Only 2-game sweep by MS Brilla can derail U.S. Open Cup qualification
The expansion PDL franchise Austin Aztex remain undefeated and unscored upon through the first four games of the 2008 season, as they defeated the defending champions of the PDL, the Laredo Heat, 1-0, tonight in Laredo.
The win puts the Aztex in solid command of the Mid South Division and puts them two days away from qualifying for one of the PDL’s eight spots in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. All that stands in the way of their qualification is a possible sweep by the Mississippi Brilla who must win two games on Saturday and Sunday against Houston and DFW, and exceed the six goal total the Aztex have through four games. The Brilla have scored twice with two games to play.
After a scoreless first half in Laredo (the Aztex having a controversial goal negated by an offside call), the action began to heat up in the second half as both sides clearly understood the consequences of this critical early season matchup. Once again, Austin keeper Miguel Gallardo was pressed to come up with some big saves, and his performance has been one of the leagues big stories.
While the Aztex have been fortunate to have had their five previous goals scored by five different players, the noticeable absence of forward Jamie Watson on the score sheet has been a bit of a surprise. Jamie rectified that with a dynamic strike in the 70th minute and scored what may be the team’s most significant goal in their inaugural season.
Following Watson’s goal, the game’s final twenty minutes had an escalated level of intensity. Already frustrated by their lack of goal production in previous games, the Heat pressed their attack and fouls on both sides were multiplying. Two of the Heat players were sent off the field with red cards and they played the final portion of the game with only nine players. Despite this disadvantage, the Heat valiantly kept the Aztex on their heels, but the Austin squad held on for the win.
The Aztex have a quick turnaround and will be playing their next game on Sunday, May 25 at Dragon Stadium at 2:30 PM. But talk about dedication: Austin coaches Suhnholz and Murphy left Laredo at the game’s conclusion and headed to Houston, where both coaches have Lonestar Soccer Club boy’s teams participating in a state championship for the National Cup! Though their coaches will be otherwise occupied, the rest of the team will be focused on the Mississippi Brilla and the results of their game against (Houston) on Saturday.
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5/23/08
