
Aztex Look to Take Season Series over Tulsa
June 18, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
AUSTIN, Texas (June 18, 2015)- The Austin Aztex (5-7-1) have returned home after a five-match road trip to host Tulsa Roughnecks FC (4-6-2) on June 20th at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex. After dropping their last USL match in Portland, the Aztex are on the outside looking in at the playoffs. They currently stand in 8th place in the Western Conference with Tulsa just behind in 9th. Saturday's match will feature two teams with their backs against the wall, hoping to fight back into a coveted top-six place.
The Aztex come into the match in the midst of a tumultuous stretch of USL play, having dropped four of their last five league games. In their last match, the Aztex run in the U.S. Open Cup came to an end at the hands of MLS's Houston Dynamo by a score of 2-0. The team had previously showcased strong play with two shutout victories in the previous rounds.
In the last meeting between the two teams, the Roughnecks came away with a closely contested 1-0 victory in Austin. A 25th minute goal from midfielder Steven Miller off the assist from Lucas Cordeiro would make the difference as the Aztex were unable to find the back of the net.
The Aztex defensive line has given reason for optimism through strong play over the course of the recent road trip. The centerback pairing of Travis Golden and team captain Lance Rozeboom has looked strong, with Mikey Ambrose and recent USL Team of the Week selection Max Gunderson at their side in the backfield. That back line will be especially important, as a red card in the last USL match will keep starting goalkeeper Devin Perales out of the game due to a mandatory suspension. Perales has impressed since taking over the starting job, ranking in the top five in the league in shutouts, shutouts per game, save percentage and goals against average. Cody Laurendi, who will step into the starting lineup in his absence, has started five games this season.
The offensive attack for the Aztex has scored just three goals over their last four USL matches, but the recent returns of forwards Sainey Touray and Drew Yates could be the missing pieces for an offense that has showed potential. Long-time Aztex forward Kris Tyrpak leads the way with six goals and 13 starts on the season. Much of the Aztex offense is created through the midfield, with Mozzi Gyorio, Guaraci and Fernando Timbo playing pivotal roles in creating opportunities.
For the Roughnecks, this game marks a chance to gain momentum as they move on to a five-match streak in which they will play five clubs all ranked in the top seven in the Western Conference. The Roughnecks offense, which has a direct attacking style, features several weapons. Forwards Lucas Cordeiro and Sammy Ochoa, as well as midfielders Gibson Bardsley, Adam Black and Steven Miller are all players to watch on the attack. This match will be the last of a road trip before they return for a four-game home stand.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 18, 2015
- LA Galaxy II Host Orange County Blues FC on Friday - LA Galaxy II
- Sacramento Republic FC Sign Forward Kaleemullah - Sacramento Republic FC
- Aztex Look to Take Season Series over Tulsa - Austin Aztex
- Match Preview: Louisville City FC V New York Redbulls II - Louisville City FC
- Switchbacks FC Get Back to USL Play Friday - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Preview: STL FC Hosts Switchbacks Friday - Saint Louis FC
- Independence Carry USL Torch into Round of 16 - USL
- Rhinos Travel to Harrisburg on June 19 Looking to Remain Unbeaten - Rochester Rhinos
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