The Premier Development League has announced that the first round of playoffs for the Aztex U-23s will take place in Orlando, Fla., July 25 and 27. The Aztex, PDL Mid South champions, will take on the Southeast runners-up – probably the Bradenton Academics – in the first round. The other first-round game features the Southeast champion Central Florida Kraze, against the Mid South runners-up.
Wednesday night, the Laredo Heat took a big step toward that runner-up spot, by beating the El Paso Patriots, 3-1, in Laredo, coming from behind with three goals in the last 18 minutes. Meanwhile, Baton Rouge won, 3-2 in New Orleans, knocking the Shell Shockers out of the playoff hunt, and keeping their own very faint hopes alive. Laredo can clinch second place with a win Saturday night at New Orleans. Failing that, Austin’s finale at El Paso becomes decisive.
See the full PDL standings here.
This article appears in July 11 • 2008.