Soccer Watch

The Austin Aztex are holding their 2015 Launch Party as we go to press, Downtown at PGi Austin, with the big news being their affiliation with Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew SC. They're also unveiling season ticket info, and the 2015 jersey, along with the revised logo introduced last week. I don't know a lot of the details, but much of the emphasis will be on the fan experience on game day; and the plans I've seen for the stadium layout suggest a more ambitious setup than I've seen for any event at House Park: The biergarten will be back, at the southeast corner of the stadium, next to the rec center, and adjacent to a food truck area and "interactive zone" (I presume they'll be explaining that tonight); there's also a VIP area, sectioned seating, a dedicated supporters' section, and a kids' area. Season tickets (15 games!) will be on sale by the time you read this; I don't know exact pricing yet, but a $50 deposit will hold your seat at the initial discount pricing that's good through the end of the year. More details next week, and unfolding leading up to the season opener somewhere around April 1... See the extensive rationale for the new logo (it's actually pretty cool) at www.austinaztex.com/different.

The UT Longhorns' best season yet under coach Angela Kelly ended last Friday with a 2-1 loss to Notre Dame in the NCAA tournament second round... The St. Edward's men lost to Colorado Mesa, 2-1, in the NCAA round of 16 last Thursday; they end the season at 16-3-1, and say goodbye to four seniors, including Andrew Fox and Daniel Riley, who've both seen action with the Aztex as well.

The New England Revolution and LA Galaxy each won the opening game of their MLS conference finals Sunday, with the Revs taking a 2-1 win in New York, and the Galaxy holding serve at home, 1-0. The return legs are this weekend. NY at New England: Sat., Nov. 29, 2pm, NBCSN; LA at Seattle, Sun., Nov. 30, 8pm, ESPN.