Soccer Watch

Unless you're heading to Oklahoma City for the season opener Saturday night, you'll get your first chance to see the 2013 Austin Aztex on Tuesday, when they host the NTX Rayados of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association in a first-round match in the centennial edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Tuesday, May 14, 7:30pm, at House Park (15th & Lamar). Pre- and post-game fan gatherings will be at the Tavern (12th & Lamar).

Then the home schedule comes fast and furious: The home opener is Saturday, May 18, against the Houston Dutch Lions. A just-announced Open Cup second-round game will be the following Tuesday, May 21, at House Park, if/when the Aztex win their first-round match. Then, two more Saturday home games in a row, May 25 and June 1, makes five home games in a 19-day span. Whew; better buy those season tickets now: $50 for eight flex tickets at www.austinaztex.com.

News comes that Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring after 27 years coaching Manchester United – during which time the Reds won an astounding 13 Premier League titles, plus 15 other major national and international trophies. Rumors have Everton manager David Moyes as the most likely successor.

The European leagues are coming down to their last couple of weeks, with all the major championships decided, but hot competition is all over the continent for European qualification, as well as relegation spots. In England, for example, a midweek 2-2 draw between London rivals Spurs and Chelsea left those two in a dogfight with fellow Londoners Arsenal, for two remaining spots in next year's Champions League tournament.

Arsenal and Liverpool supporters meet on the field on Saturday, May 11, 11am, at the Onion Creek Soccer Complex, 5600 E. William Cannon, in a match benefiting www.itstartswithsoccer.org.