Preview: Aztex Face off Versus Orange County
August 20, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release
AUSTIN, Texas (August 20, 2015)- The Austin Aztex (7-12-3) close out their home-and-home series versus the Orange County Blues FC (11-8-3) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex.
The two squads will face off after playing their initial fixture just two weeks prior. In that match, Aztex goalkeeper Devin Perales had one of his best games of the season, yet Blues midfielder Nikola Ilich was able to hit a left-footed volley for the lone goal of the game.
The Aztex will look to close out their inaugural season on a strong note and reverse their fortunes. The Aztex have played a competitive, edge-of-your-seat season resulting in 15 matches decided by one goal or less, taking points in seven of these matches while going 4-8-3.
The offense is highlighted by forwards Trevin Caesar and Kris Tyrpak, who are both tied for the team lead in points with 16. Caesar remains a spark in the offense and scored his team-leading eighth goal in the previous game versus Los Angeles Galaxy II. Columbus Crew SC loanee Romain Gall has joined the attack opposite Tyrpak on the wing and the two combine in attack to create opportunities for Caesar. In order to create chances versus Orange County, the Aztex will need to find ways to beat the Blues offside trap, as Sainey Touray was called offside at least three times in the first half in their previous meeting.
The Blues will see added firepower since the Aztex last faced them in California. Forward Christofer Ramirez, defender Brenton Griffiths, and goalkeeper Pepe Miranda missed the previous meeting due to suspension and will look to keep the Blues in the playoff race with a chance to expand their four-game winning streak, the longest in club history. Joining the Blues is also former Sacramento Republic FC forward David Estrada, who joined the team earlier this week.
The Aztex will counter with defensive reinforcements in Mikey Ambrose and Fernando Timbo. The two defenders missed the previous match versus the Blues and proved instrumental in their return to the lineup last week. Timbo scored his first goal of the season when he converted a penalty kick in the first half while Ambrose contributed to both sides of the ball along the left side of the field.
Gates to the match open at 6 p.m., and the first 100 fans receive a collectable poster to the match. Be sure to also check out live music in the Aztex Fan Zone by Eagle Eye Williamson and enjoy $5 meals from Stubb's Bar-B-Q, where proceeds for the meals help go to the Capital Area Food Bank. For more information, visit http://austinaztex.com/tickets/.
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