[The Aztex are experiencing technical difficulties; a more complete match report will be available soon! In the meantime, here are some basic stats; see also the USL site’s match information.]

The Austin Aztex U23s inaugurated their home field at Dragon Stadium with a 2-0 win over the Houston Leones on Saturday night. An extraordinary crowd of nearly 1,500 was on hand to see the Aztex defense’s second shutout in a row. AJ Godbolt got the scoring started in the 16th minute, with an assist from Jamie Watson. Two 2nd-half substitutes, Kevin Klaus and Robin Martinez, got together to put the game out of reach for the Leones in the 61st minute; Klaus assisting on Martinez’s goal.

The match was the 2nd of 4 U.S. Open Cup qualifying games; their win puts the Aztex at the top of the qualifier standings. Next Saturday’s game at Dragon Stadium, against the DFW Tornados, will also be a qualifying match.

(See more pictures from the game)

The Aztex U23s play the season’s first home game this Saturday, May 10 at Round Rock High School’s Dragon Stadium in Round Rock, TX. Two of the PDL’s newest teams, both undefeated, will clash at 7:30 PM as the Aztex U23s (0-0-1) take on the Houston Leones (1-0-0).

This game sponsored by The Sleep Shop.

United Soccer Leagues announced today the USL Premier Development League Team of the Week for the third week of the USL season, naming Austin Aztex's goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo among the honorees. Also listed was Eric Dominguez of the Houston Leones, who will be playing Austin in their home opener this Saturday.

Stoke City have been promoted back to the top flight of English football to end a 23-year absence following a goalless draw against Leicester City Sunday afternoon. Over 26,600 supporters packed in to the Britannia Stadium, the highest league attendance in ten years, to witness the historic game.

The Austin Aztex U23s opened their first season of play by earning a point on the road, fighting for a 0-0 draw with the El Paso Patriots in El Paso Saturday night. A crowd of 789 was on hand to see the match, which also served as the first of four qualifying games in the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The Austin Aztex play their first official game of the 2008 PDL season Saturday in El Paso. Their opponents will be the formidable El Paso Patriots, the 2nd place team in the Mid South Division last year. The Patriots’ website has this to say about the opening of the season:

New head coach and Director of Soccer Miguel Murillo will bring an attacking style of soccer to Patriot Stadium for the Pats’ fifth campaign in the Premier Development League. A mix of new faces and familiar names fills out the 2008 roster, but the aim is the same — a return to the top of the table in the Mid-South and a PDL title.

Murillo is a 16-year veteran of the Mexican League where he played for First Division giants Cruz Azul and America, and has a FIFA “A” coaching license. Murillo’s mix of incoming collegiate talent like Ben Everson of West Texas A&M and longtime Patriots like Omar Mora should give the coach plenty of options on the attack, while middle defender Hugo Sámano returns to anchor the back line.

Kick-off time is 8:30 CT. Aztex fans not making the 8-hour drive to El Paso can watch video of the game on the Patriots’ website, www.elpaso-patriots.com. There are also plans for a group of independent supporters to host a watching party, open to all, at Mother Egan's Pub (715 W. 6th St.).

5/2/08

The Austin Aztex played their first game away from home, traveling to San Antonio to take on the Trinity University Tigers. The NCAA Div. III powerhouse had the majority of the play in the first half and was deservedly ahead at half-time 1-0. The Aztex tried to make a comeback in the second half, but was limited by a well organized Trinity University side. The Austin team was able to contain the Tiger offense, however, for a final score of 1-0.

This was the last pre-season game for the Aztex, and their first defeat. The team leaves for their first game of the 2008 PDL season Friday morning, as they travel to challenge conference rivals El Paso Patriots Saturday night.

4/29/08

The Aztex U23s continued their strong preseason form Saturday at Stassney Road field, decisively routing Texas A&M 5-0.

Kevin Klaus opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and a Marcel Uriarte goal in the 25th put the Aztex up 2-0.  Another Klaus effort in the 43rd minute put the Aztex in complete control going into halftime.

During the second half, newcomer Willy Guardarrama fired 2 past the A&M keeper, bringing the final scoreline to 5-0.

The Aztex today announced its U23 team roster, which has a strong international character, close ties to the Austin community and a wealth of soccer experience both here and abroad.

On Saturday evening the Aztex won their second straight scrimmage game 2-1 over a Millennium Select Eleven team. The Raiders put in a good performance, taking an early lead from the penalty spot, but the Aztex team came back strongly, winning the game with two goals from Marcel Uriarte and Robin Martinez.

Aztex President, Phil Rawlins, today announced that three prominent members of the business and legal community have agreed to join the Austin Aztex Board of Directors: Saeed Kadkhodaian, Gary Mellor and Mike Shultz.