Aztex Fall to OKC 1-0
May 31, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
OKLAHOMA CITY,Okla.(Sunday, May 31,2015) - While the Aztex continue to look strong in U.S. Open Cup play, their current slide continued in USL play as they fell 1-0 to OKC Energy FC Sunday evening at Taft Stadium.
Kyle Greig scored the lone goal in the 72nd minute to give the Energy the lead as the home team held on to advance their record to 4-2-3 and 5th in the Western Conference. The Aztex slid to 4-6-1 and 8th in the conference standings.
The Aztex entered Sunday's match on their heels, having lost their two previous league matches and for the first time this season found themselves outside of the coveted top six Western Conference spots needed to clinch a playoff position. Looking to take the win and three points on the road, the Aztex took an aggressive start to the match and seemed to hold the upper hand.
The best chance for the Aztex came in the 31st minute when Brendan King hustled to keep a ball in play near the corner and laid off to Trevin Caesar in the box. Caesar then hit the ball to Fernando Timbo, who blasted a shot on goal that was punched away with a leaping save by OKC goalkeeper Evan Newton.
Nearly ten minutes later, both teams had close chances as Energy midfielder Daniel Gonzales charged in toward goal from the left side, but went down at the edge of the penalty area. Despite the pleading from OKC players and fans, the referee waved off the appeals for a penalty kick and the counter attack was on for theAztex. Max Gunderson found Caesar running down the middle of the field and fed him with a pass for a one-on-one versus Netwon, but Caesar slid his shot attempt just right of the goal in what proved to be the best chance of the evening for the Aztex.
The Aztex were forced to use substitutes early in the second half as Leone Cruz and Brian Fekete stepped in for Trevin Caesar and Kris Tyrpak.
While the game was playing even, Oklahoma City finally seized the upper hand in the 72nd minute off a play initiated by a long-throw in by Michael Harris. Harris flung the ball into the Aztex penalty area, which theAztex tried to clear away. However, Andres Cuero flicked the ball straight up and high into the air in front of the Aztex goal. OKC seized the opportunity and boxed out Devin Perales, while Kyle Greig got the ball and hit it in for the go-ahead goal.
The Aztex hounded Energy goalkeeper Evan Newton all evening, but the goalkeeper was quick to pounce off his line to deny any breakaway goals.
The Aztex will continue their USL road slate with a trip to northern California, where they will face the reigning league champion Sacramento Republic FC at Bonney Field on Saturday, June 6.
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