Soccer Watch

Leonel Saint-Preux and Lawrence Olum played in the Austin Aztex's very first pro game – as teammates on the visiting Minnesota Thunder. Now the pair will be reunited on the home sideline, as Saint-Preux signed a two-year contract with the Aztex on Monday. I remember Saint-Preux from last year's season opener. He was one of the best players on the field that day, and he scored the first goal in Aztex history; let's hope he gets a lot more. He's also a star on Haiti's national team, and got an assist against the U.S. in last year's Gold Cup.

Meanwhile, the Aztex opened training camp Monday. They're bringing in a number of prospects for tryouts and waiting to see if fallout from Major League Soccer's labor dispute might fill a couple more roster spots. Some 11 players, at least, will take the field against the Houston Dyna­mo this Sunday in Houston (March 7, 1pm, at Carl Lewis Track Stadium; admission and parking are free).

I won't be able to make the trip myself, but I can't wait to hear what sort of lineup gaffer Adrian Heath puts out there and how some of the new players fit together. With Saint-Preux, the Aztex roster currently stands at 11 field players plus two goalkeepers. The Aztex are also looking for game-day volunteers at their new House Park home. To join the Aztex Army volunteer team, e-mail Kristin Putnam: [email protected].

The first teams will exit the Europe­an Champions League knockout round this coming midweek, and at least a couple of giants will be out. Tuesday is Arsenal vs. Porto and Fiorentina vs. Bayern Munich; Wednesday is Man U vs. Milan and Real Madrid vs. Lyon. All games are on the Fox networks, including at least one live each day.

Austin Aztex Current Roster

G	Miguel Gallardo	USA	Aztex
G	Ben Dragavon	USA	Seattle
D	Kieron Bernard	JAM	Aztex
D	Jay Needham	USA	Alta (Norway)
D	Leonard Griffin	USA	L.A. Galaxy
M	Lawrence Olum	KEN	Minnesota
M	Yordany Alvarez	CUB	Aztex
M	Michael Callahan	USA	Aztex
M	Kevin Sakuda	USA	Aztex
F	Sullivan Silva	BRA	Aztex
F	Eddie Johnson	ENG	Aztex
F	Jamie Watson	USA	Wilmington
F	Leonel Saint-Preux	HAI	Minnesota