City Stars Drop 3-1 Decision To Miami FC
April 18, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Cleveland City Stars News Release
The Cleveland City Stars traveled to Miami today for its inaugural game in the USL First Division and came away on the disappointing end of a 3-1 result.
Miami FC's Diego Serna led the way with a goal and two assists and the City Stars received a goal from Ricardo Pierre-Louis off an assist from Pato Aguilera.
"The guys played hard being down to 10 men for most of the game and that's what makes this loss so hard to take," said Cleveland City Stars General Manager Mark Geissbauer. "I think we showed a lot of character tonight and I'm sure we'll be looking for the win in Texas next week."
The first half was played mostly in the Miami front end as both sides seemed to feel each other out.
Miami FC took charge in the 28th minute. Just after a shot rolled just left of the net, Serna played a corner into Alen Marcina who laced the ball past Christopher Seitz for a 1-0 Miami FC advantage.
The City Stars were quick with the equalizer in the 33rd as Anthony Stovall pushed up from his left back spot and crossed into Aguilera. The veteran midfielder flicked the ball towards the back post and Pierre-Louis was there to knock it home for the 1-1 score.
In the 37th, just as it looked like City may take control, a misplay off a corner left Ibrahim Kante and Miami's Serna as the only two in the back end. Serna out ran Kante to the ball and settled into the shot that flew past Seitz for the 2-1 Miami advantage.
More bad news was piled on Cleveland in the 43rd minute as Joshua Boateng was sent off with a red card.
City tried hard in the second half to overcome the disadvantage but was unable to create any serious chances. Miami FC put it out of reach in the 79th when Inacio Nunez scored off an assist from Serna.
The City Stars are looking to bounce back next weekend as they will take on the expansion Austin Aztex on the road Saturday April 25th at 8 p.m.
USL First Division Stories from April 18, 2009
- Aztex First USL-First Division Appearance Ends With a 1-1 Draw Against the Thunder - Minnesota Thunder
- Austin Aztex FC Manage 1-1 Tie in USL-First Division Debut - Austin Aztex
- Miami FC Opens 2009 with Vibrant Victory - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- City Stars Drop 3-1 Decision To Miami FC - Cleveland City Stars
- Hudock records second shut-out as Battery ties Impact - Charleston Battery
- Impact Tie Charleston on the Road - Montreal Impact
- RailHawks dump Rochester, 1-0 - North Carolina FC
- City Stars Add Five In Time For Tonight's Season Opener - Cleveland City Stars
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