Miami Drops Second Game of Road Trip
July 26, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, July 26, 2009- Miami FC finished its two-game road trip at WakeMed Soccer Park, losing 4-0 against 4th place Carolina RailHawks. Although the Blues started its road trip with a promising win against the Minnesota Thunder Friday night, the team could not manage to come on top this Sunday. Miami will now travel back to South Florida, where the team will face 7th place Montreal Impact. Montreal is just one spot behind Miami, occupying the last playoff spot. Zinho's squad beat the Impact in the first ever Miami FC game at FIU Stadium on April 24.
"We are obviously disappointed with the loss today, we would have liked to walk away with more road points," said head coach Zinho. "I can't wait to get back to Miami and work towards the game on August 1. We already beat the Impact the first time we played them; they are a good team, but so are we."
The game kicked off in a blazing WakeMed Soccer Park. Despite the hot weather, both teams scuffled for position in the midfield. Carolina seemed to seize the ball first when forward Sallieu Bundu trapped the ball on the outskirts of the penalty box, where he laid an alluring ball to Daniel Paladini. Palandini fired a violent shot that was intercepted by Miami's goalkeeper, Pat Hannigan.
Soon after, Miami had a good chance of its own. Forward Connally Edozien whipped a pin point cross into the area toward Diego Serna. The Colombian striker tried to connect on the header, but the ball sailed wide harmlessly.
In the 39 minute, Carolina opened the scoreboard on a flawless counter attack. Joseph Kabwe left a ball for Gregory Richardson, who readily deposited the ball in the back of the net.
The Blues quickly struck back when Edozien connected with a header that found its way to the back of the net. The goal would have brought the momentum needed for the Blues, except it was quickly disallowed when the center referee ruled that RailHawks' goalkeeper, Caleb Patterson, had possession of the ball and was knocked it out of his hands by Edozien.
Towards the end of the first half, Sallieu put a beautiful through ball for Amir Lowery. Pat Hannigan knocked the ball away from Lowry, but the ball landed at the feet of Luke Kreamalmeyer. The midfielder took advantage of Hannigan being off his line and effortlessly put the RailHawks up 2-0.
Richardson scored his second goal in the 64th minute. The ex-Colorado Rapids forward made a nice run down the left flank and fired a devastating strike, putting the RailHawks up 3-0..
Five minutes later, Serna took Mark Schulte down in the penalty area on a RailHawks' corner kick. The center referee awarded a penalty kick in Carolina's favor. Gregory Richardson comfortably finished, completing his hat trick and giving the RailHawks a 4-0 lead.
Miami had one more chance towards the end of the second half when Alen Marcina got a great cross off that found its way to Serna. Serna connected with a precise header, but the ball bounced wide of the goal, securing the Blues with its third road loss of the season.
Be sure to join us at our next home game this Saturday, August 1, when your Miami FC will face the Montreal Impact at FIU Stadium. For tickets or more information please visit www.miamifc..com
USL First Division Stories from July 26, 2009
- Miami Drops Second Game of Road Trip - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Richardson hat trick propels RailHawks to 4-0 win - North Carolina FC
- Whitecaps Double up Islanders - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Burnley Captures Shootout-Win In Thriller With Timbers - Portland Timbers
- Impact Ties Aztex - Montreal Impact
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