Soccer Watch

The Austin Aztex won their second straight road game Saturday, a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Minnesota Stars, as Eddie Johnson and Jamie Watson each got their second goal of the season (in the 75th and 84th minute respectively) and the Aztex continued their strong play late in games. They're now at 3-1 on the season (second best in the league) and are at Tampa Bay this weekend then home for two games the following week: hosting Crystal Palace Baltimore Sunday, May 16, 6pm, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies Wednesday, May 19, 7:30pm; both games at House Park, 13th & Lamar. www.austinaztex.com.

With defenders Kieron Bernard and Kevin Sakuda missing the last couple of games due to injuries, the Aztex made a welcome signing this week: Sam Brill, a 24-year-old defender out of Boston College who spent a year with the New England Revolution and was most recently at Swedish second division side Ljungskile.

In Europe, the first of the races have been decided – Rangers have won Sco­tland easily, Twente Enschede took their first title ever on the final day in Holland, Marseille finally pulled away from the pack in France – but Germany, Italy, Spain, and England all look like they'll go down to the final day, this weekend and next... It's Cup Final season as well, including the big three: the Europa League Final, Fulham vs. Atletico Madrid, Wednesday, May 12, 1:45pm; the FA Cup Final, Chelsea vs. Portsmouth, Saturday, May 15, 9am; and the Champions League Final, Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan, Saturday, May 22, 1:45pm. With so many heated competitions going down to the wire, and banged-up players fighting through two games a week, national team coaches are looking on nervously, because it's ...

World Cup minus five weeks: According to a recent survey of people from countries with teams in the World Cup, more than half would be willing to starve themselves for a week if that would bring victory to their national squad, and 4% would give up a body part for the same result, Reuters reports. Among other results, 93% of English respondents would give up food for a week, Americans were most willing to sacrifice their homes, South Koreans were most willing to sacrifice their love life, and some 70% of Italians, 10 times the overall rate, would gladly give up their job for an Italian victory.

Save the date: Boom Sumting! Sound System is back at the Nomad Bar, Saturday, May 15, 9pm-1am, featuring DJs spinning global beats and videos, raffle prizes, and more – a benefit for Soccer Shots Global Goals and kids in Khayelitsha, South Africa. www.boomsumting.com.

What would you sacrifice for your country to win the World Cup?, and more