Aztex Open George M. Steinbrenner Field Against FC Tampa Bay

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


AUSTIN, Texas (www.austinaztex.com) - For the third time this season in five games, the Austin Aztex will be playing in a USSF D-2 Pro League stadium opening - this time coming at FC Tampa Bay at 7:30 p.m. CST on Saturday.

In its other two openings, Austin defeated the defending USL-1 champion Montreal Impact at House Park and handed AC St. Louis its first-ever defeat at Anheuser Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo.

Forwards Jamie Watson and Eddie Johnson provided the Aztex a much needed offensive spark last time out against NSC Minnesota, for a 2-1 win. The Aztex were held scoreless until breaking through in the 75th minute when Johnson's header knotted the score at 1. Minutes later, Watson's shot snuck the game-winner past keeper and started the Aztex off to a 1-0 record all-time against the Stars.

On Saturday, the Aztex face a Tampa Bay team that is 1-1-1. The Rowdies split 1-0 decisions in their first two matches against Baltimore and Minnesota before drawing even at rival FC Miami.

Forward Aaron King is a player to watch for on the Rowdies. King scored the game-winning goal in their lone win in his first game on the team. While playing at FC Miami last year, the NC State graduate scored three goals in just five games. He previously played with the Charleston Battery and L.A. Galaxy.

The 7:30 p.m. CST game can be seen on both teams' websites at: www.austinaztex.com or on www.fctampabay.com.

Game Notes:

Aztex vs. FC Tampa Bay

The Aztex and Rowdies have yet to face off as this is FC Tampa Bay's first season in the USSF D-2 Pro League. The Aztex and Rowdies will get real familiar with each other shortly though as they next play again on May 19, then on August 7 and September 16.

Aztex in May

Austin has gotten off to a 1-0 start to the month this season, but was just 1-2-1 in 2009 in May.

Aztex on the Road Again

While last year's road games may have not provided the most successful results for Austin, the 2010 road schedule has treated the team well. The Aztex are unbeaten away from House this season with wins at both AC St. Louis and NSC Minnesota.

Home Openers

Saturday will mark the third time this season that the Aztex have christened a new USSF D-2 Pro League stadium. April 11 at House Park's opener, Austin took down the Montreal Impact. Less than a week later, Austin played the newly-minted NSC Minnesota Stars at National Sports Center and came away with a 2-1 win. George M. Steinbrenner was built primarily for the New York Yankees spring training, but will also serve as the new home to FC Tampa Bay beginning this week.

Injury Update

Two Aztex will be staying in Austin over the weekend due to injuries. Kieron Bernard (hamstring) is listed as day-to-day still and will likely be available for the Aztex next match on May 16. Sullivan Silva (knee) is rapidly improving and looks to be back on the pitch before the end of the month.

What's Next?

After a two-game road trip, Austin comes back home for two games against Crystal Palace Baltimore and then the rematch against Tampa Bay.



USL First Division Stories from May 6, 2010


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