A Tired Miami FC Loses to USL Leaders, the Portland Timbers
Published on July 19, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
MIAMI, July 19, 2009 - Miami FC could not stop the Portland Timbers from entering the history books. Although Miami put forth a valiant effort on the pitch, they could not stop the hottest team in the league and lost for the first time at FIU Stadium 3-0. With this victory, the Timbers reach the 16th game unbeaten and now become part of USL history. Miami will now travel to Minnesota to face the Thunder on Friday, July 24 at 8pm, which will be televised on FOX Soccer Channel.
The first half featured both teams battling for position in the midfield. Miami got a great opportunity in the opening minutes, when Jack Traynor crossed a beautiful free kick straight to Paulo Jr. The Brazilian connected with the cross but his header sailed harmlessly into the hands of Portland goalkeeper, Steve Cronin.
Fifteen minutes later, as Miami's defender, Zack Kirby and Portland's mid-fielder, Johan Claesson, fought for position inside the Miami penalty box, both players went up to head the ball and ended up heading each other. Although the violent collision put a temporary stop to the match, both players managed to walk off the field on their own strength.
Towards the end of the first half, Leo Inacio gathered a rebound on the edge of the box and fired a violent shot that was denied by Cronin.
Five minutes into the second half, Portland opened the score board with a beautiful strike from George Josten. The forward took the ball unchallenged near the 18-yard penalty box and finished with an admirable strike. This was the first lead for the Timbers in this series.
Just six minutes later, Portland would strike again. Taka Suzuki made a great run on the right flank, crossing the ball to a streaking Keith Savage. Savage put the ball towards the second post and past the outstretched arms of Pat Hannigan.
Portland capped off a high impact offensive night with a great counter attack in the 77 minute. The Timbers got the ball off a Miami FC mistake, allowing Antou Jallow to finish with a one-time shot, beating Pat Hannigan for the third time in the evening.
Miami FC had a great opportunity in stoppage time. Leo Inacio broke down the Timbers' defense and left a ball for Reinier Alcantara. The Cuban forward received the ball and fired a difficult shot that sailed harmlessly over the Portland goal.
USL First Division Stories from July 19, 2009
- Impact Begin Second Half with Loss - Montreal Impact
- A Tired Miami FC Loses to USL Leaders, the Portland Timbers - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Portland Extends Unbeaten Streak to Record-Setting 16 Games - Portland Timbers
- Five Timbers U-23s score in 5-0 victory over Abbotsford - Portland Timbers
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