Austin Aztex News Release -- www.austinaztex.com
Friday, May 9, 2014
AUSTIN, Texas -- For the first time in the organization’s history, the Austin Aztex will open their season schedule at home when they take on the Houston Dutch Lions Saturday evening at House Park. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. CT.
To date, matches between the Aztex and the Dutch Lions have been a one-sided affair. The Aztex are 6-0 in the series since 2012.
That is the past. Both squads have changed since the PDL season came to a close in 2013.
The Aztex are now coached by Manuel Buentello, former assistant coach, while former captain Zack Pope hung up his cleats replace Buentello as the lead assistant coach. The Dutch Lions have named Marco Pruis as head coach and technical director of the club, replacing former head coach Hans van Arum. Both first-year coaches will be eager to start the season with three points.
However, the Aztex have also lost key players. PDL MVP Kris Tyrpak joined MLS squad Chivas USA, and defender Leone Cruz signed with the San Antonio Scorpions.
Buentello said the team will resemble last year’s squad with a similar up-tempo style that defined the Aztex style of play during the first two seasons. That continuity is further maintained with Pope on the sideline, and 14 returning players on the Aztex roster.
Bolstering the Aztex squad are newcomers including Danny Frid and Adam Black, a duo from last year’s Oklahoma City FC squad. During the preseason, Frid impressed in the holding midfielder role held by Zachary Garcia in 2012 and 2013. Adam Black scored 11 goals in 12 games during his all-conference season for OKC FC in 2013. Another addition that has impressed the Aztex coaching staff through the preseason is Kalen Ryden, a defender from Midwestern State University.
Newly-appointed team captain Andres Cuero said the team has trained hard through the preseason and ready for the challenge of the season.
“We know that both squads will want to start this season off with the three points,” Cuero said. “We are focused on training hard and preparing well, and our focus is on Saturday’s game.”
Meanwhile, the Dutch Lions enjoyed a strong offseason. The organization advanced to the championship game in the Texas Premier Soccer League before winning seven games in their PDL preseason. Led by team captain Cameron Free, the Dutch Lions will look to end their skid versus the Aztex.
One familiar addition to the Dutch Lions roster for Aztex fans is Emmanuel Frias. Frias manned the goal for the Laredo Heat for the previous three seasons.
The Aztex will be without Travis Golden, who was ruled out after sustaining a hip injury during training earlier in the week. In addition, midfielder Alesi Osorio is ruled out as he is recovering from a mouth injury sustained during preseason.