In the world of U.S. soccer, the United Soccer Leagues’ USL Pro is considered the third division league, though USL doesn’t really accept that view. So it’s kind of a big deal that the league advanced three teams into the final eight of the U.S. Open Cup.
They’ll join five teams from Major League Soccer, while the supposedly second-division North American Soccer League got shut out in the tournament’s fourth round Tuesday night. The first-year San Antonio Scorpions were the last NASL team to fall, losing at home to the USL’s Charlotte Eagles. The other local angle: Should the Austin Aztex go pro – as has been discussed for as soon as next year – they’d presumably be joining one of those two leagues (and starting a rivalry either with San Antonio, or with the USL’s Orlando-née-Aztex). The Aztex’s current affiliation as part of the USL Premier Development League makes the latter seem more likely, so Aztex fans should probably be cheering USL successes.
If you’re wondering about the Aztex participating in the Cup: They can qualify for next year’s tourney – the 100th annual – based on their performance this season; a Top 2 finish should see them in. All pro teams qualify automatically.
A reminder, by the way: the Aztex put their Mid South Division lead on the line this Saturday at 7:30pm when they host the three time defending champion Laredo Heat at House Park. Live music pregame and at halftime by blues guitarist extraordinaire Andy Macintyre. Be there or … well, just be there.
This article appears in June 1 • 2012.