Another shutout for Miami FC, 2-0
Published on June 14, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, June 14, 2008 - Brazilian duo Alex Afonso and Leo Inácio scored one goal each to give Miami FC their first home win in 2008 in the USL-1 tournament. The 2-0 victory against the Carolina RailHawks was the fifth consecutive shutout for the Blues whose defense hasn't allowed a single goal in 495 minutes.
The Blues last game was a 4-2 win against the Bradenton Academics of the PDL in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Carolina RailHawks were coming off of a defeat to the Puerto Rico Islanders as part of a 4 game road trip. Coming into the game Miami FC was 8th in the standings and Carolina 6th.
The goals came early including one in the 1st minute by USL-1 leading goal scorer Alex Afonso (7 goals), who deflected a kick by RailHawks goalie Chris McClellan. An awkward back pass was played to the goalie and while being pressured by the forward, the RailHawks goalkeeper kicked it off of Afonso and the ball bounced in for the goal with less than a minute into the game.
After the very early goal the RailHawks kept their cool and were able to knock the ball around but nothing resulted from their possession.
Honduran Walter Ramirez provided excellent service into the area all game and was a constant problem for the Carolina defenders. In the 26th minute a perfectly played through pass was delivered to J.P. Galavis but his shot attempt would be blocked and resulted in a corner.
Just a few minutes later a great cross was sent into the area and Cauê da Mata just missed striking a mid-air volley. Miami FC put together excellent passing combinations and maintained a good amount of possession in the first half.
A second Miami FC goal would arrive in the 34th minute as a header from Leo Inácio was flawlessly placed into the bottom right corner. The goal came from a cross provided by Alex Afonso and the #10 was able to take advantage of it and made the RailHawks pay.
Just before half time Carolina had their best opportunity of the first period when some good passing led to a chance from 8 yards out in front of goal but the shot would fly over the cross bar. The Blues then went confidently into the locker room with a 2-0 lead.
After the break Miami FC would have another opportunity from a free kick by Cauê da Mata a little beyond the area. It was well placed and had good speed but it was headed out for a corner for The Blues.
Then on a breakaway from midfield J.P. Galavis was taken down harshly from behind in the 60th minute. The referee immediately showed a red card for RailHawks defender David Stokes.
In the 71st minutes Walter Ramirez would once again send in a great pass for the Blues but the ball would fly by the goal mouth without anyone there to touch it into the goal.
A second red card would come in the 77th after a very hard challenge by RailHawks midfielder Phil Long. At that point of the game Miami FC enjoyed numerous breaks downfield and some lovely passing technique against a Carolina team that could not do much, playing with two men down.
Miami FC's next game is against the Seattle Sounders on Friday, June 20th, in Washington. Then Miami will meet the Atlanta Silverbacks on June 24, at 8 pm, in the second round of the U. S. Open Cup in Tropical Park Stadium.
USL First Division Stories from June 14, 2008
- Thunder Fight to the End in 1-1 Atlanta Draw - Minnesota Thunder
- Browns net Timbers 1-0 - Portland Timbers
- Another shutout for Miami FC, 2-0 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- RailHawks fall to Miami FC 2-0 - North Carolina FC
- Webber to continue long-standing traditions started by Timber Jim - Portland Timbers
- Carolina RailHawks Host USL-2's Real Maryland in Second Round of US Open Cup - North Carolina FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
