Victoria Highlanders Welcome the Austin Aztex
Posted on: Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Victoria Highlanders are pleased to announce the upcoming match with USL Division 1 club, Austin Aztex, on Tuesday September 15th at Bear Mountain Stadium at CityCenterPark. Kick-off is 7pm.
Earlier this summer Highlander’s General Manager Drew Finerty and Aztex owner Phil Rawlins agreed to an affiliation partnership to foster development of young soccer players through their respective PDL and USL1 clubs. The focus of the agreement is to create opportunities for developing players through the Highlander’s system and provide the Aztex “first rights” to young footballers with a chance to play at the higher USL level.
In mid August, three Highlanders traveled to Texas for a ten day trial with the Aztex. Jordie Hughes, Tynan Diaz and Jason Devenish showed glimpses of the type of player the Highlanders have attracted and expect to move up to the professional ranks and all 3 gained valuable experience and perhaps an invitation to attend the 2010 training camp in Austin next spring.
The Highlanders will be fielding an experienced team of players that come from their winter clubs along with a few trialists and young Reserve team players. Returning from the summer First squad are GK Jose Herrera, Captain Rob Veenhof, MVP Paul Vandenboomen, Tynan Diaz and Craig Robertson at fullback; midfielders Jordie Hughes, Jason Devenish and Matt Pele. Up front Patrick Gawrys and Steve Scott will lead the attack. Reservists Chris Merriman and Chris Arnett will also be in the lineup, along with trialists Goalkeeper Trevor Stiles, fullback Tyler Hughes, midfielders Will Moore, James Merriman and Tyler Rosenlund. Steve Simonson will run the bench in light of the departure of Scottish International Coach Colin Miller.
Other community events scheduled for Monday September 14th on this first visit by Austin include: a “Coaches Invitation” to watch the Aztex training session from 12:30-2pm; Media Conference from 2:30-3:30; Aztex clinics for Metro Boys teams (U14/U15 @ 4pm and U16/U17 @ 5:15) and an exhibition match between the U18 Metro vs Lakehill (Div 1 Mens) at 6:30. All these events take place at Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence (PISE). The public is welcome to attend and watch a full professional setting.
Ticket sales for the Highlanders vs Aztex match are available at the Highlanders (new) office: #108-1913 Sooke Rd (Colwood Corners), Lower Island Soccer Assn: #101-1246 Esquimalt Rd and Be A Fan Ticket Outlet in Sports Traders: 508 Discovery St, or by phone (250) 590-8432.
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