Miami FC Battles to Comeback Draw Against Crystal Palace Baltimore
June 9, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, June 9, 2010 - Miami FC fought to a thrilling 3-3 draw in comeback fashion, scoring the tying goal in the final minutes against Crystal Palace Baltimore to keep pace in the league standings. The Blues return to the pitch this weekend against the Portland Timbers on June 12. The match is set for a 7:30 p.m. start time
"That's what I always tell the guys: it's obvious that we have spirit and the ability to do well," Miami FC head coach Victor Pastora. "I give credit to the players for staying in the game and never giving up. That's very important."
Crystal Palace Baltimore struck quickly, catching the Miami FC defense off guard in the 2nd minute when Adauto Neto floated a pass to Randi Patterson, providing him a clear path to the goal. There was some confusion as to whether the Palace striker was offside, but the officials made no call and Patterson put the ball past Miami FC goalkeeper Caleb Patterson for the opening goal.
The Blues would swarm the Palace backline, creating a number of scoring chances and capitalized in the 21st minute when Martyn Lancaster crossed a ball into the box that bounced off Chris Gbandi's shoulder and a Baltimore defender. The ball landed at the feet of Brian Shriver as he fired a shot in traffic past Palace goalkeeper Evan Bush for the equalizer.
The score remained tied at halftime, but Randi Patterson struck again for Baltimore, rifling a shot moments after the beginning of the second half that made its way into the back of the net to give Palace a one-goal advantage.
Palace added another goal after a free kick taken from just outside the box by Lucio Gonzaga was driven into the net past a diving Patterson to give Baltimore a two-goal lead in the 80th minute.
With 10 minutes remaining, the Blues found themselves with their backs against the wall and came out with a renewed energy. In the 84th minute, a header by Ariel Germiniani made its way past the Baltimore goalkeeper to make it a one-goal game.
Miami FC remained persistent and continued to press forward in the final minutes as Shriver once again came through for the Blues, crossing a floater in the box over Bush and Palace defenders to Christian Gomez, who headed the ball into a wide open net to tie the score at 3-3.
Shriver had one final opportunity in extra time, finding himself a clear opportunity against Bush. But his shot sailed just wide to keep the score even as time expired minutes later.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 9, 2010
- RailHawks Finish Road Trip Undefeated with 1-1 Draw in Vancouver - North Carolina FC
- Late Goal Carries Stars Past Impact - Minnesota United FC
- Palace Come Away from Miami with 3-3 Draw - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Impact Edged by Minnesota Stars, 1-0 - Montreal Impact
- Timbers Shut Out First-Place Aztex on the Road - Portland Timbers
- Aztex Battle to Scoreless Draw - Austin Aztex
- Miami FC Battles to Comeback Draw Against Crystal Palace Baltimore - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Miami FC to Incorporate Strikers Name and Ethos Starting in 2011 - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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