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Aztex Earn Come-from-Behind 1-1 Draw with 10-Man Squad

June 7, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas - Aztex midfielder Jeff Harwell wasn't around the last time a referee made a controversial call in an Aztex game, meaning he was the only player Sunday who didn't have a flashback when the referee sent Michael Callahan off in the first minute with a red card.

Callahan went feet first for a tackle and the referee ruled he caught a Charleston player with his cleats and booked him, forcing the Aztex to play the remaining 89 minutes with only 10 men.

"I wouldn't argue with the decision," head coach Adrian Heath said. "I couldn't see whether [Callahan] caught him. If he caught him and he's late, then the rules state you're going to go. I was more disappointed with the fact we played the full 90 with 10 men."

"It was a tough call," Charleston head coach Mike Anhaeuser said. "It's unfortunate for them because it really changed the game."

Regardless of what the referee saw and subsequently called, Austin bounced back in the game creating several opportunities despite the man advantage and eventually stole a point thanks to a Lyle Adams cross that found Harwell for a difficult volley shot in the 76th minute. Harwell, who tallied an assist last week in his USL-1 debut after being called up from the U23 squad, fired the ball past Charleston goalkeeper Keith Wiggans and sealed a 1-1 draw against the Battery.

"It was a really good finish," Heath said. "Jeff's really given us a spark the last couple of games."

The Aztex (2-2-4, 10 points) battled Charleston (6-0-5, 23 points) to an even draw in the first half, but the Battery finally broke through with a goal in the 55th minute, an event and non-call that drew even more controversy.

Austin goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo initially saved a one-on-one opportunity and the rebound fell to Charleston's Kenji Treschuk, who appeared to hand the ball in the eyes of the Aztex players. A whistle was heard, but it came from a fan in the stands and not the referee, causing the players on the field to stop. Treschuk then netted the goal, sending the Battery up 1-0 and several Austin players into the referee's face to argue.

"I heard a whistle and everyone stopped," Gallardo, the main Aztex player arguing the call, said. "It's not the ref's fault but I was just so frustrated. We were playing so well."

"Well, the fans need to knock it off," Charleston head coach Mike Anhaeuser said. "If it's up there it doesn't matter."

Even with the debate around the goal, Heath felt his defense should have grabbed the loose ball.

"I thought it was a soft goal," Heath said. "It's the sort of goal we should deal with."

Walking away with a point with only 10 men was enough to please Heath, who labeled his team's performance in Friday's game against the same Battery as the worst he's seen from the Aztex.

"As disappointing as I was the other night, I'm pleased with them tonight," Heath said. "I questioned their desire Friday. Not tonight."

Austin was able to deal with the Battery attack for most of the night, anchored by Gallardo's impressive outing. He made several highlight saves, including a one-on-one sliding save in the sixth minute and a reaction save from point-blank range in the 37th.

The Aztex still put pressure on the Charleston backline despite the disadvantage, even after the Harwell goal. A Yordany Alvarez free kick found David Sias in the 87th minute for a header that nearly made its way into goal. Forward Sullivan Silva, who returned as a sub after being out with an ankle injury, took a blast two minutes later from the top of the box but the Battery goal keeper was just able to parry it away.

"Some team's play better with 10 men, because they know they have to play an extra percent," Gallardo said.



USL First Division Stories from June 7, 2009


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