The Austin Aztex dropped a pair of games in the Carolinas last week: 1-0 to Charleston and 3-0 to Carolina. No disgrace there – those are two of the top teams in the USL First Division – but their playoff chances are rapidly slipping away. Realistically, the Aztex need at least six wins in their last nine games to be in the hunt. The team plays at Rochester this Saturday, then returns home next weekend… In other USL news, the Puerto Rico Islanders advanced into the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League for a second straight year, ousting the MLS’ Toronto FC Tuesday night. The group stage will run Aug. 18-Oct. 22.
Below: WC qualifying, WPS finale, and more
World Cup qualifying starts up again this week: The U.S. is at Mexico, 3pm, Wednesday, Aug. 12, live on Telemundo and mun2. No American team has ever won in Mexico City, but a draw would likely be enough to cement the U.S. position, while Mexico, sitting in fourth place in the six-team qualifying group, desperately needs a win to get on track for South Africa.
European leagues are getting ready to go as well: Germany, Holland, and France kick off this weekend, England the following week, and the others shortly thereafter.
Heading into the last weekend of play in Women’s Professional Soccer, the Los Angeles Sol has clinched the regular season title and St. Louis will finish second, but three teams are still vying for the last two playoff spots. The Boston Breakers can clinch a spot by beating L.A. in the final game of the season, 5pm, Sunday, Aug. 9, live on FSC.
This article appears in July 31 • 2009.