Aviators Men Earn Point Against Powerful Montreal Team
Published on June 16, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Edmonton Aviators News Release
Edmonton, June 15 - The Edmonton Aviators Men's team earned a draw with the A-League's top team tonight at Commonwealth Stadium.
Although the first half was evenly matched, Edmonton held a small advantage in possession and had the best chance. Midfielder Sean Fraser ran down a ball just before it went out of bounds and fired a shot at goal. The ball cut straight across the face of the goal as the goalkeeper scrambled to get back into position.
The Aviators had another great chance to score in the 72nd minute as Nikola Vignjevic was fouled at the edge of the Impact's box. Chris Lemire took the free kick and curled the ball just wide of the post.
In the 75th minute, Nikola Vignjevic picked up the ball after Chris Lemire's shot was blocked and fired a hard, low shot at goal. Impact goalkeeper Greg Sutton smothered the shot.
The Edmonton Aviators opened the scoring when Chris Lemire was taken down inside the Impact penalty area in the 81st minute. Jamie Lopresti stepped up and slotted the penalty home for a 1 â 0 Aviators lead. Lopresti was given a yellow card for his shirtless celebration but the fans at Commonwealth Stadium didn't care as they celebrated the first home goal of the season.
The Impact tied the game in the dying moments as Darko Kolic headed the ball past Edmonton goalkeeper Jose Luis Campi in the 90th minute.
Overtime saw god chances for bothe teams but no goals. The game ended as a 1 â 1 draw.
"We played the best team in the A-League tonight and gave them all they could handle. The team really came together well and showed what they are capable of," said Aviators head coach Ross Ongaro.
The Aviators Men's next game will be part of another home double header on June 21. The men will face the Vancouver Whitecaps Men (6pm MST) while the women will face the Fort Collins Force (8:30pm MST).
USL First Division Stories from June 16, 2004
- Timbers host Rochester Thursday - Portland Timbers
- Timbers to face Utah in U.S. Open Cup - Portland Timbers
- Thunder to face Boulder in Open Cup action - Minnesota Thunder
- Milwaukee Heads To Richmond This Weekend - Richmond Kickers
- Aviators Men Earn Point Against Powerful Montreal Team - Edmonton Aviators
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