Austin Aztex News Release - www.austinaztex.com
Monday, March 8, 2010
HOUSTON, TX -- The Austin Aztex struck a draw with the MLS’ Houston Dynamo, 1-1, in their first preseason scrimmage on Sunday at Carl Lewis Track Stadium in Houston, Texas.
An own goal by Bobby Boswell in the 74th minute allowed the Aztex to gain the 1-0 advantage in the scrimmage, but an unassisted goal by the Dynamo’s Erik Ustruck 12 minutes later led to the draw.
“I’m very pleased with the result considering we’ve only had five days training together. I thought their fitness was good, but we got tired in the last five or 10 minutes,” Aztex Coach Adrian Heath said. “Considering who we were playing, I was pleased with everything that went on and I thought there were one or two very encouraging performances.”
The Aztex had multiple scoring opportunities throughout the game, but were unable to get an attempt to the back of the net. The attack was highlighted by an opportunity midway through the first half when Aztex forward Leonel Saint-Preux gained possession streaking down the right side of the field and attempted a cross through the box, but Eddie Johnson was unable to corral it and send it home.
Houston’s best chance before its lone goal came in the 62nd minute when Dynamo forward Brian Ching was taken down in the box, but clanged the penalty kick off the right post.
Austin scored soon after when it floated a pass down the field that caused confusion between the Houston defense. Boswell tried to play the ball back to the keeper, who was coming up for the ball himself. The keeper then helplessly chased the ball as it rolled toward the goal.
Throughout the game, the Aztex managed to fire off five shots. On the other side of the field, goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo saved six attempts on goal to keep the high-flying Dynamo attack to just one goal.
Next Sunday at 5 p.m., the Aztex and Dynamo play a rematch in Austin at Nelson Field. The match will be the Aztex last at its former home before heading to House Park for the regular season.
“We’re looking forward to next Sunday for what we know will be another very difficult match, but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” Heath said.
Scoring Summary:
AUS -- Bobby Boswell (Own Goal) 74
HOU -- Erik Ustruck (unassisted) 86
Austin Aztex -- Leonel St. Preux (Jarrod Smith), Eddie Johnson, Jamie Watson, Stephan Campbell (David Shriver), Yordany Alvarez, Lawrence Olum (Richard Edger), Kevin Sakuda, Kieron Bernard (Wes Allen), Jay Needham, Sean Powers, Miguel Gallardo, Maxwell Griffin, Sullivan Silva, Michael Callahan
Houston Dynamo -- Pat Onstad (Tally Hall 46), Ryan Cochrane, Bobby Boswell, Eddie Robinson (Craig Waibel 56), Mike Chabala (Wade Barrett 69), Brian Mullan (Danny Cruz 66), Lovel Palmer (Mike Chabala 73), Geoff Cameron (Sammy Appiah 59), Corey Ashe (Erik Ustruck 69), Cam Weaver (Dominic Oduro 46), Brian Ching (Luis Ángel Landín 69).
Misconduct Summary:
AUS -- Sean Powers (Caution) 60
HOU -- Lovel Palmer (Caution) 66
Tickets for the match against the Houston Dynamo, as well as season tickets are available now. All season tickets are flex tickets and can be used in any combination for any regular season game. To purchase your tickets, please visit www.austinaztex.com, or call 512-335-8881.
