Aztex Almost Receive Premier League's Rising Star

April 19, 2010 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas (www.austinaztex.com) - Last week, the Aztex came just about a month short of signing one of the English Premier League's rising young strikers on loan. Austin and Stoke City had been working over the past few weeks to agree to the summer loan of Louis Moult.

Stoke's coveted striker has been in and around the first team all season, making several appearances off the bench and coming on against Burnley last month. Coach Tony Pulis rates Moult very highly and believes he has tremendous potential, which was proven yet again this weekend when Moult scored another goal in a reserve fixture against Fulham.

That faith in the Stoke striker was rewarded with his first pro contract earlier this month. As part of the player's development, Stoke wanted him to gain valuable experience in games in Austin over the summer.

The loan and all the details between the two clubs were agreed upon until the deal to fall through at the very last minute because of FIFA regulations. Because the young striker is one month short of his 18th birthday, Moult is considered a minor by the federation, which prevents minors from being loaned across international borders before their 18th birthday.

Unfortunately for both clubs, the transfer window has now closed before Moult's May birthday, which would have allow him to play for the Aztex.

"We were very excited about the prospect of having Louis join us this summer. Tony Pulis was extremely helpful and positive about the move as well," Aztex President and Owner Phil Rawlins said. "Unfortunately we couldn't qualify under the FIFA regulations and were only a month short of making this happen. Although both clubs are committed to making similar loans come to pass in the future."

Austin has begun its 2010 campaign unbeaten in two games with victories at home against Montreal and on the road at St. Louis. Stoke City currently finds itself right in the middle of the table toward the end of an exceedingly successful season. The Potters are tied with Fulham and Blackburn Rovers with 43 points.

Austin next plays at home against Rochester at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Stoke heads to Chelsea on Sunday ahead of its last three matches against Everton, Fulham and Manchester United.



USL First Division Stories from April 19, 2010


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