Charleston tops Miami 3-1
Published on May 9, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, May 9, 2008 - Miami FC's poor form continues as they lost 3-1 to the Charleston Battery at the Blackbaud Stadium. The Blues took the lead in the 11th minute with league leading scorer Alex Afonso. The Battery responded with Patterson 18 minutes later and in the second half with Alonso and Patterson, once again. Miami FC's trend of second half defensive collapses continued tonight and this loss makes it their third in succession.
With a lackluster start to the season and having drawn in last month's season opener, both Miami FC and Charleston Battery had everything to play for and produced an exciting first half with a goal each.
Right after the kickoff the Battery tested keeper Josh Saunders with a low strike from Rolko. After 10 minutes of scrappy play, Miami took the lead. Sean Cameron cut in from the left and played Sean Fraser for the give-and-go. Fraser tumbled but did well to keep the ball in play and opened wide for Alex Afonso who coolly finished making it 1-0 to take his tally to an impressive 4 goals in 6 games. Afonso's 15th minute header hit the post, but his effort was then ruled offside.
The Battery waited patiently to settle in the game. Rolko kept shooting from far but his effort never really poised any danger to Saunder's goal. Cauê Santos da Mata had a nice effort saved by Charleston keeper Dusty Huddock in the 24th minute.
An unfortunate ricochet off Cristiano Dias' feet allowed space for Patterson to bang in the equalizer from close range in the 37th minute.
The second half belonged to Charleston who simply outclassed Miami FC. Cuban Alonso scored a brilliant goal in the 51st minute that chipped over Saunders after King whipped the ball inside the penalty box.
In an attempt to inject some life into his side, Miami FC head coach Zinho brought in Juan Pablo Galavis and Nicolas Mosquera for Sean Cameron and Eric Vasquez respectively. Regardless of these 68th minute substitutions, Miami rarely threatened to score.
Poor man marking in the 86th minute allowed for Charleston's Patterson to score his brace with a brilliant header off a free kick. He nearly made 4-1 but Saunders did well to stop the one on one encounter. Saunders yet again pulled another fine save in injury time off an Alonso right-footed strike.
Miami FC pressured in the end but they could not penetrate a tightly organized Battery defense.
Miami FC hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday, May 16, 5:30 PM at Tropical Park Stadium (Miami-Dade County Public Schools Day). On Sunday, May 18th, Miami FC will face the Portland Timbers at 6pm, also at Tropical Park. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting 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 games live on USL Live!
USL First Division Stories from May 9, 2008
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