Saturday, May 25, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Aztex (3-0-0) needed only one goal and the defense took care of the rest in a 1-0 victory over the Laredo Heat (1-1-1) on Saturday evening at House Park.The lone goal came on a free kick from Seth Casiple, who was subbed on merely a few seconds earlier in the 58th minute.
“It was a great win against a top side,” Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish said. “Anytime we can get three points against Laredo it is a great achievement. “
The Aztex were able to maintain possession throughout extended periods of the game, working their way into attacking opportunities from all parts of the field. The Aztex outshot the Heat 13-to-3 in the game.
The Aztex defense recovered from adversity early in the first half when defender Leone Cruz had to leave the game due to injury. Michael King stepped in as a substitute for his debut and was able to stifle the Heat’s attacking players.When King was asked to enter the game, he was told to rely on his teammates and his game.
“Paul told me when I came on that we are a good team, and that it was my first time playing so stay composed, play, and do what I do because I am here for a reason,” King said. “So I just took it into thought and went there to have fun and played how I know I can play.”
The Aztex, who now have all players in town from their college seasons, were able to utilize their depth. This was most evident in the 57th minute, when Dalglish made three substitutions at once to revitalize the front line of attack in one swift move. Seth Casiple, Eddy Campbell and Tucker Hume entered the game for Chuy Cortes, Andres Cuero and Sito Seoane.
Casiple would steal the show a few seconds later.
Casiple had as strong a debut as anyone could ask for with the Aztex when he stepped onto the field and was immediately asked to take the shot on a free kick from just outside the penalty area. Casiple’s shot flew past diving Heat goalkeeper Emmanuel Frias.
“When I was lining up for the shot, it was just one of those things where you envision it in your head,” Casiple said about the goal. “I was really astonished that it really happened as I saw it in my head. I was really thankful, and I immediately ran towards Eberly’s Army because they were giving me a push the whole time and they really hyped me up.”
Later in the second half, the University of Maryland duo of Dan Metzger and Mikey Ambrose stepped onto the field to help the Aztex defense protect the lead against the mounting Laredo attack. The Aztex were able to dispatch the Heat attack and maintain control of midfield, thus controlling the game to the final whistle.
With the victory, the Aztex remain tied for first place in the PDL’s Mid South Division with Oklahoma City FC, who have nine points, but have played an extra game than the Aztex. The Aztex will face Oklahoma City FC for a battle for the top of the division on Saturday, June 1 at House Park. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. CT.