Aztex Preview: Aztex Travel to Face LA Galaxy II
April 18, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
AUSTIN, Texas (Saturday, April 18, 2015) - The Austin Aztex (2-2-0) are headed to the west coast for a Sunday night matchup against the LA Galaxy 2 (0-3-1) at the Stubhub Center's Track and Field Stadium on Sunday, April 19th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CDT. The match pits two clubs with deep playoff aspirations looking to rebound from losses.
Fans can watch the game live on YouTube or tune in to live match updates on @Aztex_Matchcast.
The Aztex will be looking to bounce back from their second straight home loss, falling last week to a tough Arizona United FC squad, who remain undefeated. On the other side of the pitch, they'll face a LA Galaxy II team that has yet to obtain its first win of the season, which means the players will have extra motivation to go out and get those three points, especially in front of their home crowd. Their last game was a visit to current USL champions, Sacramento Republic FC, which they lost 3-1.
Despite dropping to games in the month of April, the Aztex still remain in a strong position in the Western Conference standings through four games, placing 5th, only three points behind the conference leader.
Through four games apiece, Austin has out-shot Los Angeles 46 to 38, yet both teams are tied in the scoring sheet with four goals each.
Looking to regain their spark on offense, the Aztex will look to their front line. Forward Kris Tyrpak will try to resume where he left off on the last road match and overrun defenders with his speed, which has led him to net a team-high 10 shots after four games, tied for 7th most around the league. The attacking front will face a matchup in which Los Dos currently rank next to last in goals allowed with eight.
Led by team captain Lance Rozeboom, the Aztex midfield will look to reestablish their will through possession to dictate the tempo of the game. On the defensive side, the Aztex backline has been putting a solid effort, allowing one goal in the previous two matches.
In between the posts, the Aztex field one of their major strengths on goalkeeper Devin Perales. Perales ranks 3rd in the league with 19 saves, averaging 4.75 per game. His performance has him leading the league in shutouts (2). For Aztex backup keeper Cody Laurendi, this game will represent a homecoming since he spent time playing for Los Dos last season.
Los Dos have been spreading the ball around well, as evidenced by their goal distribution. Each of their first four goals have been scored by different players. However, three of the four goals were assisted by playmaking midfielder Raul Mendiola.
The roster is full of veteran and experienced players, with 11 players from last year's inaugural USL returning in 2015, including 2014 All-League Second Team players Daniel Steres and Andre Auras.
Still trying to find an identity, Los Dos will come out swinging trying to catch the Aztex off guard in an effort to get into the win column, an unfamiliar position for the squad, who reached the league semifinals in 2014.
Select Physical Therapy Injury Report:
Alfred Shams (hamstring), Guaraci (knee), Brian Fekete (foot) and Fernando Timbo (groin) trained this week and received the all clear. No new injuries were reported.
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