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Preview: Aztex Hit Road to Face Colorado Springs on Friday

July 2, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas (July 2, 2015)- In order to continue their uphill climb into the playoff race, the Austin Aztex (5-7-3) will travel to the Rocky Mountains to take on Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (9-5-0) on July 3rd at Sand Creek Stadium in Colorado Springs.

This match will be the third of a four-game season series between the two clubs that has seen the Aztex win the first two matches. The Aztex defeated Switchbacks FC twice in the first month of the season, both in Austin, by a total score of 3-0. This game will pit two strengths on the field, as the Aztex stalwart defense will look to contain the red-hot Switchbacks offense.

Since then, however, Colorado Springs has gone on a tear through the Western Conference, going 7-2 since their last loss to the Aztex and winning their last six matches to put them at 4th place overall in the conference. The Aztex, who sit right on the playoff bubble at 8th place, will be looking to cool off the streaking Switchbacks and claim their third victory to take the season series.

Austin comes into the game after a hard fought 0-0 draw with the defending champion Sacramento Republic FC last Saturday in Austin. Head coach Paul Dalglish referred to the team's performance as "brilliant", and spoke positively about the team's chances going forward if they continued to play at the same level. Despite the encouraging words, the Aztex have struggled recently USL play, going 1-4-2 in their last 7 matches, with three of their losses coming with a margin of just one goal. The team is hoping that a solid performance against Sacramento is a sign of things to come as they look to continue the rise in Colorado.

Offensively, the Aztex have done well in creating chances for their forwards, but have struggled in finishing them to get onto the scoreboard. Forwards Kris Tyrpak and Sainey Touray will be the centerpieces of the attack, with Drew Yates and Trevin Caesar joining in as attacking options up front. Midfielders Mozzi Gyorio and Guaraci will also play a pivotal role in creating chances through their ability to play in precise passes.

The Aztex strength lies in their defense, allowing just 1.27 goals per game, 7th in the league. Fernando Timbo, who was recently moved to the defensive line from midfield, has excelled in his new role, earning Team of the Week honors. Joining him on the back line are Lance Rozeboom, Mikey Ambrose and Max Gunderson, all supporting goalkeeper Devin Perales, who has established himself as a top-tier goalkeeper in the USL. Perales ranks second in the league in save percentage, goals against average and shutouts per game.

Colorado Springs comes into Saturday's match as the hottest team in the Western Conference.

Winners of their last six league matches, the Switchbacks rank first in the league in goals and points, and fifth in the league in goals allowed. That dangerous attack is highlighted by midfilder Luke Vercollone, whose seven goals and seven assists on the season put him 3rd in the league in points. Forwards Miguel Gonzalez and Aaron King are also potential threats to the Aztex defense. Switchbacks defender Josh Phillips, who leads the back line for Colorado Springs, was named to the USL team of the week, and forwards Aaron King and Mike Seth were listed as honorable mentions.

Colorado Springs will be looking to carry their momentum on and maintain position in the conference this Saturday against a hungry Aztex squad.

Aztex fans can tune in to Friday's match live on YouTube or follow live updates on Twitter at @Aztex_Matchcast.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 2, 2015


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