Jamie Watson Scores Opening Goal
(photo — Rick Arnold, Eclipse Pictures)
Before a record crowd of 1,731, the Austin Aztex U23s made an outstanding home stand tonight at Dragon Stadium, against a tough and determined Atlanta Silverbacks side. The final score was 2-2, with Atlanta progressing to the second round based on penalty kicks.
Jamie Watson put the home team ahead just before half on a header set up by Kevin Klaus. In the second half, Miguel Gallardo saved an Atlanta PK, but the Silverbacks equalized in the 81st minute on a run by Macamba Kandji. The score was tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Less than ten minutes into overtime, Atlanta’s Mahaffey was ejected with a straight red card for a reckless challenge in the penalty area. Austin was then the first to strike in the overtime period, on a goal by Willy Guadarrama just one minute after he had entered the game. Atlanta was awarded another penalty kick opportunity, and evened the score at 2-2. That score held to the end of extra time, sending the game to penalty kicks. Austin’s Beto Papandrea was the first to miss his conversion, and the Silverbacks prevailed, 5:4.
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6/11/08
