Miami FC Loses Crucial Game but is Still in Playoff Hunt

August 15, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


FORT LAUDERDALE, FL August 14, 2009 - The Blues hosted the Minnesota Thunder this Friday at Lockhart Stadium. Although Miami tried to be aggressive, it was Minnesota who capitalized on its opportunities. Still tied for 7th place, Miami continues to stay alive in the playoff hunt and is only one point back of the sixth place Montreal Impact. The Blues now travel to face the Portland Timbers on Saturday, August 22nd with the hopes of snapping the Timbers' 21-game undefeated streak. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 PM.

The Blues started off controlling the tempo. Within the first few minutes, Pedro Faife took advantage of the space in front of him and unleashed a harmless shot that sailed into the hands of goalkeeper Nic Platter. A few minutes later, Jack Traynor crossed a precise ball to the second post, right to the head of Tim Merritt, who got a good strike on the ball, but it went straight to the hands of Platter again.

Minnesota's first chance came off the foot of Rich Costanzo, who got a beautiful shot off that bounced off the top post and went in for what seemed to be the first goal of the match; however, the referee called a hand ball when Costanzo brought the ball down.

In the 32nd minute, Haitian International Leonel St. Preux crossed an accurate ball to Brian Cvilikas, who struck the ball right to Pat Hannigan. Six minutes later, Dyachenko passed a ball to Cvilikas, but he was denied for a second time.

Miami wouldn't get a chance until the 63rd minute. Leo Inacio got a hold of a rebound in front of the box and fired a low-grazing ball that seemed destined for goal. The ball sailed wide left and kept the score 0-0.

After a great run by Dyachenko, he crossed a ball to a wide open Melvin Tarley, who missed the wide open net.

Minutes later, Tarley got his chance at redemption.

On a set piece, Ricardo Sanchez deposited a cross that deflected off the head of Tarley, sailing to the back of the net, putting the Thunder up 1-0.

Miami had one more chance in the 71st minute, when Nicolas Torres blasted a shot on goal that deflected off Platter's head and almost crossed the goal line. The ball continued to stay in play for the remainder of the game with Miami trying to push its lines up to find the equalizing goal, and Minnesota defending its 1-0 lead.

"Although we had a lot of injuries, we still fought hard," said head coach Zinho. "We obviously have some work to do. I'm sure the boys will come out prepared against a very difficult Portland team."



USL First Division Stories from August 15, 2009


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