Austin Aztex News Release -- www.austinaztex.com
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Aztex are proud to announce Michael Lisch, Alesi Osorio, Pedro Pereira and Kristopher Tyrpak will join the team for the 2012 season. All four players graduated from different Austin-area high schools before moving on to play in the collegiate ranks.
“We are glad to have such highly regarded players returning home to play with the Aztex this summer,” said head coach Paul Dalglish. “I expect each of these players to play an integral part in our team, and we are glad their friends and family will be able to see them play locally again.”
The 21-year-old Lisch was a standout goalkeeper for the Westlake High School soccer team, earning District MVP honors in 2008 before enrolling at NCAA Division I soccer powerhouse Wake Forest. The 6-foot-4 Lisch had a memorable debut in the 2011 NCAA Tournament, blocking three penalty kicks to help the Demon Deacons advance against the University of South Carolina.
Osorio, 20, a versatile attacking player for East Tennessee State University, is a graduate of Lyndon B. Johnson High School in Austin. Osorio helped lead LBJ High to a 45-14 record while earning First-Team All-District honors in 2008.
Pereira, 23, a native of Brazil, graduated from Leander High School and was a former player for the 2009 Austin Aztex PDL team. Pereira recently finished his junior season at midfield for Oklahoma Baptist University.
Tyrpak, 19 a sophomore midfielder at Houston Baptist University, graduated from Dripping Springs High School. As a freshman at HBU, Tyrpak led the team with eight goals and tied for the team lead with five assists. Tyrpak was named the Atlantic Soccer Conference Rookie of the Year in 2010, and received All-Conference honors his first two seasons.
In addition to recruiting collegiate players, the Aztex have been scouting players in local leagues and have hosted multiple tryouts including the Aztex Indoor Showcase on March 31. The final local tryout will be held this Saturday, April 7 at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex. Players can register online at www.austinaztex.com. The Aztex will maintain a 26-man roster in addition to fielding a Super-20 team which will provide reserve players for the top team. The remaining Aztex signings will be revealed over the coming weeks leading up to the season.
The Austin Aztex will play their 2012 season in the United Soccer League’s PDL Mid South Division. Their season kicks off on May 5 against the Texas Dutch Lions at Wood Forest Stadium in Woodlands, Texas. The Aztex will host their home opener on Saturday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. at House Park against the El Paso Patriots.