STOKE CITY'S sister club Austin Aztex have continued their excellent start to the season by progressing through to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Adrian Heath's side, who are seven points clear at the top of USSF Division 2 Pro League, swept aside the Arizona Sahuaros 3-1 in the second round tie at House Park.

New striker Peri Marosevic is certainly making a big impact and he became only the second player in the club's history to score a hat-trick, following on from the three goals which Max Griffin scored in the previous match when they beat Miami FC 3-1 at the weekend.

The Aztex even overcame the disappointment of missing an early penalty when Michael Callahan's spot kick was saved by Sahuaros' goalkeeper Brad Swenby.

Marosevic broke the deadlock in the 35th minute after latching onto a Callahan pass, but the visitors hit back in the second half through Kevin Cornwall.

The night belonged to Marosevic who produced two more clinical finishes to ensure the Aztex go through to face Chivas USA from the MLS in round three.