In what could be a signal of their ultimate intentions -- or just more smoke -- it appears as if the Austin Aztex will be moving to Orlando for next season.
USL’s Austin Aztex Appear To Be Moving To Orlando
Inside Minnesota Soccer -- one of the main news outlets for minor league soccer -- is reporting that Aztex owner Phil Rawlins is set to make an announcement about the move next week.
What that moves means, exactly, is really just speculation, though rumors are that Rawlins intends to the USL Pro, a newly formed league that will play in Division 3.
If the Aztex had chosen to stay in Texas and play in Division 2 with the NASL -- a league that is still seeking certification from the U.S. Soccer Federation -- they would have been significantly isolated geographically. The closest team to them this year was AC St. Louis, which is about 850 miles away and is having serious financial troubles.
The move to Orlando could fit into the NASL or USL Pro, which hoping to be split into several regional conferences in order to reduce travel costs and build on natural rivalries. In the NASL, the Orlando franchise would be near expected teams in Tampa Bay, Miami and Carolina. Among the teams already announced to be playing in USL Pro are the Charleston Battery and a new team in Ft. Lauderdale.
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