Austin Aztex 1 - 0 Mississippi Brilla

To take my mind off of, um, recent professional setbacks, I took in the Austin Aztex' final regular-season home game on Sunday. Though they're the under-23 team --- the full-fledged version of the Aztex begins USL First Division play in 2009 --- they looked like a squad ready to take on any bona fide pro team that comes along. They probably didn't win the possession battle, but their attacks didn't break down as much as Brilla's did, and the first-half goal was executed flawlessly. A low cross just into the six-yard box, right to an Aztex boot ready to tap it home. The win secures a Mid South Division Championship; not bad for your first year, lads.

Just a couple of notes:

• Folks? If you can afford eight bucks for a ticket and three to park, you can probably afford soap and deodorant. If it's a choice, go with the Right Guard and watch MLS games on TV. Please.
• As much as I like seeing a favorite team win...if I never, ever, see another soccer match --- at any level --- played on an American football gridiron, it'll be too soon.

Less-than stellar sports photography at your service:

A short video clip from the 2nd half.

Euro 2008 Finals

Germany 0 - 1 Spain




It won't go down as the greatest finals match in Euro history, but congrats are due for the Spanish side. Not conceding a goal through the entirety of the knockout stages is a good recipe for a championship.

Still, for as much as Spain controlled the tempo and created attacks, it should have been a more decisive victory. One goal, on a wild swinging kick that Lehman saves 99.99 per cent of the time? Again, not one for the ages, but a nice enough warmup for WC 2010.