Soccer Watch

Road trip? The Austin Aztex season opener is this Saturday, May 5, visiting the Texas Dutch Lions, 7:30pm, at WoodForest Stadium in The Woodlands, north of Hous­ton. Supporters from the Eberly's Army fan group have organized a bus trip for the historic occasion; check www.eberlysarmy.com for more info. (And as always: loving the synergy between the soccer fan community and the beer-brewing community.)

The Aztex announced five more signings Monday, following a weekend scrimmage against the St. Edward's Hilltoppers. The biggest name is Dillon Powers, a junior midfielder at Notre Dame with all-Big East credentials, and U-20 national team experience, including the 2009 World Cup. But he's still in college, like most of the announced roster, so coach Paul Dalglish will have some juggling to do for the early-season games. Next weekend, May 11-12, brings a road swing to Midland and El Paso, before the home opener: Saturday, May 19, 7:30pm, at House Park, hosting the El Paso Patriots. At that point, the 16-game season will move fast: the Aztex play seven of their eight home games between May 19 and June 22. Tickets are now on sale at www.austinaztex.com; $50 for an eight-pack of flex tickets good to any game.

European seasons are heading into the last couple of weeks. Real Madrid and Ajax Amsterdam clinched their leagues on Wednesday, Manchester City beat Manchester United Monday to take the lead in England with two games to go, and AC Milan closed within a point of Juven­tus in Italy... Dozens of teams in almost every country are still trying to win Champions League spots or avoid relegation. Lots of those games are on TV this weekend and next – as is the FA Cup Final between Liverpool and Chelsea (Sat., May 5, 11:15am, FSC).