Miami FC and Charleston Battery tie Opener Game of the Season 2-2
April 12, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
1st Half
The 2008 season opener at Tropical Park kicked off with brilliant weather, live music by Kayakman, and a sensational performance by the Miami FC Angels cheerleading squad. Both Miami FC and visiting Charleston Battery fielded new signings as well as previous season veterans. This game marked the debut of head coach Zinho, a 1994 FIFA World Cup winner and former Miami FC player.
Miami put the pressure quickly with Cameron running down the right and whipping a cross with Battery keeper Huddock easily trapped. Five minutes later, Cameron combined well in the box, but Pulido sent the shot high. The Battery responded immediately with a slick counterattack but Aaron King could not control the ball in the box. Saunders later made his first save with the Miami FC jersey after denying a brilliant solo effort by Richardson.
In the 11th minute, newly signed forward Alex Afonso sent the home crowd wild after scoring off a header from a cool Leandro Mineiro cross. Battery's Spicer missed a chance to equalize after receiving a pass from inside the penalty area. The visiting team tested Miami FC's defense for long spells with Aaron King and Richardson both looking dangerous in the attack.
Both teams looked very dangerous with quick counterattacks as the first half reached the 40th minute. Miami FC's Afonso squandered a golden chance to make it 2-0 after receiving an on-side pass and going one on one with keeper Dusty Huddock.
2nd Half
The teams came back for the second half after a quick torrential downpour with both teams making no substitutions. Battery's King almost leveled the score with two wide headers, as the visitors were determined to get on the score sheet in the early minutes. Walter Ramirez's 53rd minute free kick sailed high a decent push forward by Miami FC, later Sean Fraser forced a save from Huddock with a right-footed strike.
Miami FC enjoyed a good spell dictating the pace of the game with a well-organized midfield and fast paced attacks by Alex Afonso and Sean Fraser. Charleston forward failed to convert after being fed in front of goal with his shot sailed wide.
In the 63rd minute, the Battery pulled one back with a low thunderous right-footed strike by midfielder Dominic Cianciarulo leaving little to do for Miami FC keeper Josh Saunders. The visiting team looked livelier after scoring the equalizer and Josh Saunders was forced to make a crucial save off a Battery header from a corner kick.
In the 73rd minute Coach Zinho, in an attempt to spice up his offense, replaced midfielder Juan Pablo Galavis for forward Nico Mosquera. With the score leveled at 1-1, it was Miami FC who was more aggressive in the later stages of the match. Left back Walter Ramirez, who played a brilliant second half, ran down his wing, cut inside and fed Sean Fraser. The Jamaican forward battled three Battery defenders and unleashed a cracker into the back of the net.
With eight minutes to play, the Battery tested the luck with long drives from outside the area. Coach Zinho brought in Sean Barrett and Jarryd Goldberg, both new signings, as well as defender Luis Calix with hopes to defend the 2-1 lead. The Battery kept pressuring for an equalizer which they eventually earned thanks to a nervous Miami FC defense that allowed Cianciarulo to burry a poor clearance past keeper Saunders.
In the end, both teams provided an entertaining match, which saw 4 goals, 2 in each half, and both teams earned a point.
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USL First Division Stories from April 12, 2008
- Miami FC and Charleston Battery tie Opener Game of the Season 2-2 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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