Saturday, June 29, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Aztex (8-0-1) remained undefeated on the season and inched closer to a playoff spot when they defeated the Houston Dutch Lions (2-7-1) 4-0 on Saturday night at House Park. The win allowed for the Aztex to sweep the Dutch Lions after four matches and extend their defensive shutout streak to 409 minutes, not having allowed a goal since June 8.
“I think our defense has been outstanding,” Aztex Head Coach Paul Dalglish said. “It is an incredible achievement for the level we are playing at. We’ve rotated the backfield, we’ve rotated the midfield, and we’ve rotated the forwards and so the whole squad can feel proud about what we are achieving.”
The Aztex maintained control of the game from the opening whistle as it kept possession looking to build its attack. The Dutch Lions decided to sit back defensively, giving Aztex defenders Leone Cruz and Aaron Guillen ample time to choose their passing targets and move the ball forward.
Aztex midfielders Tony Rocha and Zachary Garcia were able to take control of midfield and switch the ball out wide. The Aztex utilized their speed out on the left side of the field with Chuy Cortes and Robbie Derschang, when attacking, creating many scoring chances. The midfielders and attacking four paired well with the timing of their runs and navigating the passing lanes.
“Paul (Dalglish) told us to move around the channels, making the movements we have been learning all season,” Cortes said.
Sito Seoane nearly scored for the Aztex in the seventh minute when he saw Dutch Lions goalkeeper Jaimy Schaap out of position during a breakaway. Seoane sent a long-ranged blast that caromed off of the crossbar.
The team’s strategy paid off in the 33rd minute. Rocha lobbed a through ball to Cortes, who worked his way into the middle of the field from the left flank and set up Cuero, who shot past Schaap for the opening goal.
Tyrpak provided insurance with the second goal in the 40th minute after Cuero collected the ball in front of goal after a scrum from a free kick. Cuero saw Tyrpak make an early run and flicked the ball to him, and the forward hammered the ball past Schaap.
The Aztex scored again in the final seconds of the first half when Seoane sent in a long free kick 40 yards from goal. Cuero helped free Tyrpak during the run in, causing two defenders to pursue Tyrpak while giving Cuero space in front of goal. Cuero was able to get to the ball and flicked it into the net with his head.
The Dutch Lions tried to get back into the second half with three substitutions at halftime. However, the Aztex defense was able to contain their efforts. Houston had opportunities after rare turnovers from the Aztex backline. However, goalkeeper Devin Cook appeared to have a personal mission to keep the shutout streak intact and made several plays to disrupt the Dutch Lions' attack. Cook finished the game with three saves.
The Aztex added their fourth goal in the 81st minute when Aaron Guillen headed the ball in from a corner kick from Seth Casiple.
The Austin Aztex will travel to face the Laredo Heat on Wednesday night at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. The Aztex currently lead the PDL's Mid South Division with 25 points and lead Oklahoma City FC by six points. Meanwhile, OKC FC are ahead of the Heat in the standings by two points, while the Heat have played one fewer game.
“The Heat need as many points as they can get right now at the end of the season so that they can get into second place,” Aztex defender Max Gunderson said. “They will be fighting hard. Our game next week will be a home game for them, so it will be loud. We have got to push through and we will need to know our responsibilities and work for each other."