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Match Preview: Aztex vs. Impact

July 24, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas - This weekend the Austin Aztex (3-9-6, 15 points) play host to the Montreal Impact (6-8-3, 21 points) in a game that has huge implications for the Aztex as the first-year squad tries to earn a valuable home win and move up the table and into playoff position.

Austin has 12 games remaining on its schedule, including four at home and five against teams in the top half of the league table. Austin currently sits six points, or two wins, out of the final playoff spots, one of which is currently held by Montreal. The dwindling number of games hasn't gone unnoticed by Aztex head coach Adrian Heath.

"Our form between now and the end of the season is going to be imperative because I don't think we can afford to lose many more games at home," Heath said. "I would think we need at least three victories and a draw [at home] if we're going to make the playoffs."

With that mindset, Austin has made another roster move to bolster its lineup. Real Salt Lake's David Horst has returned to the team on a loan that will last through the end of the season. A short-term loan brought Horst to Austin earlier in the season where the defender played two games in the Aztex stripes (June 19 vs. Carolina and June 21 vs. Rochester).

"He did enough last time with his physical presence to certainly help us out," Heath said. "I'm confident between now and the end of the season he'll be a big part in our push for a playoff place."

The 6-4, 210 pound Horst will likely play Saturday against Montreal along with last week's new signing Kevin Sakuda. The former Montreal defender was signed to the Aztex on a contract that also lasts through the end of the season.

The two newcomers will try to help a side that desperately needs points before heading out on a three-game road trip that begins on Thursday against Charleston, No. 3 in the table, followed by games at No. 4 Carolina and No. 5 Rochester.

"When you look at our away form, we've got to stop giving points away [at home] if we expect to make the playoffs," Heath said. "We're at a stage in the season now where we know we can't afford too many errors."

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