Austin Aztex Defeat San Antonio Scorpions 4-1
March 14, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
AUSTIN, Texas (Saturday, March 14, 2015) - USL's Austin Aztex jumped out to a quick lead en route to a 4-1 win over the reigining NASL champion San Antonio Scorpions to win the first ever Hill Country Derby.
Brazilian midfielder Guaraci helped the Aztex jump to a 2-0 lead with two goals in the opening ten minutes and Brendan King added the final two goals to put the game away.
From the early going, the Aztex were able to force early turnovers in the Scorpions' defensive half to dictate the tempo of the game. The Aztex were awarded a free kick 35 yards from goal in the fourth minute after midfielder Tony Rocha was fouled after forcing a turnover.
On the ensuing free kick, Rocha curled a deep, left-footed attempt toward the back post. Aztex midfielder Guaraci rose above the Scorpions defense to hit a looping header over Scorpions goalkeeper Matt Cardone for the opening goal.
Guaraci would collect his second goal six minutes later after Cardone blocked an Aztex shot from within the penalty area. However, Guaraci was positioned in front of goal and was able to collect the ball and slammed it into the back of the goal to double the lead.
Defensively, the Aztex stifled the Scorpions attack through the first half. Aztex goalkeeper Devin Perales came up with a one-on-one save. Through the first half, Aztex defenders Travis Golden and Kyle Hoffer would put up a wall on the Scorpions attack, blocking shot attempt after shot attempt.
Golden prevented the Scorpions from scoring a goal in the 36^th minute when Perales and Scorpions forward Cesar Elizondo raced out to a ball. Elizondo gained possession of the ball while Perales backtracked to the goal. Elizondo hit the shot and Golden raced back to kick the shot away and prevent a score.
King scored the third goal for the Aztex in the 32^nd minute when he weaved through two Scorpion defenders and curled a right footed attempt past the Cardone's outstretched arms.
In the second half, the Aztex scored their fourth goal in the game when substitute Trevin Caesar was fouled in the Scorpions penalty area and the Aztex were awarded a penalty kick. King lined up on the attempt and, after a stutter step, hit the attempt low and to the right for the goal.
The Scorpions would answer back in the 74^th minute when Marvin Chavez found Rafa Castillo at the back post. Castillo hit the shot across the face of the goal past Perales for the Scorpions' lone goal.
With the win, the Aztex win the Hill Country Challenge and close out the preseason with a five game winning streak. During that winning streak, the Aztex scored 19 goals while allowing only two. The Aztex also closed out a preseason in which they took home victories versus Houston Dynamo of MLS and the reigning NASL Champion San Antonio Scorpions.
The Aztex will return home to make the final preparations for the regular season home opener against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks on March 28th at House Park. Aztex fans can join the Aztex Originals club with the purchase of a season ticket by April 17, 2015. The Aztex Originals club will reward Aztex fans that are with the club from the beginning of its first professional season and can be joined by simply purchasing season tickets for as little as $99 for youth, and $175 for adults. Your spot as an Aztex Original can be secured by calling 512-527-3048 or by visiting our tickets page.
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