Aztex Looking To Build On Foundation In 2010

April 6, 2010 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Austin Aztex News Release


Opening the year in a new stadium with its eight top players returning for 2010, there is a lot of excitement building around Austin for the 2010 campaign, which promises a move up the table from its inaugural season a year ago.

"Like everybody else, we're excited about the start of the season. A new year always brings new optimism," Head Coach Adrian Heath said. "All the players are excited and that's what it should be like this time of year."

Leading goal scorer Eddie Johnson is back after scoring five goals and leading the Aztex in points with 14. In addition to the English forward, the Aztex have nearly 50 percent of their total goal scoring coming back in 2010, with Sullivan Silva, Yordany Alvarez and Jamie Watson also on the squad.

Hometown favorite Miguel Gallardo is once again in goal for the team with 14 games under his belt in 2009 and 65 saves. After training Monterrey, Mexico, Gallardo plans on using new techniques to keep clean sheets throughout the season and keep the Aztex ahead in the games.

"It was a good experience. A real change of pace," Gallardo said of his time in Mexico. "The training was a high-intensive program that I learned a lot from. I am looking forward to the season to apply what I learned."

While the Aztex are returning a bulk of their stars, they did not sit quietly in the offseason. This season provides a lot of new talent to the team with the addition of former L.A. Galaxy defender, Leonard Griffin, his brother and UCLA standout, Maxwell Griffin, and former Kansas City Wizard, Lance Watson.

In May, the Aztex receive help in the front as well in the form of Medaille College star, Kendell McFayden. The senior graduates in May and comes to Austin to aid the Aztex attack shortly afterward.

With the new season comes a new venue for the Aztex as well. House Park in downtown Austin provides a new atmosphere for fans and a new game day experience. Pregame parties at The Tavern are planned this season followed by a postgame event at Cuatros Pub. Beginning June 11, the Aztex will also arrange World Cup watch parties and other related events throughout Austin.

"We're not only looking forward to this year for us, but being a World Cup year, it's a huge year for soccer in the country," Heath added. "We want to play our part by being successful."



USL First Division Stories from April 6, 2010


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