USL News Release

Thursday, July 2, 2009

TAMPA, FL – At the midway point of their seasons, the new USL First Division clubs Austin Aztex and Cleveland City Stars will be looking to jump into the playoff race Friday night when the two square off for the third and final time this season. The broadcast kicks off at 8:00 pm ET.

Despite occupying the ninth and 10th positions in the league table, Austin and Cleveland are within striking distance of the seventh place playoff position due the league’s parity. The expansion Aztex currently sit four points back with a record of 2-6-6 on the year and Cleveland is six back at 2-9-4.

Friday’s contest will be the final of three regular season meetings between the two.

The expansion Aztex won the initial fixture between the two at home 3-0 April 24 on two goals from Eddie Johnson and a strike from Sullivan Silva, two coming after Cleveland lost Ryan Stewart to a red card in the 49th minute.

The promoted USL-2 champions claimed a last minute 2-2 draw last Saturday at home against Austin. Joshua Boateng opened the scoring early for the hosts with Austin responding with tallies from Josh Alcala and Jeff Harwell before the break. Then in stoppage time of a stalemate second half, Israel Sesay assisted for the second time on the night, connecting with Ricardo Pierre-Louis for the equalizer.

Cleveland, 1-4-3 at home this season, has been idle since Saturday’s contest, while the Aztex, 0-3-1 on the road, faced the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer Wednesday evening, falling 2-0 on a pair of second half goals.

Next Week: The Puerto Rico Islanders, currently in first, visit the Rochester Rhinos Friday, July 10 at 8:00 pm ET. It will be the second meeting between the two clubs this season. Full schedule [+]

USL Breakaway: Episode 2 of USL Breakaway will re-air on Friday, July 3 at 6:00 pm ET Saturday July 4 at 8:00 pm ET and Saturday July 11 at 5:00 pm ET. Check your local listings.