El Paso Takes On Austin Aztex at Patriot Stadium,
Two-for-One Admission On Tap for PDL Opener

The El Paso Patriots officially begin their 18th season of soccer in grand fashion against a brand new Mid-South Division foe, the Austin Aztex. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MDT at Patriot Stadium, 6941 Industrial Ave., two blocks south of I-10 off of Hawkins Blvd. The match doubles as a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifying match for both teams.

Soccer fans can take advantage of two-for-one admission for Saturday’s game, and children 12 and under can take part in a mini-camp conducted by Patriots players before the match. The camp runs from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. inside Patriot Stadium. For information on tickets, call the Patriots office at 915/771.6620 or check the website, www.elpaso-patriots.com, for more information.

New head coach and Director of Soccer Miguel Murillo will bring an attacking style of soccer to Patriot Stadium for the Pats’ fifth campaign in the Premier Development League. A mix of new faces and familiar names fills out the 2008 roster, but the aim is the same – a return to the top of the table in the Mid-South and a PDL title.

Murillo, a 16-year veteran of the Mexican League where he played for First Division giants Cruz Azul and America, and has a FIFA “A” coaching license. Murillo’s mix of incoming collegiate talent like Ben Everson of West Texas A&M and longtime Patriots like Omar Mora should give the coach plenty of options on the attack, while middle defender Hugo Sámano returns to anchor the back line.

Defending PDL champs, the Laredo Heat, return to defend their division and league titles. Also returning are the DFW Tornados, Mississippi Brilla FC, the Baton Rouge Capitals and the New Orleans Shell Shockers. New additions in the Mid-South are the Houston Leones and the Aztex.

The Aztex are backed by Stoke City of England’s Coca-Cola Championship (one step below the English Premier League) and, much as Murillo is bringing his international experience to bear for the Patriots, the Aztex new Director of Soccer is former Premier League player and coach Adrian Heath.

Heath played for the U21 English National Team and won an FA Cup with Everton, where he is a member of the Merseyside club’s Hall of Fame. Starting with his hometown team, Stoke City, Heath also played for Manchester City, Aston Villa and Spanish side Espanyol. He has coached Sheffield United, Burnley and Coventry City.

Former European professional and U20 U.S. National Team coach Wolfgang Suhnholz will lead the PDL Aztex.

The Patriots are once again pleased to offer fans the opportunity to watch home matches live from the team’s website (www.elpaso-patriots.com). Check the front page for the link. Duke Keith of KLAQ/KROD and MetroSports Southwest once again calls the action online. Better yet, come to the game then check the replay with archived video at the Patriots website.