Austin Aztex Soccer

Aztex overwhelm El Paso Patriots 6-1 in home opener

Well, it sure wasn’t the 0-0 outcome that American soccer fans fear.

The Austin Aztex made their 2012 season home debut Saturday, winning over 6-1 over the El Paso Patriots at House Park. Even though the outcome of the match became readily apparent before halftime, there was plenty of drama and excitement to keep the crowd of 2,507 legitimately entertained through at least 75 of the 90 minutes.

It only took the Aztex a little more than 15 minutes to score the first goal, and it came with a particularly unusual prelude. Ketuka Manneh, the 17-year-old forward (and Lake Travis High School student), now henceforth known as “The Most Fun Aztex Player to Watch,” took a long pass in from Zack Pope, and on his way to a sure goal was tackled (as in an American football-style diving arms-first tackle) by Patriot goalie Victor Rodriguez.

Even though the outcome of the match became readily apparent before halftime, there was plenty of drama and excitement to keep the crowd of 2,507 legitimately entertained through at least 75 of the 90 minutes.

The referee gave Rodriguez a red card for the challenge, and Tony Rocha greeted oncoming substitute keeper Ivan Meza with a successful penalty kick to make it 1-0.

Four minutes later, Jesus “Chuy” Cortes, another "Most Fun to Watch" contender, looped a perfect pass to Kristopher Tyrpak, who put his head (and snazzy headband) on the ball for his first of three goals on the night.

And the fun was just beginning. Five minutes later, Cortes had another pretty assist on William Morse’s goal to make it 3-0. Three minutes after that, a Patriots would-be goal was disallowed for an offside violation; Ernesto Bolivar didn't let being on the sidelines stop him from making a spirited rebuttal to the call, and receiving a yellow card for his input. Just before the half ended, David Salas, who received the game’s first yellow card just ten minutes into the game, got sent off for a second yellow, on a foul which came after several instances of I-dare-you-to-eject-me petulance.

The Aztex, starting the second half with a three-goal lead and playing 11 vs. nine, made the Patriots’ bus ride home that much worse with Tyrpak and Manneh scoring to make it 5-0. The Patriots’ Naoyas Aizawa converted a rare Aztex defensive lapse into a moral victory goal in the 64th minute, but Tyrpak answered four minutes later to complete his hat trick, and at 6-1, the Aztex pretty much went into passing drill mode for the remainder of the game.

“Regarding the attendance, we were pleasantly surprised. We know Austin has some very passionate soccer fans,” said Aztex spokesperson Stephen Rodriguez. “Saturday's attendance indicated that many people missed having a local soccer team to support. Whether at the USL Pro level or PDL level, the passion for the game is there, and we're happy to be Austin's soccer team.”

The fans (many wearing jerseys repping their favorite EPL or national teams) were generally upbeat and animated throughout the game. The halftime show was on the wan end of the production values spectrum, comprised of four fans from the crowd squaring off in a dizzy rooster/goal shooting competition. But Rodriguez notes the Aztex plan to involve Austin musicians with future halftime shows, and Amy’s Ice Creams and The Peached Tortilla are among the local food vendors who will help feed the fans at future matches.

The Aztex play their next home game this coming Thursday against the Texas Dutch Lions. Every Aztex home game this season starts at 7:30 p.m; ticket info is available at the Aztex website.

unspecified

News on the Court

Huge pickleball franchise serves up first 2 Austin-area locations

The Picklr/Instagram

This growing chain of indoor courts plans five location in the Austin area.

Austin rings with the rubbery pop of pickleball as it takes over as the 2020s-defining sport. Joining the local fray in fall 2024 is The Picklr, a network of indoor pickleball courts that plans to open five locations across Austin and Round Rock over the next year-and-a-half.

The Utah-headquartered network calls itself North America’s fastest-growing indoor pickleball franchise, and its living up that reputation by launching its first two Austin-area locations at once: one at Round Rock Crossing (3021-3023 S I-35 Frontage Rd.) and the other in a former Walmart building in West Austin's Four Points neighborhood (8201 N FM 620).

Even though they're indoors, the courts will feature outdoor-style surfacing, and accommodate unlimited league play, tournaments, and open play. Alongside those courts is dedicated practice and warmup space, plus a pro shop, and a space for private events.

Both are large, but the Austin location is much bigger, coming at 39,000 square feet and encapsulating 11 courts. Sharing a small portion of the Austin space is Wired Fitness & Rehab. Round Rock's location fits eight courts in 25,000 square feet.

The Picklr works on a membership basis without tiers — all players have the same level of access. Bookings are also unlimited in frequency, although only one reservation may be held at once. For more organized play, members can participate in skill-based clinics, which take place on a weekly basis, or one-on-one lessons.

“We’re fortunate that Austin is home to one of the best pickleball communities in the country, and it’s had such a positive impact on our lives. That’s why we’re excited to build a club with pro-level resources and help make pickleball more accessible to everyone,” said The Picklr Round Rock owners Jennifer Zanfardino and Chris Gennarelli.

The owners of the West Austin location, David and Karen Hoisington, are multi-generational Austinites who have taken local sports to heart since childhood. They point out the stores leagues tying together the Austin scene. “Being part of a strategic partnership with leaders in the Pickleball sport has been inspiring and a privilege for us. Pickleball Inc., PPA Tour, MLP and Pickleball Central are all set to drive growth and memberships at The Picklr. We are excited to come alongside the awesome Pickleball community in Austin, Texas.”

The Austin-area locations are among 300 new ones being built "over the next few years," housing about 2,500 courts. Online reviews of Picklr vary, often due to shifts in policy as the fast-growing franchise creates its standardized rule set.

New users can sign up for a $10, 30-day trial. Both the West Austin and Round Rock locations will accept applications for founding members, which are just regular members with a permanent discount as thanks for signing up early. A submission form on each page will notify interested players when presales start.

sports pickleball openings