Aztex Hold Dynamo to 1-1 Draw

By Kacey Cherry

The Austin Aztex began their pre-season on Sunday against an intimidating fixture, the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup Champions, the Houston Dynamo.  The mood was set as underdogs Aztex stepped onto the field on Houston soil to the beat of Dynamo supporter groups, the El Batallon and Texian Army’s, banging drums and waving flags.

Even though outnumbered in fans and team members, the Aztex were evenly matched in performance as the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Aztex Head Coach Adrian Heath voiced his approval for his team’s effort.  “I’m quite pleased with the outcome. We still have a lot of work to do, lots to work on, obviously fitness wise. We got a bit tired late on in the last 15 minutes, but not a bad start.”

The first half saw few chances on goal with Aztex forward Leonel Saint-Preux offering the best opportunities by consistently outrunning Dynamo defenders, but to no avail as little support was provided for him up top.
The second half brought in much more action with Dynamo player Geoff Cameron suffering an ankle injury in the first 10 minutes. Tensions began to intensify as Aztex player Sean Powers was cautioned in the 60th minute for an illegal tackle.

Shortly thereafter, Dynamo all-time leading goal scorer Brian Ching was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty kick in the 62nd minute. The kick was well taken, with Ching forcing goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo-Aparicio to his right while strategically kicking towards the opposite corner. However, the ball missed the net and bounced off the goal post to protect the Aztex from a Dynamo lead.

A second yellow card was issued, this time to Dynamo player Lovel Palmer in the 66th minute after an aggressive tackle.

The Aztex pulled ahead in the 74th minute with an own goal from Bobby Boswell after miscommunication with goalkeeper Tally Hall. Boswell had headed the ball back to his goalkeeper, but since Hall had already come out to retrieve it, the ball went past him and into the back of the net. 

The Aztex were fired up as Kevin Sakudo charged the Dynamo defense, beating the defenders but launching his shot over the goal. However, the Aztex’s attack was soon restrained as Dynamo forward Erik Ustruck evened the score with four minutes remaining.

“I just saw the ball pop free, and I knew I was the first guy to get there,” said Ustruck.  “So I just ran up to it and just put my foot through.”

The Aztex resisted the Dynamo’s last attempt at goal with Gallardo-Aparicio having to make a critical jumping save in the final few minutes of the match.

Both teams will get a rematch on March 14 when the Houston Dynamo visits Nelson Field in Austin.

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