Soccer Watch

Former Austin Aztex forward Khiry Shelton (Vista Ridge High) went to NYCFC as the second player picked in last week's MLS SuperDraft. Four other former Aztex – defender Kalen Ryden, and midfielders Tony Rocha, Dan Metzger, and Seth Casiple – were drafted as well, bringing the count to 13 players picked up by the MLS in the Aztex' three years in the amateur Premier Development League; I'm not sure any team at any level can match that record... This year, of course, the Aztex are making the jump to USL-PRO; to that end, they announced four more signings this week: USL PRO veterans Lance Rozeboom, Kyle Hoffer, Ryan Roushandel, and Bryce Taylor... The Aztex also announced a partnership with Lonestar Soccer Club, which has youth teams for kids ages 4-18. The Aztex will serve as an advisor to the Lonestar Develop­ment Academy program, specifically the U-16 and U-18 teams, and will "build a pathway for Lonestar players who wish to and are capable of pursuing a professional career"... Tickets for the inaugural ATX Pro Challenge, a four-team MLS preseason tournament hosted by the Aztex, Feb. 13-15 at UT's Mike Myers Stadium are now on sale directly through the Aztex website, www.austinaztex.com.

The USA U-20 national team bounced back from a slow start to record three straight wins in World Cup qualifying in Jamaica this week. They now face a one-game playoff Saturday (opponent TBD), with the winner advancing to this summer's World Cup in New Zealand. The tournament is being shown live on FOX Sports 2 and Univision Deportes.

The Austin History Center Association will hold their annual Angelina Eberly Luncheon this Friday, Jan. 23 at 11:30am, honoring Angelina Belle Peyton Eberly, heroine of Texas' "Archives War" in the early days of the Republic of Texas. Austin Aztex fans should understand the significance.