississippi Brilla had some good players who showed some skill, and for some stretches the Aztex didn't seem fully engaged and let the ball slip away.

But they pulled it out with a solid win 2-0, and will advance to the second round. That game will be next Tuesday, June 16, here at home. The opponent will be the El Paso Patriots, PDL rivals of the U23s in the Mid South Division. (In fact, the U23s will play them in El Paso this Saturday.) The Patriots beat the Arizona Sahuaros of the USASA last night, 2-1, to advance out of the first round.

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

• Austin Aztex (USL-1) 2:0 Mississippi Brilla (PDL) — USOpenCup.com
  Includes lineups & stats


• Harwell hits opening goal as Aztex shut out Brilla — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Jeff Harwell scored a first-half goal and assisted on Eddie Johnson's second-half score as the Austin Aztex beat the Mississippi Brilla 2-0 on Tuesday night to win their first U.S. Open Cup game and advance to next week's second round.
  
  With the Aztex fielding a mostly back-up team as they navigate a congested part of their schedule, Harwell — a diminutive and dynamic winger who started the season on Austin's U-23 development side — has benefited more than most from the team's injury-plagued season. He is cementing his place on the professional team with strikes like Tuesday night's game-winner.

• Harwell leads Aztex to 2-0 victory in U.S. Open Cup first round — AustinAztex.com
  

  While Harwell impressed, Heath seemed even more pleased the Aztex were able to sit a bulk of its regular players. Backup goalkeeper Sam Reynolds took the net for Austin for his first action of the season. Reserves Wes Allen, Alex Tapp and Kyle Helton all started the game.
  
  “We needed the rest,” Heath said. “We’ve managed to get [a] game to those who needed it.”

Next up, the Aztex hit the road. They're headed to Puerto Rico to play the Islanders on Friday night (that game will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel), then to Florida to play Miami FC. We'll see them again in Austin next Tuesday for U.S. Open Cup round 2, against the El Paso Patriots. Welcome to schedule crunch time!

Labels: postgame, U.S. Open Cup, USL-1

That's more like it. I don't know if Charleston was sitting back somewhat after Friday's romp, or if someone spiked the Aztex players' Wheaties stash, or what, but that was an entirely different game than the first one. And the 2,891 fans on hand Friday night were glad to see it.

Just think how Austin would have done if they hadn't had to play the entire match a man down! Because that's the way it went: Michael Callahan got a straight red for a studs-up tackle in the 2nd minute. Not exactly getting off on the right foot, if you'll pardon the unpardonable pun.

But as somehow amazingly happens to teams when they've suffered an ejection, Austin rose to the challenge, to the point that one sometimes forgot they were short handed at all.

It's hard to be very excited when your team gets a draw (take it from us, this is our fourth 1-1 result of the season), but playing a man down against a tough opponent 2 days after getting your butts handed to you by that same team? We'll take that point.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Hot, sunny

• Aztex tie league leaders — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Two days after putting in a performance that ranked among the worst in Austin's brief history against the Battery, the Aztex earned their most impressive point of the year in Sunday's rematch at Nelson Field, tying Charleston 1-1.
  
  The home side staged an improbable second-half comeback after playing a man down for 88 minutes, following Michael Callahan's second-minute red card.

• Aztex earn 1-1 draw with 10-man squad — AustinAztex.com
  

  Austin goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo initially saved a one-on-one opportunity with a Charleston attacker, and the rebound fell to Charleston’s Kenji Treschuk. A whistle was heard, but it came from a fan in the stands and not the referee, causing the players on the field to stop. Treschuk continued playing and netted the goal, sending the Battery up 1-0 and several Austin players to the referee for questions.
  
  “I heard a whistle and everyone stopped,” Gallardo, the main Aztex player arguing the call, said. “It’s not the ref’s fault but I was just so frustrated. We were playing so well.”
  
  ...Even with the debate around the goal, Heath felt his defense should have grabbed the loose ball.
  
  “I thought it was a soft goal,” Heath said. “It’s the sort of goal we should deal with."

• The "Butterfly Effect", aka "The Whistle that Lost the Match" — ChanticosArmy.com
  

  "THANKS A LOT FOR COSTING THE AZTEX 2 POINTS!!!!"

Next up: the Aztex host a former PDL rival, Mississippi Brilla, in a first round U.S. Open Cup game Tuesday night, June 9. Kickoff is 7:30 at Nelson Field, tickets are just $15, $10 for kids 12 & under.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

This is the result you get when the other team just plays better than you do. That's what the Charleston Battery did at Nelson Field on Friday, they simply outplayed the Aztex for the better part of the game.

It was a face-off of vertical stripes: red-and-white vs. black-and-yellow. When the black-and-yellow jerseys had speed and pace, the red-and-white had less. Where the black-and-yellow placed crisp, precise passes to other black-and-yellows, the red-and-whites also placed crisp, precise passes to black-and-yellows. And of course, where the black-and-yellow slipped two solid goals into the back of the net, the red-and-white had none to answer.

If that's the team Charleston puts out every game, it's not hard to see why they're undefeated on the season.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: When the blazing sun was finally eclipsed by a low bank of clouds. The relief to both the temperature and the brightness was dramatic. If nothing else, it will make us appreciate the shady side of the pitch all the more.

And I have to ask, what was the deal with that halftime? It featured a game of girls' frisbee football. The young women were in team uniforms, so I guess this activity is an organized league of some kind. It seemed to be somewhat like American football or rugby, but played with a frisbee instead. Hey ladies: you know what sport is fun, popular, perfectly good for females to play and appreciated by fans at a pro soccer game? SOCCER.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com
  

  Weather: Hot, sunny

• Aztex shut out by first-place Battery — Austin American-Statesman
  

  A lackadaisical start from both sides under oppressive heat that drove most fans under the stands until after kickoff gave way to a quick Charleston lead. The Battery's Tyler Hemming slid a perfect through ball to the sprinting Darren Spicer across the Austin box in the 12th minute, leaving the forward with the task of beating goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo from 10 yards out.
  
  Behind the tireless legs of the recently returned Eddie Johnson, who missed three games with work permit issues, Austin's comeback attempt had effort but little ingenuity. Aside from an audacious chip attempt from 25 yards out with the first half winding down, the English forward was little more than a spectator, hopelessly chasing lost causes as teammates gave the ball away with abandon.

• Aztex suffer tough loss to Charleston Battery — AustinAztex.com
  

  "The nature of the defeat was more disappointing. We looked like a young team playing against a group of men."
  
  ..."At no stage in the evening did I think we would win tonight," Heath said. "That's probably the first time I can say that. Even in the other games, I thought we could get a goal. . . I thought they were good, but I thought we were poor."

Next up for the Aztex: an immediate rematch and chance for revenge. The Battery are still in town, and will be at Nelson Field again today, Sunday, June 7. Their win Friday night puts them at the top of the standings, while Austin continues to slip down, holding just 9 points after 8 games.

Kickoff tonight is at 6:00. I hope you'll be there, but even more than that, I hope the Aztex will be there.

Labels: gameday, postgame, USL-1

Now that's the kind of Aztex game we could get used to! Despite a slow start — letting Puerto Rico have the bulk of possession for the better part of the first half, in fact — Austin was able to rally to a strong, no-doubt-about-it win over the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finalists.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: the 3rd Austin goal. Nine minutes after the Aztex secured their 2-0 lead, the Islanders pulled one back in the 64th minute. With all the concerns about the Austin roster lately, it was easy to envision the game slipping away, at least to a draw. But when Yordany scooted that shot past Gaudette in the 88th, there was no doubt that we had it sewn up.

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

• box score — USLSoccer.com

  Weather: Hot

• Aztex get win over Puerto Rico — Austin American-Statesman
  

  Making his USL-1 debut in place of the injured Silva on the right wing, Jeff Harwell was the catalyst, sending an inviting cross into the Islanders' box. Alvarez was on hand to nod home from 4 yards out in the 42nd minute.
  
  "I'm very pleased for the players because there were what people would count as the fringe players ... (who) have done well. I thought Jeff Harwell was fantastic tonight," said Austin coach Adrian Heath.

• Alvarez leads Aztex to 3-1 victory over Islanders — AustinAztex.com
  

  Alvarez tallied two goals and an assist to lead the Aztex (2-2-3, 9 points) to a 3-1 victory over Puerto Rico (2-3-3, 9 points) Friday in front of 2,019 fans at Nelson Field.
  
  "Personally, this was really important," Alvarez said through a Spanish translator. "I'm getting confidence and I need that confidence."
  
  Alvarez’s two-goal night pushes his season goal total to three, all of which have come against Puerto Rico.

• Islanders lose again, 1-3 to Aztex — The Offside's Islanders blog
  

  It is the first time a USL team scores 3 goals against the Islanders since June 21st last year, when the Atlanta Silverbacks defeated the Puerto Ricans 3-1.
  
  It’s also the first time the Islanders lose two in a row since they dropped the first two games of the 2008 season against Portland and Miami.

• Austin Aztex FC vs. Puerto Rico Islanders Highlights — austinaztex1 @ YouTube
  
  

Next up for the Aztex: a Friday/Sunday home double header next weekend against the Charleston Battery. Though the Battery are undefeated after 9 contests (5-0-4), they have 19 points, earning them 2nd place in the current standings.

As the Aztexan Schedule & Index shows, Friday night's game will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel. At FSC's request, all fans will be seated on the far side of the field, in the eastern stands. To make up for the inconvenience, the team will give a 50% discount on tickets to Sunday's match to attendees of Friday's game.

Labels: postgame, USL-1

The Aztex USL-1 team continues to rack up firsts in their inaugural season, though unfortunately neither of last night's were good ones: first rain downpour at a home game, and first regular season loss at home.

The rain was heavy at times, but thankfully it was intermittent. This gave some of the 2,388 fans in attendance a workout, as they trudged down to seek shelter underneath the stands each time it started up, and then came back up to their seats when it abated. One would think that a weblog author who posted a pre-match report showing a 60% chance of rain would be well prepared for such a situation, but one would be mistaken.

The other first, the first loss at home, is of course even more disappointing than a little precipitation. Going into the game, facing a team with one of the best records in the league while missing some crucial players, I had modest hopes. And despite a Carolina Railhawks team that was pressing hard the better part of the night, the Aztex defense looked like they were going to withstand the onslaught. Until, that is, a highly questionable hand-ball was called by the referee, who awarded Carolina the penalty kick that gave them the game.

The You-Had-To-Be-There Moment of the Match: when, after the final shower of the evening had ended, a big, bright rainbow appeared directly behind the eastern stands, in full view of all the fans who had held out that long. Just as I was wondering if its appearance might be a good sign for the Red & White, the ref handed (get it? handed?) the game to the Railhawks.

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

• Railhawks win after Aztex's late penalty — Austin American-Statesman
  

  The undermanned Aztex — missing top scorer Eddie Johnson and star striker Gifton Noel-Williams to work permit and injury issues — withstood the Railhawks' assault for most of the game.
  
  Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo turned in an outstanding performance, keeping the game scoreless with a series of diving saves and sliding interventions.
  
  But with time winding down and the home side pinned in its half, referee Tyler Ploeger decided the fate of the match when he called a penalty against Austin defender David Sias, who blocked an attempted cross from inches away on the edge of the penalty area with his arm.

• Controversial handball call sends RailHawks home with 1-0 victory — AustinAztex.com
  

  "I thought the penalty was ludicrous," Heath said. "[Sias] must have the best reflexes of any player I’ve ever known to deliberately hand ball it from a yard away."
  
  ...The Aztex relied on Silva to provide the spark offensively with so many players missing. Silva did his best to keep the offense moving, using his footwork to put pressure on the Carolina back line. The Aztex were able to keep up with the RailHawks offensively, matching the visitors with 13 shots for the match.
  
  "I think what’s been apparent over the last two games has been our lack of firepower," Heath said. "That’s something we’re going to have to address in the next few days."

Next up for Austin is the 2nd of 4 in this home stand: Puerto Rico Islanders on Friday, May 29 at 7:30 PM CT. This will be the 3rd time Austin has hosted the former CONCACAF Champions League heros. Both previous contests, one a pre-season exhibition, have ended in draws. Here's hoping the Aztex can find the offensive energy they've been looking for (and that David Sias keeps his Hand of God aspirations under control).

Labels: postgame, USL-1