Aztex Set to Host Undefeated Arizona United SC Saturday at House Park
April 9, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
AUSTIN, Texas (Thursday, April 9, 2015) - Sitting at fourth place on the USL's Western Conference standings, the Austin Aztex (2-1-0) return to House Park to host undefeated Arizona United FC (2-0-0) on Saturday, April 11. The match is set to kick off at 8 p.m. CDT.
The clash features two teams with high scoring capabilities. Both squads are tied at sixth place in USL in goals scored with four each in the young season.
The Aztex return to Austin after taking three points on the road versus the Tulsa Roughnecks FC this past weekend. Forward Kris Tyrpak was the difference maker, scoring both goals for the Aztex. Austin will now face a tough Arizona squad that has pulled out two consecutive close victories to remain undefeated on the season. Their most recent victory came on the road with a 2-1 comeback win against LA Galaxy 2 on Thursday, April 2.
On the Aztex side, the offensive-minded strategy designed by Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish has been paying dividends early, creating scoring chances for the Texas squad. With an offense that is not afraid to take a chance on goal, Austin ranks third in the league in shots with 38, averaging 12.67 per game. Forwards Sainey Touray, Kris Tyrpak, and Trevin Caesar have been in charge of creating the scoring opportunities, each averaging three shots per game.
The ability to create threatening chances begins with strong midfield play. Tony Rocha's versatile play is complemented by Lance Rozeboom's and Guaraci's role as enforcers in the middle of the field. However, the Aztex will be without Guaraci, who has been ruled out of the match after suffering a knee injury in Tulsa. Midfielder Ryan Roushandel stepped in for Guaraci to help hold the midfield and may be pressed into more playing time with the Brazilian midfielder out.
Defensively, the Aztex have two shutouts on the young season. Defenders Kalen Ryden and Kyle Hoffer make up the core of the defense, surrounded by a versatile cast of supporting defenders including Mikey Ambrose, Max Gunderson, and Travis Golden.
Arizona United FC, led by Head Coach Michael Dellorusso, also likes to display an aggressive attacking style. Their main contributor is forward Dennis Chin, with two goals and one assist through two games. Chin, a two-time USL Champion and former league leading goal scorer with Orlando City SC, wreaks havoc on opposing defenses with the help of Chinese forward Long Tan, who scored the game-winning goal against LA Galaxy 2.
An "X-factor" for Arizona could be forward/midfielder Robbie Derschang, a former Aztex player who appeared in seven contests for Dalglish's PDL 2013 Championship squad. This means Derschang played with the core current Aztex players from the squad and already has a year of USL experience, having appeared for the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2014.
Another familiar face from the 2013 squad is Damian Rosales, a speedy defender who appeared in the ATX Pro Challenge.
Another interesting matchup to look for is the goalkeeper battle. Austin's own Devin Perales leads the league in shutouts after three games and is coming off an eight-save performance in Tulsa. Arizona's goal is guarded by Carl Woszczynski, who is tied with Perales at second in the league with 11 saves. Woszczynski played for Orlando City SC in 2014 alongside current teammate Dennis Chin.
To get into the game, get your tickets on http://austinaztex.com/tickets/ or call 512-527-3048 and don't miss the action.
Select Physical Therapy Injury Report
Alfred Shams - Out (Hamstring)
Guaraci - Out (Knee)
Brian Fekete - Out (Foot)
Fernando Timbo - Out (Groin)
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