In the absence of the Aztex (or any other pro Austin team, so far), I've started another online soccer-related project: FC Shirts United:

The world is crawling with soccer teams. You know a few of them: the teams in your favorite league, the big teams from the world's big leagues.

Welcome to the former home of The Aztexan, a former fan blog of the former Austin Aztex pro soccer team. Soccer supporters in central Texas had three good years backing our lads in red & white before they gave up on us and skedaddled off to Orlando late one October night. (If you're interested in the history of that departure, you can read the previous five posts below.

My first 3 open letter posts have been full of anger and attack, but this fourth and final one is quite different. This one's addressed not to those who have done me wrong, but to those, near and far, who are victims along with me.

My message is as short as it is predictable: thanks. Thanks for the good times, thanks for the beer, thanks for the hilarious chants, thanks for welcoming me in.

I've let Mr. Rawlins have it pretty good the last couple of days, but these shenanigans didn't happen in a vacuum (even though. . . they really sucked *rimshot*). They took place in the larger picture of American soccer, where everything below the stability and strength of MLS is more or less complete and perpetual chaos.

Bless your hearts, you beautiful Orlando Beautiful City Beautiful Soccer Beautiful Club fans.

I'm torn, honestly. I've already gone public with my wishes for Orlando's fate, which were not charitable wishes. Yet I can't help but feel some pity, too. I was once as you, starry-eyed and hopeful, never dreaming of how badly it would end here.

Note to the reader: I've tried to keep things family-friendly since I started here in January, 2008. That policy, like the team itself, has departed. If you don't want to read any obscenities or petty bitterness from a jilted former Aztex fan, stop reading and unsubscribe now. This post is the first spark I'm putting to this blog.

Austin Aztex - Austin Aztex Confirm Relocation of Franchise

10/25/2010 12:00 PM -

AUSTIN, Texas (www.austinaztex.com) It was confirmed today that the Austin Aztex have accepted an offer from a UK led consortium to acquire the Aztex USL franchise, which involves the relocation of the team to the City of Orlando, Fla.

Eighty Six Forever - The Injustice in Portsmouth, and the Indifference in Austin

Austin is a classic example of what detractors call "the franchise model": the idea that sports clubs should be moved from community to community based on whichever community is willing to offer the largest incentive.

Inside Minnesota Soccer - Austin Aztex Likely to Announce Move to Orlando, Florida

It's likely USL will announce next week that Rawlins has found new investors from outside the US and will move to Orlando and join the USL Pro League. They will also form a relationship with Steve Donner, formerly with the Rochester Rhinos and the Orlando Titans Lacrosse team.

Our Game Magazine - Leah Fortune update

In the July 2010 issue of Our Game, we featured 20-year-old American, Leah Fortune, who played for the Brazilian U-20 Women's National Team. A redshirt freshman at the University of Texas, Fortune is second on the team in scoring this fall with four goals and four assists in 13 games.

U.S. Soccer - Portland Timbers Ryan Pore Voted Most USSF D2 Pro League Most Valuable Player

Both Pore and Nolly appear on the Best XI, as does Defensive Player of the Year Greg Janicki. Joining the Vancouver defender on the back line is a pair of Rochester Rhinos in Aaron Pitchkolin [sic] and Troy Roberts.

U.S. Soccer - Portland Timbers' Ryan Pore Named USSF D-2 Pro League Goal Scoring Champion

Rookie of the Year Griffin was an integral part of an Aztex team that scored a league best 53 goals. The midfielder contributed 10 of those goals and set up five in his 29 appearances on the season.

Austin Aztex - League's Leading Goal Scorer Eddie Johnson Transferred to Portland

"It was a really difficult decision to accept Portland's offer. Eddie has become a firm favorite amongst the Aztex fans and is a leader both on and off the field for our club," Aztex President Phil Rawlins said.

¡ahora sí! - Latinos de corazón

Muchos líderes en nuestra comunidad han escogido una misión al cambiar las tendencias negativas para garantizar el bienestar de los latinos, aunque ellos no sean latinos por nacimiento. . . Concluimos el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con un gesto de gratitud a quienes adoptamos como "Latinos de corazón".

You have two great choices for where to come out and support the U.S. men vs. Colombia tonight. The Austin Aztex and 101X are hosting a watch event at Cuatro's on 24th (with "giveaways and prizes"), and American Outlaws Austin, as always, will be at Mister Tramps on 183. Kickoff is 7:00 PM CT.

Major League Soccer - International Friendly Preview: USA vs.