(Story courtesy of Southwestern University and Trinity University)
AUSTIN, Texas - Current Southwestern Pirates assistant men's soccer coach, Zack Pope and former Trinity Tigers men's soccer All-America Zach Garcia were key components for the Austin (Texas) Aztex, who claimed their first United Soccer League's Premier Development League championship.
On Sunday, August 4th, the Aztex rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Thunder Bay Chill 3-1 at House Park. Thunder Bay took the lead in the second minute of play. But Austin responded minutes later and evened the score at 1-1. The Aztex widened the lead with a goal in the 22nd minute, thanks to an assist from Pope, and then scored in the first minute of stoppage time of the first half.
Pope served as team captain and is a player/coach for the Aztex, helping lead the team to a 19-3-2 overall record this season as they claimed the Southern Conference title and the PDL Championship.
Pope joined the Pirates as the Assistant Men's Soccer Coach in the fall of 2010. Pope is no stranger to the Austin area, he attended Round Rock Stony Point High School where he was a McDonald's All-American and Nike All-Star. After high school, Pope continued on to play at Duke University where he was a Freshman All-American and NCAA Final Four participant. Following his graduation in 2007, Pope was drafted to play Major League Soccer in 2008 by the Chicago Fire
Garcia, a 2012 Trinity graduate (business administration), earned All-America honors for three years, from 2009-2011. He was elected to the 2011 D3Soccer.com All-America Second Team, an accolade he also received in 2010. Garcia also was selected for the 2011 National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Continental Tires NCAA Division III All-America First Team. He also was named to the NSCAA All-Far West Region Team, and to the All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Team.
Following the 2009 season, Garcia was an NSCAA Second Team All-American, and was a First Team selection in 2010. Garcia was also voted the SCAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2010.
During his collegiate career, Garcia scored 19 goals and 12 assists, totaling 50 points in 78 games played.
Garcia joined the Aztex in March. he had played eight games for Austin during the 2012 campaign. As a starter, Garcia propelled the Aztex to the playoffs. Following the season, Garcia signed a professional contract with the San Antonio Scorpions of the North American Soccer League.
