The Austin Aztex advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup after a dominating 3-0 victory Tuesday night against the Dallas-Fort Worth Tornados at House Park.
Despite being up three goals before the 70th minute, the Aztex were still in attack mode and pushing the ball forward in an attempt to create more chances.
Austin’s third goal was scored by forward Jamie Watson in the 63rd minute. Watson’s goal was his second of the night. The opportunity arose when forward Kendell McFayden blasted a shot at goal. Tornados’ goalkeeper Maros Valko deflected the shot towards Watson who was able to rip a left footed volley into the back of the net.
Dallas-Fort Worths’ best chances came at the beginning of the second half when a series of chances resulted in a dangerous corner kick, but nothing came of it.
Another chance for the Tornados came off a bobbled handle from Aztex goalkeeper Sean Kelley. However, moments later Kelley recovered the loose ball and stopped any chance the Tornados’ had of scoring.
The Aztex first real opportunity in the game came in the 8th minute when midfielder Sullivan Silva played a slick through ball to a streaking Watson running down the right side line. Watson was able to turn his defender and hit a ball that curled just wide of the goal.
Austin would still be the team to strike first though, scoring in the 25th minute. Silva attempted to track down a ball toward the top of the box, but was beaten to it by Valko.
Fortunately for Silva, the ball stayed in bounds. Silva tried to chip Valko from just a couple yards off the end line, but was unsuccessful. However, Valko wasn’t able to get a handle on the Silva chipped ball and dropped it right at the feet of a charging Watson. From there all Watson had to do was tuck it away.
The next Aztex score came from starting outside back Joey Worthen. Silva was able to carry the ball through the middle of the field and lay another through ball to Watson running down the right sideline. This time Watson was able to play a ball square across the front of goal to a wide open Worthen, who proceeded to put the ball into the back of the net.
Forward Stephan Campbell almost added the third Aztex goal late in first half when his shot attempt was deflected just wide of the near post. Valko was able to just get a hand on it and keep Campbell from adding to the Aztex lead.
With the win, the Aztex will advance to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup and square off against either the Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) or the Ventura County Fusion (PDL). Austin’s second round match up will be played on June 22 at 7:30 p.m. at House Park.
Game Stats:
Aztex: Kelley; Allen, Bernard (Sakuda 76), Brill, Worthen; Silva, Callahan, Caicedo, McFayden (M. Griffin 83); Campbell, J. Watson (Alvarez 66)
Tornados: Valko; White (Cuero 64), Ross, Taylor, Noel-Williams, De Silva, Shirley, Ward, Lee (Joyner 57), Murch (Kennedy 45), Miller
Goals:
Aztex: Watson 45th minute; Worthen 33’ (Watson); Watson 63’
Tornados:
Shots:
Aztex: 16
Tornados: 7
Fouls:
Aztex: 8
Tornados: 11
Corners:
Aztex: 5
Tornados: 1
Misconduct:
Aztex: Caicedo (Yellow) 21’; Campbell (Yellow) 37’
Tornados: Ward (Yellow) 45’; Shirley (Yellow) 49’; Noel-Williams (Yellow) 58’