Miami and Puerto Rico tie 2-2
Published on June 7, 2007 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Late afternoon showers cleared right before the start of tonight match with Miami FC hosting the Puerto Rico Islanders at Tropical Park Stadium. Both teams play a very similar style game that values ball control.
Luchi Gonzales had an early chance punched away by the Islanders goalkeeper which led to a 30 yard shot by Zinho that just missed wide. Less than two minutes later, Luchi had a second break away which was broken up by a penalty by the goalkeeper. The penalty was taken and made by Eric Vasquez putting Miami FC up1-0 early in the game.
Puerto Rico countered with a shot by Hoah Delgado which went wide right. The Islanders continued to put pressure on Miami FC early in the game trying to find the equalizer.
The Islanders ability to keep possession in Miami FC's side of the field led Melvin Tarley scoring the tying goal with his head in the 21st minute.
In the 28th minute Miami FC midfielder Vasquez stole the ball crossing it to forward Gonzalez who controlled the ball inside the box before crossing the ball across the goal. Gonzalez's ball was unable to find any strikers.
The 34th minute may have been one of Miami FC's prettiest goals of the season with a beautiful assist by Zinho who crossed the ball to Gonzalez. Luchi put the Miami FC up 2-1.
Less than a minute later the Islanders countered with a goal of their own by Jorge Ramirez evening the match once again at 2-2.
Miami FC countered with a through ball to Gonzalez whose shot on goal was saved by the Islanders keeper. The Blues continued to put pressure on Puerto Rico forcing a penalty shot from 30 yards. Vasquez's free kick almost found the corner of the net, but a great save was made by the Puerto Rico keeper.
Just before the half Pat Hannigan and the Miami FC were able to survive a flurry of Puerto Rico attempts, so both teams entered the half tied 2-2.
Second half started with both teams showing the same intensity they had in the first. Zinho got things started by controlling the ball and creating an opportunity that went off a couple of Miami FC players and hit the crossbar.
A goal by Puerto Rico in the 64th minute was called back because of an offside. Both teams started to settle into the second half with most of the possession dominated in the middle of the field. Miami FC and Puerto Rico tried to pick up the tempo by making multiple substitutions.
Miami FC forward Nico Mosquera penetrated the defense in the 84th minute almost scoring a goal. The last ten minutes of the game saw both teams taking chances to find the go-ahead goal.
Puerto Rico applied late pressure with a scoring chance in the last minute of the game saved by Hannigan.
At the beginning of the three minute stoppage time a rough foul by Puerto Rico led to a small pushing match between a couple of players from each team. The game ended tonight with the score tied 2-2.
Miami FC and Puerto Rico will get a second chance to claim victory Saturday night at Tropical Park starting at 8 pm.
USL First Division Stories from June 7, 2007
- Miami and Puerto Rico tie 2-2 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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