The Austin Aztex‘s iron-man stretch – nine games in less than a month – started June 5 with a home win over the Puerto Rico Islanders. And for 75 minutes last Saturday, it looked like it was going to end the same way, that a first-minute own goal would hold up for the Aztex’s second win over the Islanders, and their 10th of the season overall. But a late equalizer spoiled that and put a bit of a damper on what has really been a great month of football. The Aztex went 5-2-2 over that tough stretch, played well, in front of big crowds, and held onto the best record in the league. But when you’re trying to defend a lead, draws start to look like 2 points lost, rather than a point won. And now, this weekend’s trip to second-place Rochester looms very large. The Rhinos handed the Aztex their first loss of the season here in Austin, back in April, and they’re currently on a six-game league unbeaten streak; with a win, they’d pull within 3 points of Austin and still have a game in hand. The Aztex, meanwhile, are unbeaten on the road this year, with five wins and one draw. You can watch the game live online, this Friday, July 9, 6:30pm, at www.austinaztex.com or www.rhinosoccer.com.
The 4,050 fans Saturday night included a healthy Puerto Rican contingent, complete with flags and face-paint… Kieron Bernard got his first start since a hamstring injury in the second game of the season; he looked sharp enough, if perhaps out of place as a wing defender… Still sorely missing: the bulldog tenacity of also-hamstrung Lance Watson in the midfield.
And so the World Cup is down to the final weekend: With a Netherlands vs. Spain final, we’re going to have a first-time champion – and a loser who will surely be confirmed as The Best Soccer Country Who’s Never Won. It’s a promising matchup in terms of style. Spain, for all their ball control and lovely passing combinations, has only managed three 1-0 wins in the knockout rounds. But none of their opponents have really wanted to come out and play an open game – even Germany, for all their counterattacking prowess. Holland will surely commit players forward and want their share of the ball possession. The battle between these two very good midfields should be intense. Uruguay vs. Germany: Sat., July 10, 1:30pm; The Netherlands vs. Spain: Sun., July 11, 1:30pm.
This article appears in July 9 • 2010.