Dalglish Moving Up to MLS

The Austin Aztex announced today that Paul Dalglish, the only head coach the franchise has had, will be moving up to join the coaching staff of Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake. Dalglish finishes with a 26-8-4 record in two seasons in all competitions. The Aztex, defending PDL Champions, "are working to name the next coach within the next week.”

Aztex CEO David Markley said in the announcement: “We would like to thank Paul for his tremendous work and extend our best wishes to Paul as he continues his journey. … Paul is an outstanding coach with a passion for developing our squad to be great players on the field, and better men off of it.

“We have several strong candidates for the next head coach and are working to name the next coach within the next week. It is important for us to select a coach that is the perfect fit to continue growing the game locally, and who will continue the standard that has been established on and off the field by the organization.”

Dalglish will certainly be missed. He was named Coach of the Year in the 64-team Premier Development League in 2013, while helping develop a lot of young players. Dripping Springs native Kris Tyrpak was the PDL Player of the Year for 2013, while three players off the inaugural 2012 roster got drafted among the top 11 picks in the MLS SuperDraft, making the jump all the way from amateur PDL to the big time.

Ever the class act, Dalglish sent a letter to his players, a bit of which I can share here: “With all the current staff staying and carrying on the unequalled standards that have been set, I am left in no doubt that the Aztex will continue to be the ultimate team to play for in the PDL.

"Please let me thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. As a head coach, you get the rewards for the hard work of others and I am truly thankful to have been blessed with players and staff like you. Without you I would never have been presented with this opportunity.

"The Aztex will always claim a special place in my heart.

"Thanks again and nothing would give me more pleasure than to see you guys go out and bring another championship home to Austin, TX.”