Aztex Looking To Get Back On Track At NSC Minnesota

April 30, 2010 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Austin Aztex News Release


After racing out to a 2-0 start to the season, the Austin Aztex ran into a hot Rochester Rhinos squad that knocked them from the ranks of the unbeaten, then headed to NSC Minnesota and thrashed the Stars, 3-0.

This Saturday, it's Austin's turn to travel north to Minnesota for a date with the Stars at 7 p.m. (CST) at NSC Stadium.

Following Saturday's contest against Rochester, the Aztex stayed home for one more exhibition that turned out to have little meaning to the action on the pitch, and a whole lot off it. Against Haiti, the Aztex came up with a 0-0 draw, but managed to raise $11,550 and 10 bins full of used soccer gear ranging from jerseys, boots and shorts to mini soccer goals and balls. All the used gear will head straight to Haiti to be given to children in need.

On the season, Austin is out scoring the Stars by a margin of two goals, despite having played two less games than their USL Conference foes. The Aztex offense is mostly due not to the front line, but from defender Leonard Griffin, who has scored two goals and notched an assist in his first three games with the club.

Forward Jamie Watson has shown his offensive prowess this season as well, tallying a goal and an assist with 10 shots.

On the other hand, Minnesota has won two of its five contests putting the teams in a deadlock at six points. Both of the Stars wins have come in 1-0 decisions (Carolina and Tampa Bay), while its three losses have come at the hands of Rochester (0-3), Puerto Rico (1-3) and Vancouver (2-0).

The 7 p.m. game can be seen on both teams' websites at: www.austinaztex.com or on http://www.nscminnesota.org/index.html.

Game Notes:

Aztex vs. NSC Minnesota

The Aztex and Stars have yet to play each other. This season is the first for NSC Minnesota, who sprung up after the Minnesota Thunder folded following the 2009 season.

April Showers

Austin suffered its first loss in the month of April in its franchise history against Rochester. Last season, the Aztex finished the month 1-0-2, beating Cleveland 3-0 and drawing with both Minnesota and Vancouver. In 2010, the Aztex are now 2-1 after beating Montreal 2-0 and AC St. Louis 2-1 before falling to the Rhinos.

Injury Update

Three Aztex starters didn't make the trip on Friday to NSC Minnesota with the team and are out for the game: Defenders Kevin Sakuda and Kieron Bernard and midfielder Sullivan Silva. However, none been ruled out for Tampa Bay yet.

What's Next?

Austin's next match is at Tampa Bay on May 8, while Minnesota hosts the Montreal Impact in its final game of a three-game home stand.



USL First Division Stories from April 30, 2010


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