Playing for the Under-23 (amateur) Austin Aztex, Gallardo was tabbed as Goalkeeper of the Year in the 67-team Premier Development League; immediately after the season ended, he became the first signing for the Aztex pro team that will start play next season in the United Soccer League's First Division. The 23-year-old native of Torreón, Mexico, attended Westwood High in Round Rock and, after a stint with Tigres in the Mexican first division, has been a fixture on several top amateur teams here in his adopted hometown. He's an acrobatic shot-blocker, dangerous at starting attacks with long outlet passes, but his biggest asset, particularly on a young team, may be his commanding, vocal presence in the back. Even from the stands, it's easy to tell who's in charge on the field.
