Soccer Watch
By Nick Barbaro, Fri., April 3, 2015
The Austin Aztex won their pro debut Saturday, 2-0 over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, in front of 4,105 fans. They're hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 as we go to press Wednesday evening, then go on the road to Tulsa Saturday; the next home game is Sat., April 11 at 8pm, hosting Arizona United.
The Aztex dictated the play pretty much throughout against Colorado Springs. Goals came from the Aztex' international squad: Gambian Sainey Touray late in the first half, Trinidadian international Trevin Caesar midway through the second. But special credit as well to midfielder Lance Rozeboom, who dominated the center of the field, and defender Kalen Ryden, who was on top of all the Switchbacks' long-ball attempts.
April 17 is the deadline to buy season tickets, and be enrolled for no extra charge as an "Aztex Original" – earning a team scarf, your name on a stadium banner, and other benefits. With two of the 14 home games already played, all prices are now prorated.
The U.S. drew with Switzerland, 1-1 on Tuesday, again looking disjointed, and again giving up a late goal, after playing the last 20 minutes with 10 men after an immature red card from Jozy Altidore (doesn't matter how bad you think the call was, you really don't ever get to swear at the ref, in any sport). That makes it one win in eight games in the last six months for Jurgen Klinsmann's boys, and fans and press are getting restless – but all will be forgiven if they win the next one: Wednesday, April 15 in San Antonio against archrival Mexico... Couple of intriguing matchups in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal return legs this week: the Montreal Impact go to Costa Rica to face Alajuelense (9pm Tue., April 7, Fox Sports 2), and Costa Rican minnow Herediano takes a 1-0 lead to Mexico City to face Club América (9pm Wed., April 8, Univision Deportes)... Soccer Assist, a newly formed nonprofit that aims to "get more youth, ages 7-11, involved in soccer, through endowments and scholarships, while connecting them to top-level area soccer leagues," is launching with a soccer social featuring U.S. Soccer legend Kristine Lilly, with music by Tameca Jones at 7pm Thursday April 23, at PGi Studios (formerly La Zona Rosa); $100 per guest includes drinks and appetizers – purchase by April 10 at www.soccerassist.org.
