Copa Tejas News
4 Takeaways from Austin's 1-1 Draw with FC Dallas
Austin American-Statesman
By Colby Gordon
In a thrilling match showcasing the talent of Austin FC, Owen Wolff proved to be a standout player as they faced FC Dallas in the ongoing Copa Tejas rivalry. This match not only highlights the competitive spirit of Major League Soccer but also sets the stage for the exciting developments in the USL Championship. For more details, visit the full article at https://www.statesman.com/sports/mls/article/owen-wolff-austin-fc-mls-fc-dallas-20821019.php.
FC Dallas squanders lead late (again) as Austin FC claims Copa Tejas
Dallas Morning News
By Jonathan Check
In a thrilling match, FC Dallas squandered a late lead, allowing Austin FC to triumph in the Copa Tejas. You can read more about the match that showcased intense competition between these two Texas rivals at https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/fc-dallas/2022/07/16/fc-dallas-squanders-lead-late-again-as-austin-fc-claims-copa-tejas/. The performance of both teams adds to the excitement of the ongoing USL Championship season.
Austin FC Lifts Copa Tejas With Draw Against FC Dallas Club extends record no-loss streak to seven
The Austin Chronicle BY ERIC GOODMAN https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/sports/2022-07-17/austin-fc-lifts-copa-tejas-with-draw-against-fc-dallas/ In a thrilling match, Austin FC secured the Copa Tejas title by drawing against FC Dallas, showcasing their talent as they prepare for the upcoming USL Championship season.
Austin FC comes back to earn draw versus FC Dallas, win first trophy in team history
Austin American Statesman
Colby Gordon, Austin American Statesman Correspondent - In an exciting match, Austin FC managed to tie with FC Dallas, solidifying their position at the top of the MLS standings while also claiming victory in the Copa Tejas. For more details, visit: https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/mls/2022/07/17/austin-fc-ties-fc-dallas-to-remain-tops-in-mls-win-copa-tejas/65375079007/
Austin FC take Copa Tejas over FC Dallas: "We’re not done yet"
MLS.com
By Matt Gaschk
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/austin-fc-take-copa-tejas-over-fc-dallas-we-re-not-done-yet
Austin FC celebrated their victory in the Copa Tejas against FC Dallas, emphasizing that their journey is far from over. As they continue to compete, the anticipation for the upcoming USL Championship adds excitement to their season.
VOTE ON NAMING THE ALL COPA TEJAS TEAM - Monday, September 28, 2020
COPA TEJAS: THE ALL COPA TEJAS TEAM
The COPA IX
Supporters have shared their selections for the best USL Championship players in Texas. Drum roll, please, as we proudly announce the inaugural All Copa Tejas Team! Are you ready?
Goalkeeper:
- Matt Cardone - SAFC
Defenders:
- Andrew Fox - EP Locomotive
- Blake Smith - SAFC
- Connor Maloney - SAFC
- Mitchell Taintor - SAFC
Midfielders:
- Dylan Mares - EP Locomotive
- Cristian Parano - SAFC
- PC - SAFC
- Billy Forbes - Austin Bold
Forwards:
- Omar Salgado - EP Locomotive
- Luis Solignac - SAFC
Huge congratulations to each player who made The Copa 11. This is truly history in the making!
3) The Copa Tejas Coach of the Year - Alen Marcina, San Antonio FC. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Coach Marcina - a well-deserved honor!
4) The Supporters' Player of the Year - Jose Gallegos - SAFC. Well done, Jose - another well-deserved recognition!
5) Honorable Mentions: Joshua Yaro - SAFC, Bryam Rebellion - El Paso, Mechack Jerome - El Paso, Ignacio Bailone - SAFC, Louis Herrera - El Paso Locomotive, Aaron Gómez - El Paso Locomotive, Jose Gallegos - SAFC, Logan Ketterer - El Paso Locomotive. Let's continue to support our teams in the USL Championship, including Austin FC and FC Dallas!
VOTE ON NAMING THE ALL COPA TEJAS TEAM - Monday, September 28, 2020
COPA TEJAS INVITES SUPPORTERS & FANS TO VOTE ON NAMING THE ALL COPA TEJAS TEAM
SAN ANTONIO, Texas ¾ Copa Tejas announced today that it is inviting supporters and fans to vote on selecting the first All Copa Tejas Team from among the current players on the four Texas USL Championship teams, which include Austin FC, FC Dallas, Rio Grande Valley Toros, El Paso Locomotive FC, and San Antonio FC.
Copa Tejas is an annual supporters-driven trophy awarded at the end of the USL Championship regular season to the Texas team with the best head-to-head record. However, during the 2020 season, the trophy’s organizing committee announced that the cup would not be awarded this season due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, which forced the league into regional groups and separated El Paso into a different division.
Supporters and fans can cast their votes for the players they believe are most deserving of a spot on The All Copa Team – also known as The Copa Tejas 11 – by clicking on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2T37nPfjkRhbFH6Amt3zbwjV66gp_-QmSs6_cGvKxSCq_QA/viewform.
Rosters were compiled from the websites of the four teams, with positions officially listed. A standard 4-4-2 formation was chosen to designate the number of spots for each position. Additionally, supporters and fans will be able to select a Copa Tejas Coach Of The Year from among the current coaches of Texas USL Championship teams, along with a Supporters’ Player Of The Year, which celebrates the player who best embodies the “Copa Tejas Spirit” of engagement with fans and their football community.
Voting for The All Copa Tejas Team, Coach Of The Year, and Supporters’ Player Of The Year begins on Monday, Sept. 28, and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Copa Tejas co-founders Steve Arters and Danielle Gawronski organized the launch of this trophy in early 2019 and handle all administrative duties while coordinating with an advisory board of state supporters and the various Texas USL Championship supporters groups. Austin FC notably won the inaugural Copa Tejas Trophy towards the end of the 2019 regular season.
“We’re excited to give supporters and fans the chance to select The All Copa Tejas Team because there’s incredible talent among the Texas USL Championship teams,” Arters said. “Plus, the Supporters’ Player Of The Year will highlight the player who truly connects with the supporters' community, and we believe it will grow in importance over time.”
“2020 has posed significant challenges, and we think this initiative will give all supporters and fans a reason to promote their team and recognize the outstanding players on other Copa teams,” Gawronski added. “As they say, everything’s bigger in Texas, and we believe that will be reflected in the first All Copa Tejas Team, so make sure to vote.”
To learn more about Copa Tejas, please visit www.copatejas.com.
Supporters' COVID-19 Statement - Monday July 6, 2020
In these unprecedented times, change has been a constant theme. We waited to study the released @USLChampionship Group schedules before engaging with supporters across Texas about what Copa Tejas should do in 2020.
The voices of supporters from teams like Austin FC, FC Dallas, and others were unanimous: we either ride together as 4 Texas teams in a fair round-robin format to crown a true champion, or we do not ride at all.
Thus, Copa Tejas will sit out the 2020 abbreviated Group schedule, and the trophy will not be awarded this year.
We hope to return with a normal @USLChampionship schedule next season and crown a 2021 Champion in one of our 4 Texas cities.
We will continue to support our 4 teams and celebrate the great spirit of Copa Tejas online with #copachaos. All supporters, please remain safe and strong.
Launch News Release
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Supporters of San Antonio FC have come together to create Copa Tejas, which will be awarded at the end of the 2019 USL Championship regular season to the Texas team with the best head-to-head record among four clubs, organizers announced.
The competing teams – San Antonio FC, Austin FC, Rio Grande Valley Toros, and El Paso Locomotive FC – will vie for Copa Tejas during home-and-away matches, starting on March 23 when RGV visits El Paso for the inaugural game in this trophy series. The following Saturday, March 30, SAFC will travel to Austin for their first-ever meeting with Austin FC in this exciting competition.
Copa Tejas will follow a format similar to the Cascadia Cup, involving head-to-head matchups between notable USL teams. Teams will earn points throughout the regular season: three for a victory, one for a draw, and none for a loss. The team with the highest point total in the USL Championship, excluding any U.S. Open matchups and playoffs, will claim the trophy in October, along with bragging rights for a year. In case of a tie, rankings will be determined by goal differential and other criteria.
Supporters groups for SAFC, including Mission City Firm, the Crocketteers, and 210 Alliance, will collaborate with supporters from Austin FC and other Texas teams to ensure a thrilling first year for the Copa Tejas. Organizers Steve Arters and Danielle Gawronski will oversee coordination among all supporter groups and manage the trophy's administration.
“The timing is perfect for Copa Tejas, and it will bring an exciting edge to the matches between Texas teams, both on the field and in the stands,” said Copa Tejas organizer Steve Arters.
Organizer Danielle Gawronski expressed her excitement, anticipating how supporters will develop rivalries. “Now, the champion of Texas garners a trophy to mark this achievement, allowing that team’s fans to celebrate with true bragging rights,” she stated.
While Copa Tejas will foster fierce competition on and off the pitch, it will also promote camaraderie among various supporters' groups across Texas. SAFC supporters, known for their spirited tailgates, will warmly welcome visiting fans to join them before home matches in San Antonio and hope to participate in other groups’ tailgates while traveling with SAFC.
To learn more about Copa Tejas, please visit www.copatejas.com.