Aztex Midseason Review

July 8, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


At the midway point of the 2009 season, the Austin Aztex posted a record of 3-7-6 with 18 goals scored and 27 goals against.

The new-look 2010 Aztex rest comfortably at the top of the league standings with a record of 9-2-4 and showcase the league's most potent attack, which has scored an astounding 28 goals thus far.

In 2009 the Aztex could only muster 28 goals all season.

Eddie Johnson leads the surging 2010 attack with eight goals, while both Maxwell Griffin and Jamie Watson have scored five goals. All three of the Aztex major goal scorers are ranked in the top five in the league in goals scored, points and shots.

"We have always had confidence that Eddie could score goals in this league. Max teaming with him has been a huge bonus for us," Head Coach Adrian Heath said. "We always knew he had potential and he has proven it."

Then there is Jamie Watson who has returned to the Aztex from the Wilmington Hammerheads bringing with him both flair and a knack for putting himself into positions that allows him to score goals.

"Jamie has come back here with something to prove. Jamie has done a tremendous job showing us why he deserves to be mentioned as one of the best players in the league," Head Coach Adrian Heath said.

Although these three players get most of the press for their efforts, Heath knows that it has taken everyones help to produce all 28 goals.

"It is important to stress that this has been a collective effort by everyone involved with the squad," Heath said.

Five other players have scored a goal for Austin this season.

Goals aren't the only statistical category Aztex players rank high in this season. Lawrence Olum and Griffin each have accounted for three assists, which ties the pair for second in the league.

Another milestone the Aztex have reached this season is scoring a hat trick. Having gone without accomplishing the feat in 2009, the 2010 Aztex have already reached the mark twice -- in back-to-back matches.

Griffin recorded the first in a league showdown on June 19 against rival Miami FC. The second hat trick was scored by Peri Marosevic in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup against the Arizona Sahuaros. Marosevic, who came to the Aztex on a loan agreement from FC Dallas, earned the hat trick in his first ever start for Austin.

Austin reached a different milestone this season when Johnson was named USSF D-2 Pro League Player of the Month for May. M. Griffin followed up Johnson's honor by adding a Player of the Month award of his own for his great form during the month of June.

The quick start to the 2010 season cannot be solely contributed to the attack though, as the defense has certainly played a vital part.

Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo directs a defense that has given up just 17 goals. The rest of the backline is made up mostly of talent that is new to Austin.

Jay Needham, Yohance Marshall and Leonard Griffin entered the fold for the 2010 season and have provided the Aztex defense with the experience necessary to make Austin competitive.

"This season we feel like our backs are strong enough both physically and mentally to get us out of tight situations," Heath said. The balance between a powerful offense and a stingy defense is not the only thing that has propelled Austin to the top of the league standings and six points clear of the rest of the field.

"Being honest has been our team motto this season and has certainly helped us get to where we are now. Not only being honest with each other, but with ourselves," Heath said.

Austin has certainly started off the 2010 season with a bang and will be looking to keep its good form through the rest of the season. The team hopes to remain in first place throughout the course of the season and has its sights set on obtaining its first ever league championship.

"We have put ourselves in a great spot thus far, but it must continue," Heath said. "No prizes are given out in July, so we can't take our foot off of the pedal. We wish to take everything to the last game and the last minute in hopes of accomplishing our ultimate goal, winning the league championship."

Austin looks to increase its league lead in points this week when it takes on the Rochester Rhinos at 6:30 p.m. on July 9 at Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.

Rochester trails only the Aztex in the league standings as it currently sits in a tie for second with Vancouver. The Rhinos have earned 25 points.

Beating the Rhinos has been tough lately, as they have not dropped a league match since their May 22 loss to Vancouver, 2-0. Austin though is no slouch on the road, putting up the league's best record away from its friendly confines at 5-0-1.

Friday's matchup between Austin and Rochester can be seen live on www.austinaztex.com or www.rhinosoccer.com.

Game Notes:

Series:

Austin is winless against the Rochester Rhinos, going 0-4 against themin the past two seasons. Austin only has two losses this season, one coming from their April 25 match with Rochester.

Road Warriors:

While most teams dread playing on the road, the Aztex have seemed to embrace it. They have gone 5-0-1 and have outscored their opponents 11-5 on the road.

Clash of the Titans:

The match between the Aztex and the Rhinos is a faceoff between the top two teams in points, wins and goals scored. Austin leads the league with 28 goals scored, while Rochester is second with 19 goals scored thus far STOP SAYING THUS FAR!!!!!!. 

Spreading the Wealth:

Eight different players have scored a goal this season for the Aztex. Outside of the big three, Lance Watson, Lawrence Olum, Yordany Alvarez, Yohance Marshall, and Leonard Griffin have all scored goals for Austin.

A Franchise First:

For the first time in franchise history, the Austin Aztex sit in first place in the league standings. With 31 points, the Aztex are six points clear of both Rochester and Vancouver, who currently sit in a tie for second place.

Injury Report:

Stephan Campbell has been hampered by a groin injury that may cause the midfielder to sit out for multiple weeks. Lance Watson, who has been steadily recovering from a nagging hamstring, will be listed as probable for the Rochester match.

What's Next?

Next up for the Aztex after Rochester is a home contest against AC St. Louis. The match will be played at 7:30 p.m. on July 17 at House Park.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 8, 2010


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