Monday, April 28

AUSTIN, TX – The Austin Aztex FC today announced its roster for its U23 team which begins play on Saturday, May 3. The current Austin Aztex roster consists of 21 players, several of whom are attending or have graduated from the University of Texas. Many on the roster are local Austin players and will be returning to play for their local club, the Austin Aztex, this summer.

In addition to the local talent on show, there are two players who have played for NCAA National Championship clubs. Another two players have played for the Jamaican National Team. Three players are natives of the United Kingdom and one, from Spain, has played in La Liga. In short, the team has a strong international character, close ties to the Austin community and a wealth of soccer experience both here and abroad.

“While it was not our objective to field a team with this much international variety, it is not surprising that we have ended up here given the global appeal of soccer,” said Aztex Head Coach Wolfgang Suhnholz. “We think these players have a great deal of potential, and it should be fun for the fans in Austin to watch them develop and possibly move into professional ranks next year.”

The Austin Aztex U23 team will play its first league game on Saturday, May 3 in El Paso, with its home opener at Dragon Stadium in Round Rock on Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 PM against the Houston Leones. The 2008 campaign will total 16 games of which eight will be at the Aztex’s home.

“I am truly excited about the quality of the first players we will have out on the field wearing the Aztex colors and representing the Austin community,” said Phil Rawlins, President of the Aztex. “The coaching staff has done a great job of identifying a group of young players who have real potential. We think they will make a big impact in the league in their first season.”

The Austin Aztex will be expanding into the USL First Division in the 2009 season. It has a unique affiliation with Stoke City FC, an English soccer club which is vying for a spot in the prestigious English Premier League. The Austin Aztex and Stoke City FC have plans to work together on a variety of projects, including having Austin host a summer training camp for the English club.