First Place Aztex Rematch Against FC Tampa Bay

May 18, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


On May 8 in Tampa Bay, the Rowdies and the Austin Aztex squared off for the first of four matches this season. The game ended in a bruising 2-2 draw, with three of the four goals coming from penalty kicks.

Tomorrow, the teams rematch in Austin at 7:30 p.m. (CST) at House Park with the top spot in the league on the line for Austin. The Aztex currently hold a two-point lead over both Portland and Rochester, who are also in action on Wednesday.

Tampa comes into the match unbeaten in its past three contests, with a win over Carolina and ties at home against the Aztex and on the road the road at rival Miami. Its leading goal scorer, Aaron King, put one in net last time out against the Aztex that gave the Rowdies an advantage just 10 minutes into the match.

Austin has also gone unbeaten in its past three matches with wins on the road at Minnesota and at home against Crystal Palace Baltimore, to go along with the draw at Tampa.

Forward Jamie Watson took over the team's lead in points over the weekend with his fourth goal of the year. Eddie Johnson remained close behind as he collected his first assist of the season on a strike from defender Lance Watson.

Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. match can be seen live on www.austinaztex.com. The match will also be broadcast live on the radio on AM 1300 The Zone and will be played despite any weather that may come to Central Texas.

Game Notes:

Aztex vs. FC Tampa Bay

The Aztex and Rowdies have played just once this season, which was Tampa Bay's first-ever home game in the USSF D-2 Pro League. The teams have a 0-0-1 record against each other.

Scoring in Bunches

The Austin Aztex lead the USSF D-2 Pro League in goals with 11 and assists with seven. The next closest competition in goals scored is Rochester with nine. Austin is also tied with Portland and Rochester for the best goal differential in the league.

USL Conference Leading the Way

All six teams in the USL Conference have scored at least six goals. The highest total in the NASL Conference is five by Carolina.

Pointing the Way

With four goals and an assist, Jamie Watson took over the Aztex lead in points (nine). Eddie Johnson is close behind with seven on three goals and an assist.

Fast Start

With a win tonight, the Aztex would already match their win total from a season ago (five).

Ironmen

Five Aztex have played the full 540 minutes this season in six games. In the club is: Miguel Gallardo, Jay Needham, Leonard Griffin, Lawrence Olum and Yordany Alvarez.

Our House

Austin has won two of its first three games at House Park after defeating both Montreal and Baltimore.

Injury Update

Austin will remain just one man down for Wednesday's match, but all signs are pointing to a comeback very soon for defender Kieron Bernard. Bernard hurt his hamstring against AC St. Louis and has not played since, but is looking to get back to traveling with the team next week. Forward Eddie Johnson tweaked his back over the weekend, but is probable against FC Tampa Bay.

What's Next?

Austin is off on the road for two games following Wednesday's match - at FC Miami on May 26 and then at Crystal Palace Baltimore on May 29.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 18, 2010


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