Miami FC earns an important point with a 0-0 tie against the Seattle Sounders
Published on June 1, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, June 1, 2008 - Miami FC still search for that elusive home win as they drew yet again, this time against the Seattle Sounders in a 0-0 encounter. The match produced some hard challenges and also some good scoring opportunities for the home team. The Blues came into this game after an impressive 2-0 win at Portland courtesy of striker Alex Afonso's brace. The MLS-bound defending champs Sounders were held 1-1 at Puerto Rico last week and were hoping to get back in winning ways at Tropical Park.
Seattle forced a fine save from Blues keeper Josh Saunders in the 6th minute. Miami tested Sounders keeper Christopher Eylander with an 11th minute shot from Sean Fraser. The Jamaican forward weaved his way through a couple of defenders but blasted it high and wide. Miami goal scoring hero, Alex Afonso could have opened the scoring with a bold header which floated over the crossbar.
Miami enjoyed most of the possession in the first half but regardless did little to threaten the Sounders goal. The USL-1 defending champs were particularly dangerous during their rapid counterattacks. Miami's Walter Ramirez had some dashing runs in his left flank but Afonso couldn't connect with his crosses.
Saunders was called into action again in the 25th minute after stopping a John Fishbaugher effort. Perhaps the best scoring chance for Miami came in injury time with defender Cristiano Dias. The Brazilian's header looked well on target, but Eylander's one-handed reflex denied him.
In the early minutes of the second half Miami thought they went ahead as Sean Cameron slotted home, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. Seattle's Kenji Treschuk muscled his way into Miami's 18-yard box and unleashed a deadly low cracker that missed the target by inches.
Coach Zinho mixed up his offense by inserting Sean Barrett and Juan Pablo Galavis to assist Afonso upfront. The tireless Ramirez had a superb effort denied by Eylander in the 36th minute.
As the match drew to a close, both sides sprayed the ball up the field searching for a last gasp winner. Both keepers were decisive as they each earned their teams a point.
The Blues will take on the Carolina Railhawks on June 14, 7:30pm at Tropical Park. Next week they will visit Montreal Impact on Wednesday, June 4, at 7:30 pm. Miami FC will play the Bradenton Academics, at Tropical Park, Tuesday, June 10 at 8:00pm ET. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting www.miamifc.com or by calling 305-728-2612. Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-57-MIAMI. Watch all games live on USL Live!
USL First Division Stories from June 1, 2008
- Timbers Fight Back But Fall 2-1 To Rochester - Portland Timbers
- Miami FC earns an important point with a 0-0 tie against the Seattle Sounders - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Sounders To Play The Blues In Miami - Seattle Sounders
- Thunder Suffers First Home Loss to Vancouver 1-0 - Minnesota Thunder
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