Soccer Watch

Former Austin Aztex forward Khiry Shelton, Pac-12 player of the year at Oregon State, is projected as a top 10 pick in Thursday's MLS SuperDraft. Word has it two other former Aztex could be picked as well, which would give the team an astounding count of 11 players selected in the past three drafts... The Aztex confirmed this week that they've "entered a cooperation agreement with Brazilian club Coritiba." – which confusingly, to me at least, is in the city of Curitiba (see map)... This Friday is the deadline for the Aztex Early Bird season ticket prices; www.austinaztex.com for more info. Tickets are also on sale for the inaugural ATX Pro Challenge, a four-team MLS preseason tournament that will be hosted by the Aztex, Feb. 13-15 at UT's Mike Myers Stadium. Tickets are on sale at www.texassports.com, and range from $20 for Friday's semifinal doubleheader, to $110 for VIP sideline seating for the full, four-game weekend.

The USA U-20 national team faces elimination in World Cup qualifying in Jamaica, with a tie and a loss in their first two group games. They're playing Aruba as we go to press Wednesday, then end with Jamaica on Sunday, and Trinidad Wednesday, almost certainly needing to win all three to avoid getting knocked out early. The tournament is live on FOX Sports 2 and Univision Deportes.