Islanders Earn Important Home Point
July 7, 2012 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Puerto Rico Islanders News Release
(Bayamon, Puerto Rico)- It was back to the Caribbean for the return leg of a home and home series between FC Edmonton and the Puerto Rico Islanders at Bayamon Soccer Complex. The Islanders' Jonathan Faña registered a first half goal at the 31st minute mark and Eddie Kyle Porter netted in the 51st for a 1-1 draw at the BSC.
"I'm very pleased with the result. The guys have been through a lot this last week, but the effort has been there and everyone has been amazing. We had a difficult match last Wednesday and I'm happy to see us bounce back and get that important point." said Head Coach Adrian Whitbread.
The two teams had failed to log a goal in two previous draws this season, but the Islanders looked to tally right from the start of this match. In the very first minute, Eddies' keeper John Smits was called into action by a left footed effort from Islanders' Hector "Pito" Ramos from inside the box. Early Islanders' pressure persisted when #10 Gregory Richardson chipped Jonathan Faña into the box, but the diminutive striker's effort was blocked after his close control. Richardson provided another chance in the 9th minute for Puerto Rico, finding an advanced position in the Eddies box, but his dangerous cutback pass couldn't find attacking feet.
Richardson and Faña combined well again in the 29th minute. Faña played a deft through-ball into the Eddies' box, which Richardson latched onto well, but it was Smits off his line to again producie a quality save.
The Islanders' finally found their way through just at the 31st minute mark. Faña collected the ball inside the attacking box, turned onto his right foot, and after looking for passing options, instead pegged the ball off the post and in. It is the 4th of the year for Faña.
FC Edmonton staged a bit of late pressure in the first half, but the teams entered the tunnel at halftime 1-0.
Edmonton was able to equalize in the second half in the 51st minute. Kyle Porter received the ball on the left side of the pitch and looked to cross in towards goal. The cross was not met by attacker or defender, but instead landed untouched in the back of the net to keeper Richard Martin's left.
Both teams poked and prodded for the go-ahead goal, with Yashir Pinto coming notably close for FC Edmonton off a corner. Gregory Richardson again had a strong shot saved by Smits. Neither team could find a winner. The referee blew the whistle with the full time score: 1-1.
The draw will bring the Islanders' season point tally to 26, good enough for 2nd in the NASL, with a massive six pointer coming up this Wednesday, July 11th, at Bayamon Soccer Complex against table topping San Antonio Scorpions. The game is set for a 7:30 P.M. kickoff and, as always, admission will be free of charge.
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North American Soccer League Stories from July 7, 2012
- Silverbacks Blank Stars for Wynalda's First Win - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Stars FC Falls Flat against Atlanta Silverbacks in 2-0 Loss - Minnesota United FC
- Late Game Rally Earns RailHawks Valuable Tie - North Carolina FC
- Islanders Earn Important Home Point - Puerto Rico Islanders
- Eddies Earn a Point in Puerto Rico Yet Again - FC Edmonton
- Strikers Score Three in Draw with Carolina - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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