Miami FC Comeback Attempt Not Enough in Loss to First-Place Austin Aztex
August 1, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami - Miami FC's comeback effort fell short as the Blues were dealt a 3-1 loss on the road on the heels of two second half goals by the first-place Austin Aztex. Miami FC will continue its road trip and then head home to take on the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Aug. 14 at Lockhart Stadium.
"I don't think the score was indicative of the way we played," Miami FC Head Coach Daryl Shore said. "Once again we did well to keep possession, but possession doesn't get you results."
Bryan Dominguez gave the Blues its first opportunity of the match about ten minutes into the game, streaking down the right flank looking to create a scoring chance but was clipped from behind by an Aztex defender.
The Blues would have another chance later on in the half on a counter attack, when Mike Randolph found himself one-on-one with the Austin goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo after a series of passes, but Gallardo made a nice save to keep the Blues off the scoreboard.
Near the end of the half, Austin took the lead after Leonard Griffin crossed the ball from the left side towards Eddie Johnson, who headed the ball into the back of the net in the 44th minute.
The Aztex wasted little time getting started in the second half as Jamie Watson beat a defender on the right flank and crossed a ball inside the box to Lawrence Olum, who put a shot past Patterson to give Austin an insurance goal in the 47th minute.
Just minutes later, Eddie Johnson received a long ball and had a clear path to the goal as he fired a shot towards the goal but Patterson made a fantastic diving save, knocking the ball over the crossbar and out of harm's way.
The Aztex continued to apply pressure on the Blues, but Miami FC stood its ground and Austin began to show signs of fatigue, opening the door for the resilient Blues.
The Blues struck in the 67th minute when Paulo Jr. took a shot on goal that was turned away, but Abe Thompson corralled the rebound and fired a shot from just outside the right corner of the box that made its way past Austin goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo to make it a one-goal lead.
With a renewed vigor, the Blues tried valiantly to pick up the equalizer, but Kendell McFayden scored the third goal of the match for the Aztex after receiving a through ball from Yordany Alvarez in stoppage time to effectively seal the loss for Miami FC.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from August 1, 2010
- AC St. Louis Draw Minnesota 2-2 - AC St. Louis
- NSC Minnesota Stars Come from Behind Twice to Salvage 2-2 Draw Against Ac St. Louis - Minnesota United FC
- Miami FC Comeback Attempt Not Enough in Loss to First-Place Austin Aztex - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
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