Best Soccer Player

Miguel Gallardo, Austin Aztex

Playing for the Under-23 (amateur) Austin Aztex, Gallardo was tabbed as Goalkeeper of the Year in the 67-team Premier Development League; immediately after the season ended, he became the first signing for the Aztex pro team that will start play next season in the United Soccer League's First Division. The 23-year-old native of Torreón, Mexico, attended Westwood High in Round Rock and, after a stint with Tigres in the Mexican first division, has been a fixture on several top amateur teams here in his adopted hometown. He's an acrobatic shot-blocker, dangerous at starting attacks with long outlet passes, but his biggest asset, particularly on a young team, may be his commanding, vocal presence in the back. Even from the stands, it's easy to tell who's in charge on the field.

Miguel Gallardo
Austin Aztex
2720 Bee Caves Rd. #220
www.austinaztex.com