Determination, composure, and heart are the most appropriate words to describe the Tornados performance against the Austin Aztecs. The Tornados’ first game of the season was against the more experienced Austin Aztec, eventually suffering a 4-2 loss. However, that certainly wasn’t the case in this match up.

Austin came out shooting at all cylinders and hit the cross bar in the 4^th minute, showing that they weren’t going to go easy on the Tornados. The Aztecs new that they would have to play well to produce the same result as last time. In the 16^th minute, Austin produced a goal to boost their confidence. The Tornados kept their composure, and Dan Summers scored a volley in an empty net from 28 yards out to tie the game. Prior to Summers’ goal, the net was empty because the Austin keeper collided at the top of the box with his own defender and Brian Sajady. As a result of this collision, Brian Sajady broke his cheek bone in 3 places, and Austin defender Chris Spendlove broke his collar bone. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, the ambulance was called, and the game was delayed for approximately 25 minutes. It is very important to stay focused while having a game delay, especially after a goal. The boys continued to show poise and determination. In the 30^th minute, Adrial Adibe was given a questionable red card . Emotions flared but the Tornados still maintained their composure by playing well with positive attitudes. The half ended at 1-1.

The second half kicked off more intensely than the first. Both teams displayed their speed, precision, and ball control, so it was difficult for either side to score. In the 65^th minute, Austin took the lead 2-1. The Tornados were determined to tie the game. In the 72^nd minute, Dan Summers scored with a converted penalty kick. The score was 2-2 with lots of time left on the clock. Both teams were very aggressive during the last 20 minutes. Emotion, heart, and determination was radiating off the field into the stands. Then in the 80^th minute, a penalty kick was given for the Tornados. Dan Summers capitalized on this opportunity again for the goal , which gave him a hat trick for the night. The score was 3-2 with ten minutes remaining in the game. Then 2 minutes later, Austin demonstrated their quality and perseverance by scoring a through ball goal and tying the game at 3-3. The last 8 minutes felt like 8 hours. The Tornados had many chances to score, and Ron Gravely made a miraculous save from a header off a corner kick. The ball hit the post and was cleared out. The game ended with a final score of 3-3.

After having a player suffer a season ending injury, a player receive red card, and a coach receive a red card, the Tornados were still able to tie a team that beat them in the beginning of the season with ten men on the field. The Tornados next match up is against the Rio Grande Bravos. With the week to prepare, things are looking good for the Tornados.