Attendance :: 13,034

Goals :: IMPACT (Joquiviel 23', Byers 90')

* Stat's courtesy USL.  For a full listing of stats for the match, both team and players, please visit the USLSoccer.com website.

We also knew this would be difficult.  Like our last trip north of the border, we were without some key players:

• Eddie Johnson - out with accumulated yellows, as well as an injured back.
• Gifton Noel-Williams - out with a reoccurring hamstring injury. 
• Yordany Alvarez - out due to travel restrictions (this will also affect our away game in Vancouver).

So, with that, the Aztex put out the following line-up in a 4-4-2 configuration

The Aztex were worried once we discovered what the line ups would be.  Having a number of key players out, and having two new players on defense (Ustruck and Dello-Russo), those of us at Cuatro's wondered if we were going to see a repeat of the first meeting in Montreal, that resulted in a 1-0 halftime score, that turned into a 4-0 shellacking at the final whistle.

First the good news.  Ball management continues to improve.  That Aztex really had the ability to get and keep the ball in the midfield.  Sullivan Silva, as he so often does, had the ability to move the ball up the field through several defenders.  In fact, our movement in the offensive (for the Aztex) third of the field was very nice.  In the 14', forward Kyle Brown had the ball given to him in front of the goal, but too many touches resulted in a missed opportunity.  

However, something happened in the early 20' that showed the Aztex returning to a problem that we've seen before.  The RAW seemed to not be able to or willing to run to the ball to retain possession.  As the Impact play on grass, this resulted in many passes being intercepted by Impact players.  This lack of energy/will resulted in slow reactions.  These subsequently resulted in the Aztex giving up the first goal in the 23'.  What was so painful was the fact that Joquiviel was able to split 2 Aztex defenders to hit the baseline, kick the ball, which was caught and then slipped through the arms of Nick Noble into the goal.  Although some said the Aztex defense walked to the play after Joquiviel passed them, replays didn't seem to support this.  However, the replays did clearly show the Aztex defense not moving with the urgency they should have.

For the remainder of the first half, the Aztex seemed to have disappeared.  Although it may have been a result of the PAINFULLY AWFUL camera work by Fox Soccer Channel (they continually didn't track with the ball so plays occurred off screen), I'm afraid there were too many times when we saw 6 or 7 blue strips and only 1 or 2 Aztex stips.  The only bright spot before half was a break that Silva had to the goal, unfortunately, his shot went directly to the keeper.

In the second half, no substitutions were made for the Aztex.  Disappointing really, as I could think of at least 2 players I would have subbed out.

However, things seemed to go from bad to worse when the Aztex Kieron Bernard was called for a penalty for apparently pushing an Impact player in the box.  However, replays clearly showed (in my opinion) the fall was due to the Impact players loss of balance, and not Kieron's push.  Thankfully, the penalty shot bounced off the cross bar, and the rebound (something that I wish our players would learn about) was directed straight to Nick Noble.  

There were more chances that were missed in the second half.  In the 57', the Aztex missed a great opportunity on a close in foul shot.  In the 74', Kyle Brown seemed to watch a beautiful pass on the attack run by Silva roll past him (resulting in howls from the Cuatro's crowd).  Although we were not playing well, the attacks continued and we felt the chance might arise for an equalizer, especially with Godbolt (sub 63') and McMahen (sub 79') coming in.  Even with 4' stoppage time, we thought we had the chance.

Then it happened.  The Impact's Peter Byer's, a 86' sub, dribble through the ENTIRE AZTEX DEFENSE, and slotted the ball past Nick Noble to take the lead to 2-0, which would be the final score.

The Aztex defense was the biggest disappointment as they allowed players to continually drive through their numbers, resulting in both goals.  Although Silva and Godbolt had some good drives, Brown seemed to not be sure of himself on the pitch.  Nick Noble continued to show good skills, even considering the first goal that rolled through his arms.

So, the latest table for the USL1 as of Monday night is...

You can read the other match reports from local and national sources...

	Austin Aztex Website
	USL Soccer
	No article published on this game
	As this was on Fox Soccer, there is no USLLive recording

The Aztex will next play Miami FC on Saturday, August 29 in Austin (KO is at 7:30 p.m. CDT).  This is the next to last home game (seriously), so your chances to watch the Aztex this season are running out.  The Gaffer has heard a rumor that is very tasty, which you'll all be interested in.  All I'll say is that you should watch the Austin Aztex website on Tuesday, August 25th, as news will be announced that you'll want to hear.

As usual, the Army will gather at The Nomad (corner of Cameron Rd and Corona) for our pre-match gathering.  One thing that is going to change is our starting time.  We will be gathering at The Nomad beginning at 6:00, instead of 5:00.  The main reason for this is the heat.  PHEW.