Miami FC tops Puerto Rico; stretches undefeated streak to 8 league games
Published on July 4, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, July 4th, 2008 - Miami FC squared off against the Puerto Rico Islanders in a wet July 4th encounter at Tropical Park. The Blues were looking to get back on the winning track after their very close defeat to FC Dallas in the US Open Cup last Tuesday (2-1). Coming into tonight's game Miami was unbeaten in their last 7 league games and they added another game to that record. After an hour and five minute rain delay the two region rivals finally got underway in what proved to be an exciting match.
As usual left-back Walter Ramirez started the game off with some excellent runs down the left side and provided some excellent service early into the game. Then in the 7th minute a penalty was called on Puerto Rico Islanders Edwin Miranda for pulling back Sean Fraser in the area while trying to get to the ball. Miami FC forward Alex Afonso slotted it home to the bottom right side which completely tricked the keeper. This was Alex Alfonso's eighth goal of the season.
Sean Fraser in the 19th minute then went on to unleash an incredible shot from outside the area which forced the Islanders' keeper to pull off an equally impressive save in the top left corner.
The Miami defenders which have been outstanding during the 7 game streak played just as well in the first half. Puerto Rico had very few opportunities and the ones they did have were not very good or stopped at Josh Saunders.
In the 42nd minute Walter Ramirez gave his defender a few moves then crossed in a dart of a ball for Alex Afonso which he narrowly headed just wide of the right post.
After halftime both teams tried to gain control of the game and there were not many good chances until the 69th minute when Puerto Rico had their best opportunity of the game but Miami goalkeeper Josh Saunders showed why he leads the league in shutouts when he pulled off another incredible save from a powerful shot right in front of goal.
Chances were hard to come by in the second half as both teams wrestled for control of the game. But it remained close as both teams were doing everything they could to score. Four minutes were added to the dismay of the Miami FC faithful but Puerto Rico just could not find a way through the Blues defense. The 3 valuable points ended up in Miami's hands as the game ended 1-0.
After such a stellar performance by the whole team it was only fitting that there would be a spectacular fireworks show immediately after the game. Six minutes of fireworks lit up the sky at Tropical Park Stadium for all the fans to enjoy. Josh Saunders continued his streak of not allowing a goal at home since May 16th and added another shutout to his league leading collection.
Miami FC will now travel to Rochester to face the Rhinos on the 13th. Miami's next home match at Tropical Park is on July 27th against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Group tickets are currently on sale by visiting http://www.miamifc.com/ or by calling 305-728-2612. Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-57-MIAMI. Watch all other USL games live on USL Live!
USL First Division Stories from July 4, 2008
- Miami FC tops Puerto Rico; stretches undefeated streak to 8 league games - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- 'Caps weekly update - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Orgill Called up to Jamaica U-20's Side - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Whitecaps Versus Toronto FC Match Live on GolTV - Vancouver Whitecaps
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