ST. LOUIS, MO (July 17, 2010) – AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, lost to the Austin Aztex 2-0 on Saturday night in Austin, Texas in a match that seemed to go against the St. Louis club from early on. The loss drops St. Louis’ record to 3-9-4, and ends their three-game unbeaten streak.

St. Louis goalkeeper Alec Dufty was called for a penalty in the 13th minute against Lance Watson. Dufty was left one-on-one with the Austin attacking player, and as he came out to challenge the play he took down Watson without getting any of the ball. The resulting penalty could have given Austin a 1-0 lead, but Dufty came up with a diving stop to his right to earn his second straight penalty save in as many games.

St. Louis forward Chris Salvaggione left the game early in the first half after injuring his ankle. The injury forced Head Coach Dale Schilly to go the bench early and bring in Brad Stisser. The early exit for Salvaggione ended his two-game scoring streak.

More trouble came for AC St. Louis late in the 34th minute when Jeff Cosgriff was ejected for a handball on the goal line. Jamie Watson converted the penalty for a 1-0 Austin lead. Eddie Johnson nearly made it 2-0 when he chipped Alec Dufty from range, but Jack Traynor was able to hustle back to the line for a last gasp clearance to keep St. Louis in the game before halftime.

Having just 10 men did not slow down AC St. Louis in the early stages of the second half. Mike Ambersley made a bid to tie the game with a blistering shot from the right wing that forced Austin goalkeeper Gallardo into a fine save, and reminded the Aztex that St. Louis was still an attack minded team. Dale Schilly shifted his nine field players into a 3-4-2 formation as St. Louis looked for an equalizer.

Unfortunately, Austin’s Maxwell Griffin was able to break through the reduced St. Louis backline to convert a chance with a high shot for a 2-0 lead. The goal with 20 minutes left in the game put the contest out of reach for St. Louis.

AC’s road trip will continue this coming week with games in Montreal and Baltimore.

AC St. Louis next returns home on Saturday July 28 match against the Portland Timbers. Tickets are still available and can be obtained by calling 1-888-STL-GOAL, or by visiting www.ac-stlouis.com.