Thanks to MFUSA reader Chris of The Aztexan, I'm now overflowing with Austin Aztex information.
Makes sense then, to make the Aztex today's USL Project focus.
There's something about Austin, the ownership, and the connections that the team has that makes it a very appealing option; let's do the scoring and see how the first year USL-1 side stacks up.
Geography
Austin is the home of the University of Texas. Austin has a reputation as a weird, funky kind of city. Austin is about as far away from stereotypical Texas as a city in the state can get (or rather, that's my impression). Again, another city on the list I have not visited yet (apparently I need to get out more), though I've at least spent some time in that part of the world. Giving Austin bonus in the geography, mostly because I can, but partly because I dig the weird.
Score: 7
History
This is where all of the information that Chris provided me comes in handy. Austin's soccer history is fairly typical for any decent-sized American town, with the obligatory indoor soccer team(s) and an attempts at the outdoor game. "Rocky" was the impression I got from Chris' email and I'm going to stick with that assessment. Still, the team now has an owner with the all the right pedigrees (including a stake in Stoke City) and the Aztex' rapid ascension from PDL (where they still have a team competing) to USL-1 is extremely impressive.
Score: 6
Name/Colors
The name "Aztex" doesn't strike me as particularly good, thought I understand the reasons behind it. A lukewarm rating there, thought the club more than makes up for it with a badge and colors that tie in to their connection with Stoke City. Perhaps it's the soft spot I have for Stoke that is leading my feelings here, though it would be difficult to argue with the classic look. One of the best scores of the bunch so far, and like Cleveland, is only a "9" because I just can't let myself hand out a perfect "10".
Score: 9
Supporter Passion
Because Austin is new to USL-1, this is a tough one. The Aztex play in a high school stadium for the time being, and while I appreciate their circumstances (and Chris assures me that a soccer-specific stadium is on the agenda), I can't in good conscious sweep that fact under the rug. The club certainly has a strong online presence, not just due to their impressive website, but also thanks to blogs like Native Aztexan and Chris' aforementioned The Aztexan. The team's main supporters' group is Chantico's Army, looks to be organized and passionate, something I certainly like to see. Add to all of this the owner's availability (Chris tells me he often joins supporters at the pub before the game), and the Aztex clearly have the makings of a well supported team with a passionate group of core fans.
Score: 7
Total Score: 29
That's a pretty damned good score there, and will certainly serve the Aztex well in the overall competition for my allegiance. I was tempted to take off a point or two for the field turf the team plays on at home, but I would just have to give them back for the effort Chris put in on behalf of his team.
You never know, I might be an Aztex fan at the end of this quest...
