Aztex Set for Season Opener vs Switchbacks
March 27, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
Austin Aztex vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Saturday, March 28 - 8:00 p.m. CT - House Park
Watch Online: Live On YouTube
After a long pre-season run, the Austin Aztex return for their first regular season USL competition. The Aztex will face off against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks tomorrow night at House Park in the inaugural game for both USL franchises. The action will kick off at 8:00 p.m. CT
The Aztex are returning to House Park after a 4-1 preseason victory against reigning North American Soccer League champions, the San Antonio Scorpions, in the highly anticipated Hill Country Derby. This rounds out a strong run for the Aztex in the preseason, having been victorious in their last seven appearances, including a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo. Throughout these last seven matches, the Aztex have managed to shut out their competitors four times and have found the back of the net an impressive 21 times.
Tomorrow night's match up will also be the inaugural USL regular season appearance for the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Founded in 2014, the Switchbacks are led by former MLS player and U.S. international, head coach Steve Trittschuh. The Switchbacks arrive at House Park coming from a 1-0 loss to the Real Monarchs in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, March 18, and will look to make an impression in their first USL appearance. The Switchbacks will have a solid defense in place, with two experienced options in goal through Samir Badr and Devala Gorrick. This will be bolstered by USL veteran Shintaro Harada, who has made 88 previous appearances in the league, and right back Jamie McGuinness, who arrived in Colorado Springs from VSI Tampa Bay FC.
The Aztex will be prepared for the defense, as they have shown a consistently strong attack force throughout the preseason. Forwards Kris Tyrpak and Sainey Touray will look to continue the pattern of attack, utilizing their former MLS experience with Chivas USA and the New York Red Bulls. Tyrpak signed with the Aztex in early March, returning to the city where he developed his skills and amassed 19 goals in 27 appearances over the two years he was with the Aztex at the PDL level.
With both the Aztex and the Switchbacks making their first regular season appearances in USL competition, both teams will look to start their season off strong. Following tomorrow night's match up the Aztex will take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC II at House Park on Wednesday, April 1 at 8:00 p.m. Live updates for both matches will also be available on Twitter via @Aztex_Matchcast.
Select Physical Therapy Injury Report:
Aztex forward Drew Yates has been ruled out with a knee injury.
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