Austin Aztex News Release -- www.austinaztex.com
Friday, March 22, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Aztex have signed seven players to join the 2013 roster, including returning Premier Development League veterans Zachary Garcia, Jacob Powell, Andres Cuero and 2012 All-League defender Max Gunderson. In addition, Michael King, John Lujano, and Jose “Sito” Seoane have joined the Aztex. The signings bring the team roster up to 22 players.
“We walked away impressed with the talent that we saw at the Collegiate Trial,” Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish said. “These players represent the quality that we are looking for and will be a good fit for the Aztex.”
Garcia, a 22-year-old from San Antonio, played eight games for the Aztex in 2012, establishing a starting role in the midfield as the team made their push to the playoffs. Upon completion of the season, Garcia signed a professional contract with the San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League.
Powell, a 20-year-old from Austin, played three games for the Aztex in 2012, adding speed to the Aztex attack. Powell brings experience from his time with the Austin Gunners, an indoor soccer team which plays in the Premier Arena Soccer League.
Cuero, a 23-year-old from Austin, played two seasons with the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro before joining the Aztex. Prior to playing for the Hammerheads, Cuero played for the Austin Aztex U23 squad in 2008 and 2009, scoring nine goals.
Gunderson, a 23-year-old from Henderson, Nev., brings recognition as a 2012 PDL All-League player and finalist for the Defender of the Year award. Gunderson played three seasons for the Laredo Heat, and will offer leadership among the back line.
King, an 18-year-old from Spring, Tex., and Lujano, an 18-year-old from McPherson, Kan., both join the Aztex after successful freshman campaigns at SMU, with both having earned a spot on the 2012 Conference USA All-Freshman Team. King, a center back, joined SMU ranked 23rd in the nation by College Soccer News and was named a four-star recruit by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Lujano, a midfielder, joined SMU ranked 56th in the nation and was also recognized as a four-star recruit by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
Seoane, a 24-year-old from Miami, previously played for Laracha CF, an amateur club in Spain. Seoane, now a freshman midfielder at San Jacinto College, was named NJCAA All-American Second Team and finished the 2012 collegiate season with eight goals and seven assists.
The Austin Aztex kick off the 2013 United Soccer League’s PDL season with an away match on Saturday, May 11 in the Mid South division versus Oklahoma City FC. The Aztex will open the club’s PDL home schedule on Saturday, May 18 at House Park versus the Houston Dutch Lions.