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Rivalry Between Austin Aztex and Miami FC Blues Heats up with New Trophy on the Line

June 25, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Austin Aztex News Release


AUSTIN, Texas -- The Miami FC Blues and the Austin Aztex are meeting for an epic showdown on Saturday at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The team who comes out on top will bring home much more than a win as representatives from both cities have placed a friendly wager that will build the rivalry between the two clubs.

The U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association (USHCA) will attend a soccer game between the Blues and Aztex on Saturday. Texas State Representative Diana Maldonado and City of Lockhart Mayor Pro Tem Frank Estrada are among the Austin area representatives who will attend the game to show support for the Aztex.

"We have created a friendly rivalry with the Austin Aztex and the Miami FC Blues to forge a sense of unity between the two teams," said Frank Fuentes, the chairman of USHCA. "The amicable rivalry is intensified because the match is in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup, so we're sure to see one heck of a game!"

As a ceremonial end to the event, the losing team's representatives will present the winner with a trophy that symbolizes the rivalry's spirit - a guitar signed by Willie Nelson. The guitar will then be on the line from this point forth in every matchup between the two clubs as a trophy.

"Austin's rivalry with the Miami FC Blues signifies the strong bond that can be drawn between two cities with a simple game of soccer," Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell said. "We are excited to go down to Miami to show pride for our team and watch the Aztex bring home a win!"

Austin and Miami are gearing up for the game this Saturday as the Aztex look to maintain their dominion over the USSF D-2 Pro League and the Blues to continue climbing the standings. The competition allows both cities to flex their muscles and show off their soccer skills while cultivating a lasting friendship.

"It's exciting to build relationships between our two great cities through our local sports teams," Florida State Representative Erik Fresen said.

The past two matchups between the two squads have resulted in 3-1 Aztex victories. Last Saturday's matchup gave the Aztex the first hat trick in franchise history when Max Griffin beat the Miami FC defense three times in the game.

Following its matchup against the Blues, Austin heads to Fullerton, Calif., to take on Chivas USA of the MLS in a third-round matchup in the U.S. Open Cup. It returns to league action on July 3 against the Puerto Rico Islanders at House Park.

Visit www.miamifc.com to find out more about the match and news on the Miami FC Blues. For more information about the Austin Aztex, visit www.austinaztex.com.

Game Notes:

Series History

Austin and Miami have met up four times in the franchises' histories, with Austin coming out on top three times. Coincidentally along with Austin's 3-1 record, the past two victories have ended in a 3-1 result. Last week at House Park, Max Griffin recorded the first hat trick in Aztex history. The rivals will meet one more time this season following Saturday's matchup on July 31, again at House Park.

Throwing in Their Hats

Before their game on June 19, the Aztex had never had a hat trick. In two games since then, they now have two. Max Griffin put three in the back of the net against Miami FC and was followed by Peri Marosevic, who scored three goals against the Arizona Sahuaros on June 22 in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Streaking

Austin has been defeated just one time in its past 12 matches, counting two in Open Cup play. The streak dates back to the beginning of May when the Aztex beat NSC Minnesota, 2-1. Since then, Austin is 8-1-3 and has jumped out to a league-high 27 points. The only loss since May came to the NASL Conference leaders, the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Scorching the Competition

In less than half a season, Austin has nearly equaled its goal total from a season ago. With 25 goals this season, Austin not only leads the league in scoring, but has dominated its competition. The next closest team (Tampa Bay) has just 18 goals. Last year, Austin scored just 28 all year. Miami is fourth in the league with 14 goals.

Point Leaders

Three of the top five leaders in points play for the Austin Aztex. Eddie Johnson ranks second in the league with 14, Max Griffin is just a point away after a boost from his hat trick and Jamie Watson is tied for fifth with 11. The trio has helped the Aztex off to a +10 goal differential this season. The trio is also in the top three in goals scored and top five in shots taken.

Putting in Their Time

Four Aztex have yet to come out of a game and are tied for fourth in the league in minutes played. Jay Needham, Leonard Griffin, Miguel Gallardo and Yordany Alvarez have played all 1170 minutes of the season to this point, with three members of the group all on the back line.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 25, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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