Monday Morning Midfielder: Aztex vs Crew

Aztex 1 Crew 0. We actually beat the defending MLS & Supporters Shield champs.

First win for the Aztex in front of 1,959 at Nelson Field was great. The weather was cold but not windy. And the funky drummers were providing the energy from the first minute to the end of the game.

Apparently news were coming out mentioning that the Columbus Crew were not looking forward to playing the Aztex at Nelson Field to the artificial turf. They already had Robbie Rogers out for the game due to picking up an injury during a scrimmage. But the crew will have to deal with it during the season seeing that they have to play at New York, New England, Seattle & Toronto (if they didn't change it to grass). That turf issue is what MLS should have tackled in the first place but their priorities in my opinion are more about expansion and less on the playing field (plus the level of play).



The way the Crew play that night showed it. The Aztex dominated on possession, totals shots & fouls. The Crew had 2 good chances all evening and one of those shots were save by Gallardo. Then Eddie Johnson was able to find space in the middle and shoot a 20-yard low shot past Hesmer for a 1-nil lead. Then in the 35th minute Gino Padula's bad tackle on Sullivan Silva produced a red card and the Crew were forced to play 10 men for the entire match. Surprising the Aztex were able to hold on for the win.



Instead of the Crew heading back to the bus, the players stayed on the field and did after the game practice. The coach and coaching staff were not pleased with the performance. The only ones from the Crew that I can think of that showed up for the game were Schelotto (frustrated game for him)& Hedjuk (busy on the flanks defending & attacking).



Here are other news and reports from the game:

Austin Aztex: Austin Aztex FC defeat MLS Champion Columbus Crew 1-0

The Statesman: Aztex beat Columbus Crew 1-0 in exhibition

News 8 Austin: Aztex defeat MLS Champion Columbus Crew 1-0

Columbus Dispatch Crew Xtra Blog: Austin Aztex 1, Crew 0



Chantico's Army: Match Report :: Austin Aztex USL1 v. Columbus Crew

The Aztex's next preseason game will be at Real Salt Lake next Saturday and then after that on April 3 there's a preseason game at Nelson Field against the USL-1 Supporter Shield Champs & USL-1 Finalists the Puerto Rico Islanders. It's a nice turn up for both Real Salt Lake & Puerto Rico since they will be preparing for the upcoming MLS Season & the CONCACAF Champions League Semi-finals.