Aztex pull off stunning 2-1 road win over league's best in Portland

September 12, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Austin Aztex News Release


PORTLAND - Austin Aztex head coach Adrian Heath has maintained throughout the season that his team is as good as any other in the USL-First Division despite a less-than-impressive record. On Friday night the Aztex proved it earning an impressive 2-1 road victory against the league's top team in the Portland Timbers.

Just four days after the two teams met in Austin-a game in which Portland scored in the 85th minute to escape with a 1-0 victory-both sides came out of the gates fast on Friday in front of the 10,141 at PGE Park. Portland, which had a chance to claim the regular-season title with a draw or win, had a great scoring chance in the 10th minute on a Timbers breakaway but Mandjou Keita's shot sailed high over the goal. Despite several early scoring opportunities of its own, Austin never managed to find the net until the 29th minute.

That's when Portland's David Hayes sent a free kick into the Austin 6-yard box. Timbers defender Stephen Keel headed the ball at the far post in front of the goal where Austin's David Horst then attempted to clear the ball but instead headed it into upper corner beyond the reach of Aztex keeper Miguel Gallardo to give the home team a 1-0 advantage.

"After the own goal, it was almost like here we go again," said Heath. "But this time we didn't."

Instead, in the second half, Austin responded.

The first response came in the 65th minute when Austin midfielder Ryan McMahen found some open space 30 yards out and unleashed a blast that managed to avoid Portland keeper Steve Cronin and rattled inside the near post to equalize the match 1-1. The goal was McMahen's first on the season.

Five minutes later Kevin Sakuda tried to add his name to the scoresheet on a deep shot of his own, but Cronin turned the shot away to preserve the tie.

The Aztex closed out the scoring in the 85th minute on a set piece when Austin midfielder Mike Callahan delivered a lofting ball to the far post. An Austin player out jumped the Portland defense and sent the ball across the mouth of the goal, where Austin's Lyle Adams dove in front of a fast-charging Cronin to head the ball into the back of the net for a 2-1 lead that silenced the home crowd.

Portland attempted to rally in the final five minutes and into stoppage time, but Gallardo, who recorded eight saves on the night, and the Aztex defense held firm to secure the victory.

"We played as well as we have at the end of the games. We got a bit of luck and I think we just about deserved it," said Heath. "We were very, very solid."

Austin (5-16-8, 21pts) concludes the USL-1 regular season on Sunday in Vancouver. Kickoff is set for 6PM.



USL First Division Stories from September 12, 2009


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