Austin Aztex Press Release, USLSoccer.com
Saturday, August 14, 2010
BAYAMON, Puerto Rico – Prior to tonight’s contest at J.R. Loubriel Stadium in Puerto Rico, the Austin Aztex had two seven-game streaks in the works — they had yet to be defeated on the road all season long and had not lost since June 12. The Islanders ended both of those marks though with a 2-0 victory over the short-handed Aztex, who were playing without two of its top three scorers or its top midfielder.
David Foley put the first stake in the heart of the Aztex defense in the 32nd minute when he fired a shot low and to the left of goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo after receiving a pass from Nick Addlery. The listless attack of the Aztex failed to put together a strong attack in the first half and went to the locker rooms behind on the scoreboard for the first time since May 1 at NSC Minnesota.
Daniel Keon then put the nail in the Aztex coffin in the 68th minute when a pass from again from Addlery broke Keon away from the pack for a one-on-one chance against Gallardo on the left side of the field. With Gallardo swiftly charging to try and snuff the attempt, Keon was able to sneak it by him and into the back of the net for the 2-0 lead, which stood as the final score.
Forwards Max Griffin and Jamie Watson, who are third and fifth in the league in goals scored, respectively, did not make the trip as Watson is sidelined with a fractured collar bone and Griffin out resting. Midfielder Yordany Alvarez also was unable to travel with the team due to complications with his residency.
A loss by the Aztex paired with the Rochester Rhinos victory tonight took the Aztex out of first place at the moment for the first time since mid-May.
The Rhinos do, however, have three more games played.
The shutout also marked just the third of the year for Austin, though the Aztex received points from the other two as they drew with Portland and Rochester in those contests.
Austin looks to rebound on August 22 at home against the Carolina RailHawks, who have lost their past two contests.
