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Meet the USASA: ASC New Stars
Another first-timer brings history of Houston dominance
The Aria Soccer Club New Stars are the second participant from USASA’s Region III in this year’s U.S. Open Cup, but shouldn't be seen as a neophyte to high-level soccer.
The ASC New Stars lead the Houston Football Association Premier Division with a record of 11-0-6 (39 points) and are on their way to their fourth consecutive HFA title.
The club was founded in 1974 by Reza and Taher Khalili and quickly enjoyed success in local cup and league competitions. With former professional players from Iran in the fold, ASC dominated the Houston Soccer League first division, winning the title seven years running.
As those players aged, the club added new teams and currently sponsor four sides: The New Stars (under 25) and the United Stars (over 30), who both play in the HFA Premier Division; the Stars in the Championship; and the Original Stars (mainly over 50) in the third division.
This year, in their second attempt to qualify for the Open Cup, the ASC New Stars went 2-0-1 in the Region III qualifying tournament to secure their place in the field. On their way to the Region III finals, the Stars defeated two teams that have two Open Cup tournament appearances under their belt - the Dallas Mustang Legends (2004, 2006) 3-0, and Lynch’s FC (2003, 2007) 3-1. With their Open Cup berth secured, ASC lost to the Clearwater Galactics 2-1 in the Region III final, denying them a trip to the National Cup finals in Seattle.
Players of note on this year’s team include NJCAA All-American Reza Daneshmand; Arzhang Salahshoor, formerly of the PDL's St. Louis Lions; and Anthony Ashiofu, who previously played in Holland. The New Stars have a difficult task in the first round, as they will travel to Blackbaud Stadium to face perennial Open Cup participant Charleston Battery on Tuesday.
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