Aztex Play Rochester to Scoreless Tie; Stay Unbeaten on the Road

July 9, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


ROCHESTER, N.Y. (www.austinaztex.com) - A late second-half header by Austin Aztex forward Eddie Johnson just missed skimming the left post to keep the visitors off the scoreboard and a defensive save by Kieron Bernard in the game's waning minutes left the Aztex and Rochester Rhinos with a 0-0 result on Friday night at Marina Auto Stadium.

Much of the game was played in a defensive stalemate, with chances few and far between for both teams. Austin (9-2-5) had a few headers sail just wide of the net, but were not able to solve the stingy Rhinos' defense for its usual myriad of scoring chances.

Rochester (7-3-5) did not seriously test Aztex goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo until late in the match when it had multiple shots fired on net that were knocked away, clanged off the crossbar or saved by the Aztex backline.

With the game hanging in the balance, the Rhinos pressed forward repeatedly trying to knock one home and come away with the points, but the Aztex showed a steady hand and a bit of help from the goal to hold them off the board.

As the clock neared the 90-minute mark, the frenzied shots picked up, including a cross from the right side of the pitch that landed safely in Gallardo's hands - until the rain-soaked ball slipped out right to a waiting Rhinos player who fired a rocket on net. Fortunately for the visitors, Bernard had not given up on the play and was able to get enough of the ball to send it back on its way and away from danger.

The last play of the game put just as much of a scare in the league-leading Aztex when a cross came in from the left side to the box where two Rhinos sat waiting. The bicycle kick flew wide of the far post though, ending the game without a goal.

A point against Rochester gave the Aztex 32 for the year, six points clear of Rochester and NASL Conference leading Vancouver. Austin has now secured at least one point against nine of the 10 opponents it has faced this season.

The Aztex next take on AC St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. on July 17 at House Park. The game can be seen live on www.austinaztex.com.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 9, 2010


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