Austin Aztex Feature -- www.austinaztex.com
Monday, May 20, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas -- Andres Cuero is standing in front of a green screen at a local television studio filming promotions for an upcoming youth soccer tournament. The Aztex forward is asked to add more energy to each take, the television producer asking for that “gusto” for the promo.
Cuero is finding the energy for the shot, but a few minutes into filming, Cuero receives news: The Austin Aztex would host his former team, the Wilmington Hammerheads, if they advance to the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Immediately, Cuero is jubilant at the news and on his next take he attacks the promotion with a buzzing energy filled with a renewed sense of vigor.
He found his “gusto”.
Few people are being filmed when they receive news of a dream matchup. For Cuero, the Hammerheads announcement brought electricity into the room.
“When I found out about the possible match up against the Hammerheads I got really excited,” Cuero said. “I think whenever anyone plays against a former team, and still having friends on it, the game becomes a little more meaningful.”
Cuero joined the Aztex after spending the previous two years with the USL PRO squad. Cuero had to work his way on to the team, and he was able to do so after a strong showing during open tryouts in March 2011.
The forward scored four goals and added an assist in 1,441 minutes played over his two seasons. However, the bulk of his work came in the 2011 season, where Cuero scored three goals and the assist after logging 1,117 minutes. In 2012, Cuero was a key role player in limited minutes for the Hammerheads, who lost to the Charleston Battery in the USL PRO championship game.
“I enjoyed my time in Wilmington,” Cuero said. “They have a strong backing from the community and their fan base is one of the best in the USL PRO and that was awesome to experience.”
Now Cuero has returned to Austin, where he was a graduate from Westlake High School. Cuero’s transition to the Aztex has also gone smoothly.
“Paul (Dalglish) has done a good job in bringing in not only quality players but also stand-up guys as well,” Cuero said. “So right off the bat we have all gotten along well.
“Representing Austin in the U.S. Open Cup means a lot to me,” he added. “I am from Austin so having the opportunity to represent it on a grand scale is an honor. It also means a lot to represent the hard work that the owners, staff, and coaches have put into this great club. I think being able to positively recognize the Aztex is a tribute to those who work hard behind the scenes and the U.S. Open Cup is a good means to do so.”
Cuero did not disappoint during the 3-0 first-round victory against the NTX Rayados. The forward scored the opening goal in the 14th minute when he collected a rebound from Sito Seoane’s shot on goal. Cuero was able to tap the ball in just far enough for the ball to cross the line. The win secured the matchup versus the Hammerheads, a dream matchup for Cuero.
Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish says regardless if it were cup game or not, there is an extra motivation to perform well any time a player faces off against a former team.
“I am sure Andres will be motivated to prove himself against his former teammates,” Dalglish said.
With Tuesday’s match on the horizon, the Aztex are focused on the Hammerheads. After all, the Hammerheads are the first pro team to visit Austin since 2010.
Cuero in particular is ready for the reunion on the field with his former team. After training wrapped up Monday morning, Cuero stood on the field and took extra shots on goal, envisioning the game tomorrow.
“I feel very good about the matchup,” Cuero said. “I think with the squad that Paul has assembled, with all the talent and blue collar work ethic, we can match up against anyone. What I would love most is to win. I don’t care how we do it or who scores as long as we get the win.”