Aztex Look to Knock off Newly Energized Crystal Palace

Published on May 14, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas (www.austinaztex.com) - Previously winless in four matches and stuck at the bottom of the table with just one point, Crystal Palace Baltimore traveled to Portland on Thursday night with much of the same results expected. Instead, Crystal Palace shocked the league and knocked off the Timbers.

On Sunday, Baltimore continues its road swing in Austin to take on another three-win team with 10 points. Austin is coming off a 2-2 road draw at FC Tampa Bay and a 2-1 victory at NSC Minnesota.

In Tampa, three of the match's four goals were scored on penalty kicks, including the equalizer just before the end of the match by the Rowdies, who were playing a man down for much of the second half.

With a goal on a penalty kick, Jamie Watson grabbed the team's lead in points (7) and matched Eddie Johnson's team best three goals. Defender Leonard Griffin looms close behind the offensive duo with two goals and an assist.

Crystal Palace has scored just two goals this season, one coming in their upset over Portland by Yaikel Perez Rousseaux. Baltimore's other goal came in a 3-1 loss to Puerto Rico on a strike by Mathew Mbuta Andongcho.

Three crucial matches take place this weekend in the fight for the top of the USSF D-2 Pro League table. On Saturday, Vancouver and Montreal square off for the rights to the top of the NASL Conference. Despite their loss to Crystal Palace, the Timbers still remain ahead of the Aztex in goal differential in the USL Conference. They'll be looking to add to that lead while playing AC St. Louis on Saturday. Conference leader Rochester, who is off until Wednesday, leads both the Timbers and Aztex by just one point.

Sunday's 6 p.m. match can be seen live on www.austinaztex.com. The match will also be broadcast live on the radio on AM 1300 The Zone and will be played despite any weather that may come to Central Texas.

Game Notes:

Aztex vs. Crystal Palace Baltimore

The Aztex and Rowdies have yet to face off as this is Crystal Palace Baltimore's first season in the USSF D-2 Pro League. The two square off just once more this season - May 29 in Baltimore.

Fresh Competition

After its sixth match this season, Austin will have faced four new teams to the USSF D-2 Pro League. The Aztex first played at AC St. Louis, then at NSC Minnesota and FC Tampa Bay. The new kids on the block have yet to give the Aztex much trouble though, as Austin has come away with a 2-0-1 record against these opponents.

Ironmen

Six Aztex have played 450 minutes this season and are all a good bet to keep the streak alive on Sunday. In this exclusive group is the team's goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo, three defensemen (Jay Needham, Leonard Griffin, Jay Needham) and two midfielders (Lawrence Olum and Yordany Alvarez). Both Eddie Johnson and Jamie Watson are close in the hunt for most minutes played with 439 and 437, respectively.

Our House

Austin has split decisions in two matches since christening House Park this season. The Aztex have two more tries this coming week in the home stand, facing FC Tampa Bay on Wednesday after Sunday's clash with Baltimore.

Injury Update

The week off proved to be the cure for the Aztex who were a bit banged up from the last few matches. Kieron Bernard remains the only name on the injury list for Sunday, while the others have been declared fit to play.

The Show Must Go On

Despite reports of a rainy weekend, the Aztex game will be played on Sunday, no matter the weather.

What's Next?

The Aztex two-game road trip is followed by this two-game home stand with critical matches against Crystal Palace and Tampa Bay on Wednesday. After the rematch with the Rowdies, the Aztex hit the road again for two more at Miami and a return game to Crystal Palace.

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U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 14, 2010


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