Austin Aztex maintained their unbeaten start to their inaugural United Soccer League campaign by holding reigning champions Vancouver Whitecaps to a 1-1 draw at Nelson Field on Tuesday.

The Texas based side hosted the Canadians just over 48 hours after kicking off their season against Minnesota Thunder, and while they once again slipped behind, they fought back to claim another impressive point.

An entertaining start to the game saw both sides looking dangerous in the final third, and it took just 18 minutes before the visitors managed to break the deadlock.

A Rory Delap like throw-in from Wes Knight was met by the head of Marco Reda, who powerfully glanced the ball beyond Miguel Gallardo - Aparicio into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Adrian Heath's side soon kicked into action though and went close on several occasions through former Crewe Alexandra man Eddie Johnson, who shot just wide of the post.

Heath introduced former City striker Gifton Noel-Williams during the half time interval, and his introduction brought about an upturn in fortunes for the Aztex.

The giant striker levelled the scoreline in the 67^th minute with an unstoppable header from the 6-yard box, and then went close to giving them the lead moments later with a long range effort.

Neither side could find the crucial breakthrough to steal all three points, but the result states the ambition of Phil Rawlins' club, having held the upper hand for the majority of the game over a side tagged as favourites to win the league.

Austin Aztex: 1.Miguel Gallardo-Aparicio; 3.Lyle Adams (2.Josh Alcala 78'), 5.Kieron Bernard, 6.David Austin Sias, 14.AJ Godbolt (4.Gareth Evans 89'); 10.Yordany Alvares Oropeza, 17.Ryan Caugherty, 20.Ryan McMahen; 7.Sullivan Silva (Jarius Holmes 75'), 8.Eddie Johnson, 11.Kyle Brown (9.Gifton Noel-Williams 46'). Subs not used: 18.Sam Reynolds, 2.Zach Pope, 16.Michael Callahan

Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 1.Jay Nolly; 3.Luca Bellisomo, 2.Marco Reda, 6.Wesley Charles, 22.Takashi Hirano; 7.Martin Nash, 8.Wes Knight (16.Ansu Toure 75'), 18.Mason Trafford (23.Vicente Arze 75'), 20.Ethan Gage; 14.Marcus Haber, 98.Charles Gbeke (Dever Orgill 88'). Subs not used: 99.Diego, 4.Justin Thompson, 13.Kenold Versailles, 25.Tyrell Burgess