Aztex Earn Convincing 2-0 victory

June 9, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas - Jeff Harwell was named to the USL-1 Team of the Week in the morning, his first-ever honor in his short professional career. Tonight, against the Mississippi Brilla in first round U.S. Open Cup play, he topped himself, providing the offense in an Aztex 2-0 victory, the franchise's first-ever U.S. Open Cup victory in its short history.

"It's exciting," Harwell said. "I was a bit surprised [about the league honor,] but I'm enjoying it and I think that's allowed me to play well."

Harwell started off his night receiving a low cross at the top of the box from defender Zack Pope in the 18th minute. Harwell coolly pulled off a turnaround move and put just enough power in the ball to sneak it past Brilla goalkeeper Josh Pantazelos to put the Aztex in a commanding position.

The show continued in the 63rd minute when a loose ball found Harwell 25 yards out. Harwell whipped the ball into Eddie Johnson, who mimicked Harwell's turn earlier in the game. Johnson's effort doubled Austin's lead.

"Jeff's getting comfortable at this level," Heath said.

"I'm pretty much as comfortable as I can get," Harwell agreed.

While Harwell impressed, Heath seemed even more pleased the Aztex were able to sit a bulk of its regular players. Backup goalkeeper Sam Reynolds took the net for Austin for his first action of the season. Reserves Wes Allen, Alex Tapp and Kyle Helton all started the game.

"We needed the rest," Heath said. "We've managed to get [a] game to those who needed it."

While Harwell impressed up front, Pope had his moments from the backline. The right back, playing in his first game since going down with a hamstring injury, frequently pushed forward from his spot, putting pressure on the Brilla defense. The result was several Pope crosses that nearly found their mark, including two to Johnson that the forward narrowly missed.

It didn't take long for Pope's persistence to pay off with Harwell's goal.

"He's certainly recovered hasn't he?" Heath joked. "With hamstring injuries, you're never quite sure how they're going to respond once they start to play. But he's come through."

The Brilla struggled to find many quality opportunities throughout the game, struggling with the more physical Aztex back line. Mississippi's best chance came in second-half stoppage when a cross found an open forward in the box. Reynolds managed the save, then popped up quick enough to deal with a rebound header less than a yard away to seal the win.

Harwell's impressive day comes only two weeks after the SMU grad was called up from the Aztex U23 squad to help patch up roster holes due to injuries. His debut against Puerto Rico featured Harwell tallying an assist during his impressive outing.

Heath seemed immune to Harwell's fireworks having seeing them for the past two weeks and was more matter-of-fact about the win, saying it was more about the result.

"Unfortunately, Cup competitions - that's the way it is," Heath said. "[Getting through] is all that matters. ... It's been a decent evening."



USL First Division Stories from June 9, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central