Austin Aztex Defeat San Antonio Scorpions 2-0; Advance in U.S. Open Cup
May 27, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Wednesday, May 27, 2015) - The U.S. Open Cup journey continues for the Austin Aztex, who defeated the reigning NASL champion San Antonio Scorpions 2-0 Wednesday evening at Toyota Field. With the win, the Aztex advance to the Fourth Round, where they will travel to face MLS side the Houston Dynamo.
Two second half goals made all the difference in the evening, as Mikey Ambrose and Trevin Caesar scored for the USL squad from Austin.
With the win, the Aztex helped the United Soccer Leagues improve to an impressive 7-0 over NASL competition Wednesday evening in U.S. Open Cup play.
The Aztex were able to dictate the tempo of the game early in the first half, looking to make a similar impact to their 4-1 victory over the Scorpions in preseason action. By continuously hammering the ball deep in Scorpions territory through crosses from Kris Tyrpak and Max Gunderson, the Aztex forced three corners against the Scorpions. This helped establish the tone of the game as the Aztex were able to keep the ball in the attacking half early in the match.
One of the best chances for the Aztex came in the 12th minute when Guaraci collected a pass from Tyrpak and hit a powerful shot in the 12th minute. Scorpions goalkeeper Daryl Sattler was able to come up with the save, yet the ball squirted out for a corner kick. This kept the Aztex aggressive through the first half.
The Scorpions looked to seize control of the game at halftime when they sent in Rafa Castillo and Stephen DeRoux as substitutes. However, it was the Aztex who struck first and took the lead in the game.
Just five minutes into the second half, the Aztex forced a corner kick. Mozzi Gyorio whipped the ball at the front post toward Guaraci, who deflected it toward the back post. The Scorpion defense was able to clear the ball away, yet Ambrose intercepted the ball from 30 yards out. Ambrose took a touch on the ball and let loose a rocket that soared past the outstretched arms of Sattler for the opening goal of the game.
While the Aztex looked to turn the screws and put away the game, San Antonio turned the aggressor. Castillo paired well with second half substitute Omar Cummings to test Aztex goalkeeper Devin Perales with a series of shots, but Perales would stay calm and make sure the Scorpions didn't have any easy second chances.
The second goal for the Aztex came in the 78th minute. Scorpions forward Cummings went down in the Aztex penalty area and while attention was on Cummings, the Aztex counterattack was on. Andres Cuero was able to squeeze past the Scorpions defense before laying off to Trevin Caesar in the middle of the penalty area. Caesar switched the ball across his body and ripped a shot past Sattler.
The Aztex would take a defensive shape and play the ball to the corner to help run out the clock and deny San Antonio the opportunity to mount the series of attacks needed to get back into the game.
The Aztex advance to face the Houston Dynamo in the Fourth Round of Open Cup play. This game will be the first time the Aztex have played MLS competition outside of preseason play. Details for the Fourth Round game are coming soon.
The Aztex will continue their USL season on Sunday, May 31st with an away game versus Oklahoma City Energy FC.
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