7/11 New Orleans - Austin; 7/12 Baton Rouge - Austin

[VioletCrown]

The other thread was intended for the We Won posts, this one to discuss next week's games.

It's a Friday - Saturday set, first against New Orleans (who we beat here 1-0 early on) and then Saturday against Baton Rouge (who we beat here 3-0 a couple Saturdays ago).

The games are big for everyone else in the division. Second place is still up in the air. El Paso currently has the edge, but both Baton Rouge and New Orleans could nip in.

Looking over the remaining games, I'd say that Laredo and Mississippi have the best chance at the spot, partly because they're done playing us, and partly because they have two of their three remaining games at home.

Home field advantage has been big in our group, and that means New Orleans can't be overlooked. All four of their remaining games are at home. So, though they're last in the group of 'not yet eliminated', they have an advantage that's hard to overlook.

Here's the rundown:

21 El Paso - 3 games left: @ Miss, @ Lar, Aus
19 Laredo - 3 games left: Hou, EP, @ NO
18 Mississippi - 3 games left: EP, @ BR, Hou
16 Baton Rouge - 3 games left: Aus, @ NO, Miss
15 New Orleans - 4 games left: DFW, Aus, BR, Laredo

Whether we keep rolling can decide who finishes second, and unless things break out this next weekend, our game out on El Paso could decide the Patriots' season for them.

[VioletCrown]

On the stats front, despite having Sunday off, Ezzy has worked his way back up to #3 on the Foul Leaders table (http://www.uslsoccer.com/stats/2008/Top10.8630213.html) (at the bottom).

And Miguel is making a serious run (http://www.uslsoccer.com/stats/2008/Top10.8630213.2.html) at Goalkeeper of the Year, as far as I'm concerned. He's #1 on GA Leaders, Shutout Leaders, and GAA Leaders; and #2 on GK Win Leaders.

Though, considering that he hasn't had to do that much work, maybe one of our guys should be up for defender of the year. Beto? Wes Allen? Josh Alcala?

Uh-oh. I'm in danger of confusing this thread with the "congrats, we're an awesome team" thread.

[mgrayscale]

Though, considering that he hasn't had to do that much work, maybe one of our guys should be up for defender of the year. Beto? Wes Allen? Josh Alcala?

Talk about your hard calls...My vote would probably have to go

1. Josh Alcala
2. Beto
3. Jamie Scope
4. Wes Allen
5. Kieran

Amazingly, all are really good (although I'd love to see distributions get better).

The area that you won't get any argument from me on is Miguel for PDL Keeper of the year. The numbers speak for themselves.

[VioletCrown]

Talk about your hard calls...My vote would probably have to go

1. Josh Alcala
2. Beto
3. Jamie Scope
4. Wes Allen
5. Kieran

Amazingly, all are really good (although I'd love to see distributions get better).

The area that you won't get any argument from me on is Miguel for PDL Keeper of the year. The numbers speak for themselves.

I grabbed the top 'minutes played' players for my list. I haven't gone through and analyzed deeper as to who was on the field for the shutouts. I guess we should wait and see how the last three games and playoffs pan out. It's fun to me that Wes was picked out (http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/column?oid=oid%3A608524) back in April as someone to watch.

[mgrayscale]

I guess we should wait and see how the last three games and playoffs pan out.

No waiting. I prefer the aboslutely illogical, unfounded in reality, emotional selection that will eventually get me voted off the island.

Wow, I really have to cut back on the caffeine.

[Roma_Wolves]

Alcala's been one of my favorite players all season.

[Budaztex]

I've been to all the home games & also the Houston game, and I totally agree that Miguel is by far the best in the league. The defense has been solid and they don't get much pub so I was glad to see them getting a little love.

[mgrayscale]

I just spoke with David (Director of Operations for the Aztex) while he was driving through La Grange with the team. He will send me text messages during the matches tonight and tomorrow night so that I can post them online in this forum. So check back here frequently between 7:30 and 9:30 for match updates.

[VioletCrown]

I just spoke with David (Director of Operations for the Aztex) while he was driving through La Grange with the team. He will send me text messages during the matches tonight and tomorrow night so that I can post them online in this forum. So check back here frequently between 7:30 and 9:30 for match updates.

Gyq8N3hJeeM

[Real_Madrid1006]

Wow, so now David goes with the team out of town? Last year you couldn't get him to go anywhere. I heard them ask him and he was always too busy. It seems he was always to busy too do anything...home or away. Wait, I remember...he used to hang signs and take pictures. Wow, so much is making sense now.

I'm glad for Phil and the Aztex...but two of the owners were manipulating and don't deserve the good fortune they are having.

Best of luck to the Aztex...I actually caught the Tigres game...good stuff.

[mgrayscale]

Wow, so now David goes with the team out of town? Last year you couldn't get him to go anywhere. I heard them ask him and he was always too busy. It seems he was always to busy too do anything...home or away. Wait, I remember...he used to hang signs and take pictures. Wow, so much is making sense now.

I'm glad for Phil and the Aztex...but two of the owners were manipulating and don't deserve the good fortune they are having.

Best of luck to the Aztex...I actually caught the Tigres game...good stuff.

Not sure where this came from, but I can tell you that David has been on every road trip this season with the Aztex, including El Paso and Mississippi. I've also seen him at the Houston, DFW, and Laredo matches. He's also bent over backwards to help this supporters groups with updates when we haven't been able to get out to road matches.

I'm not sure who the two owners you're talking about, and frankly don't want to. To date, I've seen nothing but professionalism from every member off the organization. Sorry to hear that some history between you and them have caused bad feelings, but their performance to date with the Aztex and the community has been exemplory.

[duality72]

I'm not sure who the two owners you're talking about, and frankly don't want to. To date, I've seen nothing but professionalism from every member off the organization. Sorry to hear that some history between you and them have caused bad feelings, but their performance to date with the Aztex and the community has been exemplory.

Seconded.

[VioletCrown]

Wow, so now David goes with the team out of town? Last year you couldn't get him to go anywhere. I heard them ask him and he was always too busy. It seems he was always to busy too do anything...home or away. Wait, I remember...he used to hang signs and take pictures. Wow, so much is making sense now.

I'm glad for Phil and the Aztex...but two of the owners were manipulating and don't deserve the good fortune they are having.

Best of luck to the Aztex...I actually caught the Tigres game...good stuff.

Sour grapes.

I don't know about you, but if I'm volunteering for an organization that is on a shoestring and not going anywhere (and probably having to spend my own money on road trips), I'm going to put in a lot less effort than I will for an organization that is going to be professional very soon.

[VioletCrown]

Not sure where this came from, but I can tell you that David has been on every road trip this season with the Aztex, including El Paso and Mississippi. I've also seen him at the Houston, DFW, and Laredo matches. He's also bent over backwards to help this supporters groups with updates when we haven't been able to get out to road matches.

I don't recall how early you joined the boards, but Real Madrid was on the Lightning last year, and chose to not try out for the Aztex because he doesn't like Wolfgang and Murphy. And early on he said that Marcel Uriarte was poison and has ruined every team he's been on.

So take his comments with that perspective.

Kinda sucks to be proven so wrong.

But maybe we'll go down in flames in the playoffs and he'll get the last laugh.

[Real_Madrid1006]

VC,

Not wanting the team to go down in flames...quite the contrary. Would love to see the team win it all for the hometown.

Won't talk about the subject anymore, was just surprised. You obviously weren't there and are just basing your opinion on what you know to date.

I'm actually very thrilled that Austin is getting USL1...it is long overdue. I too have been very impressed with Mr Rawlins and the things I have read and heard about him in the media.

I actually own a replica...and don't have sour grapes as far as Rawlins and the Aztex are concerned. If you knew me you would know that I have been one of their biggest supporters. Doesn't mean I have to like the coahcing staff or anyone else. I think the team is doing great...have several friends on the team. I too am proud of the hometeam...even though I chose not to play there this year.

[mgrayscale]

VC,

Not wanting the team to go down in flames...quite the contrary. Would love to see the team win it all for the hometown.

Won't talk about the subject anymore, was just surprised. You obviously weren't there and are just basing your opinion on what you know to date.

I'm actually very thrilled that Austin is getting USL1...it is long overdue. I too have been very impressed with Mr Rawlins and the things I have read and heard about him in the media.

I actually own a replica...and don't have sour grapes as far as Rawlins and the Aztex are concerned. If you knew me you would know that I have been one of their biggest supporters. Doesn't mean I have to like the coahcing staff or anyone else. I think the team is doing great...have several friends on the team. I too am proud of the hometeam...even though I chose not to play there this year.

Real Madrid, my hat is off to you sir. Next time we have a post match bevvie, or maybe at Mother Egan's for the El Paso match, I'd like to buy you a pint.

[Real_Madrid1006]

Hopefully we'll get to host a playoff game and as long as it's not on the last weekend in July...I'll be happy to have that beverage!!!

Shoot, if we could host the championships...we'd be on TV. I could make a fool of myself for my 5 seconds of fame!!!

[VioletCrown]

Hopefully we'll get to host a playoff game and as long as it's not on the last weekend in July...I'll be happy to have that beverage!!!

Shoot, if we could host the championships...we'd be on TV. I could make a fool of myself for my 5 seconds of fame!!!

Well, first round (conference) playoffs are the last weekend in July 25-27. You can skip the vacation trip and eat your plane tickets, right?;)

[Real_Madrid1006]

...hhhhhmmm...NOT!

I'm going to the beach and since I've been hurt since May, it will be the first 'real' thing I've done in a while.

Besides..have you seen the cost of the plane tickets? We are trying to figure out if we should buy clothes there and try to have a `hotel sale` right before we leave so we don't take or bring anything back since they charge you for everything!

But, I'm predicting Aztex will go further than the first round...so, I still gotta chance to get that pint!!!!

[VioletCrown]

...hhhhhmmm...NOT!

I'm going to the beach and since I've been hurt since May, it will be the first 'real' thing I've done in a while.

Besides..have you seen the cost of the plane tickets? We are trying to figure out if we should buy clothes there and try to have a `hotel sale` right before we leave so we don't take or bring anything back since they charge you for everything!

But, I'm predicting Aztex will go further than the first round...so, I still gotta chance to get that pint!!!!

If nothing else, maybe you can hit him up at a World Cup qualifier. I'm sure we'll get together for those.