PHIL RAWLINS has set his sights on landing the USSF Division-2 Pro League title . . . after the Austin Aztex clinched a place in the play-offs with their latest triumph.

The Stoke City director, who is President and owner of the Aztex, has expressed his delight at the fact that Adrian Heath's side have made so much progress this season.

City's sister club have almost tripled their total of wins in comparison to the 2009 season and also shattered the goals record in what is already a memorable campaign.

"I'm delighted that we've achieved our first goal for this year of reaching the play-offs with nine games left in the regular season," exclaimed Rawlins. "I now look forward to pressing on with our next goal which is bringing a championship to Austin."

The Aztex clinched their play-off place with a 3-2 victory over Carolina, but they face strong competition for the title from the Rochester Rhinos.

Their superior goal difference does give them a distinct advantage over Rochester, even though they are four points behind them with four games in hand.

Austin will have to do it the hard way, however, with seven of their remaining nine matches in the USSF Division-2 Pro League away from home.

"To clinch a play-off spot this early in the season in only our second year in professional soccer is a true credit to the club and everyone connected to it," said Heath. "It's taken a great effort by the players and the coaching staff.

"We've come a long way in a short time and have to keep building on that. The aim now is to push on and try and win the League."