Preview: Aztex Set for Rematch with Real Monarchs SLC

Published on July 10, 2015 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas (July 10, 2015)- The Austin Aztex (5-8-3) head west to Salt Lake City, where they will face Real Monarchs SLC (1-9-6) Saturday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium, kickoff at 8 p.m. CDT.

This will be the second matchup of the season for these two squads. The last time the Aztex faced off versus Real Monarchs, Kalen Ryden and Trevin Caesar each scored a goal in the final minutes of the game to give the Aztex home crowd a thrilling, last-gasp 3-2 victory.

For the Aztex, the fact remains that they are just four points out in the standings from a coveted top six spot in the USL's Western Conference. The top six teams will advance to the postseason. In order to make the climb back into playoff contention, the Aztex will need to secure points and get their first win since they upset Sacramento Republic FC by a score of 1-0 at Bonney Field on June 6.

To secure the points, the Aztex will need to look at jump starting an offense that continued to increase their scoring chances, but have struggled to put the ball into the back of the net. While Kris Tyrpak and Sainey Touray work in the middle of the field as the primary points of attack, the addition of Crew SC loanee Romain Gall will give Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish an additional attacking option alongside Drew Yates, Trevin Caesar, and Andres Cuero. Tyrpak leads the Aztex with six goals scored while Touray has fully recovered from a knee surgery and looks to utilize his playmaking abilities. Trevin Caesar has been utilized as a super sub by Dalglish, coming off of the bench in ten matches while stretching out the field with his speed.

The Aztex back line has solidified due to the improved play from Mikey Ambrose, Fernando Timbo, Lance Rozeboom and Max Gunderson. This match will also likely serve as the first time Aztex goalkeeper Devin Perales will face Real Monarchs, as Cody Laurendi earned the start from the match earlier this season in Austin. Perales is fourth in the league with a 0.95 goals-against-average and carries four shutouts into the match.

For Salt Lake, the Monarchs will be forced to play without Max Rauhofer due to yellow card accumulation. Rauhofer is the leader for the Monarchs with six goals scored on the season, forcing Salt Lake to lean on Lucas Baldin, Emery Welshman, and Ricardo Velazco to carry the load in attack.

In addition to the home field advantage, the Monarchs are coming off of 10 days of rest after their previous match, a strong 1-1 draw versus Sacramento Republic FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Eti Tavares scored after he received the ball with quick team passing in front of the goal. The Monarchs nearly walked away with a victory after they were awarded a penalty in the game, but were unable to convert.

The Monarchs defense will look to the continued comeback of defender Chris Schuler to anchor the team's backline. Schuler is returning from a knee injury that held him out of the team's lineup since Week 2 of the season and made two appearances in recovery.

Aztex fans can tune in live to watch the match at www.austinaztex.com.

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