The University of Texas Longhorns‘ season kind of snuck up on me; their only home exhibition game is under way as we go to press. They have another exhibition at Florida State on Sunday, then open the regular season at home against Loyola Marymount next Friday, Aug. 19, 7pm. There are lots of interesting newcomers on the squad with a distinctly homegrown flavor: four girls from Austin-area high schools and another four who won national championships with Dallas-area youth teams (notably the Dallas Texans; see “Wild Cards” above). For my preseason look at the Horns, go to austinchronicle/sports.
Over in Europe, the fall season has started in France, Germany, Holland … and maybe England this weekend, barring cancellations due to escalating riots there. Already called off are at least two Carling Cup matches Tuesday, as well as Wednesday’s friendly at Wembley Stadium between England and Holland.
All three MLS teams – Dallas, Seattle, and Toronto – advanced out of the preliminary round in CONCACAF Champions League, as did Mexico’s Santos Laguna and Morelia. They join Los Angeles, Colorado, Monterrey, and Pumas in the group stage, which starts Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Orlando City midfielder Jamie Watson – nicknamed Tintin when he was here with the Austin Aztex – was named USL PRO Player of the Week after scoring in both of the Orlando wins as his team clinched the regular season title. Orlando opens the playoffs on Aug. 20 and has homefield advantage throughout.
Another Austin Aztex favorite, Eddie Johnson, finally moved into the starting 11 for the MLS Portland Timbers – and got a key goal as the expansion team makes a late run for a playoff spot – but suffered a freak concussion in pregame warm-ups his next time out. He has been out of action for the last two games.
This article appears in August 12 • 2011.