On the Miracle of Austin FC’s Existence

The very existence of this MLS expansion club, in this city, at this time, is practically a miracle. There have been so many things that, if they had gone just a little differently, might have kept this from happening.

To be sure, there were plenty of hurdles that were cleared to get here. Failed attempts at getting downtown land for the stadium, a sitting member of Austin City Council traveling to Columbus on behalf of her constituents there, even a … Read the rest “On the Miracle of Austin FC’s Existence”

On The Naming of an Official Austin FC Mascot

It all gets real on Saturday in Los Angeles. Let’s take a quick look back before Austin becomes Major League.

Last week Austin FC rolled out a spicy media release and an in-person event at an almost-complete McKalla Place, billed as a mascot announcement. Many were likely ready to pounce and troll The Oaks for adopting a new fuzzy and larger-than-life attraction for kids and casual fans.

Austin FC turned those fears away when they announced Austin Pets Alive! as … Read the rest “On The Naming of an Official Austin FC Mascot”

On Chronicle Soccer Coverage, Past & Future

When we started this site in 2015, just before the Austin Aztex (2.0) shut down, we told ourselves we’d stick it out, and try to help keep the soccer flame alive in Austin. Our record on that over the past handful of years is mixed, at best.

If you want to look to someone who has truly kept at it, week in and week out, nobody in this town can hold a candle to Nick Barbaro, author of “Soccer … Read the rest “On Chronicle Soccer Coverage, Past & Future”

Lincoln Rose has posted a three-part chat with Arch Bell and Kit McConnico about the past & future of soccer in Austin. Watch the YouTube clips below (or listen to the audio on SoundCloud: part 1, part 2, & part 3:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

With the 2020 USL Championship season delayed (at a minimum) and a venue that relies on the large crowds now prohibited due to the pandemic, Bobby Epstein’s staff reductions at COTA include Roberto Silva, general manager of Austin Bold FC (and before that, the Austin Aztex).

Bils in The Statesman

Relocation Grudges Past & Future

Historic USA Map

by Chris G.

I hated Orlando after the Aztex (“1.0”) moved there. I hated Orlando a lot. I wished nothing but the worst for that team, top to bottom. I wanted that owner and his greedy and misguided plans to not just fail, but to fail spectacularly. Here’s a bit of what I wrote at the time on my blog, The Aztexan:

I hope Orlando The City Beautiful City Soccer City Club SC or whatever the fuck

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Manneh’s Stock Continues to Climb

Austin soccer fans who followed the 2012 Aztex saw first-hand what a talented player Kekuta Manneh was, and how he grew under coach and father-figure Paul Dalglish. The following year saw him drafted by MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps, where his growth has continued without slowing. The past few weeks have seen the young goal-scorer in headlines across the Internet; here are a few highlights of what the former Aztex striker is up to.

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Still Nothing Concrete in Stadium Search

The Austin American-Statesman published a story yesterday with news of progress – or lack thereof – in the Austin soccer stadium search: Aztex still seeking a place to call home.

Seven months after the franchise announced it was shutting down for a year, the Austin Aztex still need to find a stadium solution before they possibly return to the United Soccer League in 2017.

Owner Rene van de Zande said Aztex management is exploring three or four undisclosed options

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What Swope Park and Titan Village Tell Us

This USL offseason we’ve seen several new teams join the league for 2016. Though it will be at least a year before we see them play against an Austin side, there are aspects of a couple of these announcements that stand out.

One new entrant is Sporting Kansas City’s new team: the Swope Park Rangers. The reception of this new club’s name, logo, and branding has been very positive, and with the solid SKC organization behind them, success is … Read the rest “What Swope Park and Titan Village Tell Us”