Miami FC Loses the First Game of the Season Against the Rochester Rhinos
Published on April 26, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
After winning the first two home games at Lockhart and FIU, the Blues dropped their first game of the season losing 2-1 to the Rochester Rhinos. The Rhinos were coming off a strong 0-0 draw against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Friday night. The Blues played without their two leading goal scorers, Diego Serna, and Leo Inacio Nunes.
"We missed Diego and Leo Inacio tonight, but at the same time we had very clear opportunities. Rochester is a good team, they have a lot of good players, but we didn't take advantage of the chances that we had. We are now focusing all our energy towards Charleston, and making sure we get 3 points on Saturday," said General Manager, Luiz Muzzi.
The Rhinos scored the first goal after a beautiful cross from Andrew Gregory to a streaking Jonny Meyongar. This goal would mark the first time the Blues would be playing from behind all season.
The first half would continue to be a hard fought battle in the midfield with Rochester and Miami sharing an equal amount of opportunities. In the 20th minute, Connally Edozien scored after a gorgeous cross from former Miami FC, walk-on, Zourab "Zee" Tsiskaridze. Miami FC continued its offensive prowess with another scare off a Walter Ramirez corner kick.
In the 29th minute, Tai Atieno was booked after interfering with Pat Hannigan's punt.
The Blues would create another opportunity this time from an Allen Marcina header that would bounce off the post. Soon after, the Rhinos scored their second goal with Jonny Menyongar finding the back of the net for the second time.
The second half showcased a more aggressive play in the midfield. Both teams fought hard without any clear opportunities until the 80th minute when Connally Edozien was left alone in front of the goal. Edozien's shot sailed wide left ensuring the 2-1 victory for the Rochester Rhinos.
Game Notes: The Blues announced they will play their next two home matches at Lockhart Stadium. Miami FC will host the Charleston Battery on May 2nd at 8pm; they will host the Carolina Railhawks on May 16th at 8pm. Tai Atieno, John Ball, Kwame Sarkodie, and Chris Nurse all received yellow cards for Rochester... Zourab Tsiskaridze, John Pulido, and Jack Traynor were booked for Miami... The Cardinal Gibson Girls soccer team, Monarch High boys soccer team, Falcon Cove Boys soccer and the Silver Trail Girls soccer team were honored at Half time for their runs to the state Final Four.
USL First Division Stories from April 26, 2009
- Miami FC Loses the First Game of the Season Against the Rochester Rhinos - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Minnesota End Road Stand Without a Win Falling to Carolina 1-0 - Minnesota Thunder
- RailHawks upend Thunder 1-0, remain undefeated - North Carolina FC
- Nash Lifts Whitecaps FC over Portland, 1-0 - Vancouver Whitecaps
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