Identical records. Both teams 1 point behind division leader El Paso Patriots (though the Patriots have already played 5 games). Both teams have shut out their opposition in their first 3 games. Fourth game of the season, which stands as the final qualifier for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The only difference between the two teams at the moment is that the Aztex have scored 5 goals in their 3 games, versus the Heat’s 2.

In terms of qualifying for the Cup competition, this is a must win game for the Heat. The Mississippi Brilla lurks just behind the Heat and Aztex and since they’ve played just twice, their weekend doubleheader against Houston and DFW could place them in the mix provided they win both. The surprising Aztex find themselves in the driver’s seat of the division at this early juncture: if they beat the Heat in Laredo on Friday, they will find themselves atop the division and likely one of the eight PDL qualifiers for the U.S. Open Cup. Should they lose, they potentially yield both of those spots to either Laredo or Mississippi.

While Coaches Suhnholz and Murphy believed their defense to be the heartiest part of the team as the season began — and the defense has played well — the emerging offense has proven to be the real surprise for the coaches and the fans. The 5 Aztex goals have been scored by 5 different players, and one of the Aztex’s most potent threats, Jamie Watson, has yet to hit the back of the net. The midfield and forwards continue to develop as the season progresses, and the team’s offense is sure to accelerate with the addition of Austin da Luz, a starter from National Champion Wake Forest.

Laredo, of course, is the defending champion of the PDL and has been one of the league’s great success stories. The team has been in existence for only 4 years, yet it has already managed to win a championship that has eluded many older clubs. With Laredo’s impressive record of success and the early impression made by the Aztex, it is clear that the Mid South Division of the PDL is shaping up to be among the most competitive.

If the Heat has any disappointments, it would be their lack of scoring productivity. Two of the Heat’s better offensive weapons from last season, Hector Vallejo and Josh Fender, are not on the roster and they will rely heavily on Felix Garcia who recently joined the team from the U20 U.S. National Team. The Aztex will have to keep Garcia under control if they hope to leave Laredo with a victory and a probable berth in the U.S. Open Cup.

The Aztex have played three games in this young PDL season and have yet to allow a goal. In recognition of this early success, goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo and defender Beto Papandrea, have been named to the PDL’s Team of the Week in each of the first two weeks of the season.

It also appears that the Aztex have some potent offensive weapons as well. Austinite A.J. Godbolt scored in his first appearance with the team while midfielders Robin Martinez and Kevin Klaus teamed up for a score within a minute of entering the Houston game in the 2nd half. In last week’s game against the DFW Tornados, Austinite Andreas Cuero scored early and the team scored two additional goals with only ten men on the field due to a red card ejection.

The team will return home to play the New Orleans Shell Shockers on Sunday, May 25 at 2:30 PM (not 1:30, as some early schedules showed).

5/23/08