Miami Falls to the Montreal Impact
June 23, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
After playing six games in 11 days, the Blues lose to the 2009 Canadian Cup Champions, the Montreal Impact, 1-0.
Miami, FL. June 23, 2009 -After winning back to back road games, Miami FC dropped an important road game against the 2008 CONCACAF Champions league semi-finalist, the Montreal Impact.
The Blues lost 1-0, but the referee disallowed a Cristiano Dias' header in the first half. The Impact's first real opportunity of the match came when Joey Gjersten broke through the Miami defense off an accurate through ball from Roberto Brown. Gjersten, the one-time USL-1 MVP, was left one on one with Miami goalkeeper, Pat Hannigan.
Hannigan forced Gjersten to his left and defused Montreal's best opportunity of the first half. Miami had a clear chance of their own. In the 15th minute, Walter Ramirez executed a pinpoint corner kick to the back of the second post. Cristiano Dias beat his defender, heading the ball into the back of the net. The goal was quickly disallowed by central referee, Geoff Gamble, on a phantom foul on Dias.
"The games against Montreal are always difficult, but we came off a long road trip and are playing better soccer. We are excited to head home and play a very difficult team, the Puerto Rico Islanders," said head coach, Zinho.
The Blues did a great job controlling the Impacts' offensive firepower. Miami's midfield created some quality options to get on the scoreboard first. Paulo Jr. broke free in Impact territory, and fired a violent shot that sailed over Impacts' crossbar.
In the 80th minute, the Impact scored on their only clear chance of the second half. On a set piece, Nevio Pizzolitto connected off a Sandro Grande cross, giving the Impact its first and only goal of the game.
Miami FC quickly reacted with an onslaught of offensive chances. Off another Walter Ramirez set piece, Dias flicked on a header that caused trouble for the Impact defense. Minutes later, John Pulido fired a potent shot off a Zourab pass from the right flank. The shot looked to be on target, but it sailed high again.
Miami FC returns home to play the now traditional Fourth of July game against the first place Puerto Rico Islanders. This game will be played at FIU Stadium and will include a fireworks extravaganza immediately after the game.
Notes...The Blues still have yet to win a game at Saputo Stadium... Christiano Dias and Alen Marcina were both issued yellow cards by central referee, Geoff Gamble ... Simon Gatti and Sandro Grande were also cautioned...Paulo Jr. and Cristiano Dias were named to the USL-1 team of the week.
USL First Division Stories from June 23, 2009
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- Timbers' Hayes, Josten Selected to USL First Division Team of the Week - Portland Timbers
- Whitecaps vs. Cleveland Tonight - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Watson named to USL-1 Team of the Week - North Carolina FC
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