Aztex Derail Carolina at House Park

Published on August 22, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


Randi Patterson was welcomed to the Austin Aztex Sunday night with his first goal for the team that cemented a 3-2 victory over the Carolina RailHawks at House Park.

The goal came on a pass lobbed into the center of the six-yard box from Max Griffin that was chested down by Patterson. After one touch on the ground, Patterson blasted it to the keeper's left side, giving the Aztex (13-3-5) a 3-1 lead.

Just two minutes later, the RailHawks (8-7-7) struck back, but it proved too little, too late for the visitors when substitute Allan Russell pulled Carolina to within one.

Early in the game, the Aztex were unable to capitalize on a few chances on shots by both Joey Worthen and Lawrence Olum that sailed high over crossbar. Carolina then took advantage of the missed opportunities when Daniel Paladini scored the first goal of the match on a clinical strike off a pass from Josh Gardner. Paladini received the pass and buried it in the top right corner of the net for his third goal of the season.

Austin put in the equalizer when Lance Watson stole the ball from a RailHawks defender, gave it up to Eddie Johnson at the top of the box and let Johnson do the rest of the work. After a few moves, the forward was able to get a clear shot on net and kicked one on the ground to the left of the diving keeper.

Minutes later, the Aztex nearly put themselves on top when Watson drove a shot into the keeper that was saved with a rebound that was deflected right to M. Griffin. Griffin's sprawling attempt flew high though to preserve the tie going into halftime.

The second half played on without much action in the attacking thirds early until Carolina got to the box with multiple strikes that the Aztex teamed up to deflect away from the danger zone. In the 56th minute, the RailHawks missed a golden chance when Etienne Barbara's laser was hauled in by Miguel Gallardo.

The win broke an unusual streak for the Aztex, who were only 2-19-7 in their history when being scored on first prior to this contest. The win also gave them a winning record this season in 10 tries when tied at half (5-4-1) and it was the franchise's first win against Carolina. Austin has now gotten at least a point from every team in the USSF D-2 Pro League with the exception of Vancouver, who the Aztex play on Saturday.

Next up, Austin travels to Portland for a key match against the team that sits behind it in the league table. Two days later, Austin heads to Vancouver to take on the NASL-leading Whitecaps.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from August 22, 2010


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