Islanders Beat Stars 2-0
September 15, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Puerto Rico Islanders News Release
(BayamÃ"n, PR) - The Puerto Rico Islanders took revenge at home when they defeated the Minnesota Stars 2 - 0 at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium tonight, after being defeated last Tuesday by the Stars in Blaine, MN. With this result, the Islanders continue in third place in NASL standings with 40 points. The Islanders will host the LA Galaxy next Wednesday, September 19th in CONCACAF Champions League action and, having already secured a spot in NASL playoffs, they will end the season at home next Saturday, September 22nd when they they host the Atlanta Silverbackss. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Head Coach Adrian Whitbread spoke to PRIslandersFC.com about the win: "It was a great and much needed win. I am very proud of my guys, especially after the difficult last couple of weeks the team has gone through".
In an aggressive match where opportunities for both teams were overflowing, the Stars initiated the attack and, before the clock reached the 1st minute mark, they already had taken a shot on goal. In the 2nd minute, Michael Reed took a free kick just in front of the box that was saved by Richard Martin.
The Islanders did not hesitate to mount their own attack and, at the 11th minute, Foley and Faña combined for a great one-two in the center of the park, Nicholas Addlery received a pass inside the box for a great chance at goal, but his shot barely grazed the left post.
The first goal finally arrived at the 20th minute when Foley assisted Vazquez just in front of Hilderbrandt and there was nothing the Stars' goalkeeper could do to prevent his shot from going into the net to give the Islanders a 1 lead.
Amani Walker had a chance to tie the game in the 41st minute when he took a free kick near the box but his shot went over the crossbar.
Once the second half was underway, Addlery seemed determined to give the Islanders their second goal and, in the 51st minute mark he reached the box for a one-on-one with Hildebrandt, but his shot was blocked by the Stars' goalkeeper and ultimately cleared by defense.
A few minutes later in the 59th, Addlery received a cross from Noah Delgado for a shot destined for the upper 90 but once again Hildebrandt made a spectacular save.
The Minnesota Stars tried several times to even the score and, in the 64th minute mark, Amani Walker got through the Islanders' defense and reached the box but the reigning NASL "Player of the Month" made another spectacular save.
The Islanders' secured the victory when Joshua Hansen slipped a through ball to Foley, who beat Hildebrandt for the second goal for the Islanders.
The Islanders will return to "La Islandera" on Wednesday, September 19th to receive the LA Galaxy in CONCACAF Champions League at 8:30 p.m.
• Discuss this story on the North American Soccer League message board...
North American Soccer League Stories from September 15, 2012
- Islanders Beat Stars 2-0 - Puerto Rico Islanders
- Silverbacks Dominant in Shutout Win over Strikers - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Strikers Fail to Gain Ground in Atlanta Loss - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Minnesota Stars FC Fall 2-0 in Puerto Rico - Minnesota United FC
- Match Preview: Carolina RailHawks vs. San Antonio Scorpions - 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.
