Miami FC Returns Home to Face the Puerto Rico Islanders
Published on July 16, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, July 16, 2010- -- Miami FC looks to return to its winning ways and remain in the thick of the playoff race as the team travels back to South Florida to take on the Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday, July 17 at Lockhart Stadium. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m
It will be the second game between the two clubs this season after the Islanders defeated the Blues in Puerto Rico by a score of 4-2 on June 2. Miami FC and Puerto Rico will meet two more times this season.
"Puerto Rico is a physically strong team. We are in need of not only a strong performance but a win. It is a big game for both teams, the one who imposes their style should come out on top," said Head Coach Victor Pastora
The Blues will hit the road once again after this match, traveling up-state to take on the FC Tampa Bay Rowdies on Sunday, July 25 in the third game of the Coastal Cup to kick off a four-game road trip.
Miami FC then returns home on Saturday, August 14 to take on the Rowdies in the final game of the Coastal Cup for the 2010 season at Lockhart Stadium.
SCOUTING PUERTO RICO
The Islanders fought to a scoreless draw with the Rowdies in Tampa on July 15, escaping after nearly giving up the potential game-winning goal in the second minute of the match with a shot by Pascal Millien that went just wide of the net after the Rowdies offense caught the Puerto Rico backline napping. Puerto Rico would escape with a point as they prepare for their match with Miami on just two days rest.
David John Foley has proven to be the deadliest weapon on the Islanders offense, leading Puerto Rico with 5 goals and 10 points. Foley is tied for fourth in the league in goals scored and tied for eighth in the points category.
The Islanders have tallied 18 goals as a team so far this season, tied for the third most in the league, but have allowed 19 goals this season, the fifth highest total.
Puerto Rico has struggled on the road, compiling a 1-4-2 record away from home. Their lone road win on the season came on April 24 against Crystal Palace Baltimore.
LAST TIME OUT
The Blues were handed a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the NASL leading Vancouver Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium on July 14.
Blake Wagner scored all three goals for the Whitecaps to hand the Blues a tough loss. A minute after Wagner gave Vancouver a 2-0 lead in the second half, Brian Shriver put Miami FC right back in the game in the 57th minute after a nice give-and-go between him and Euzebio Neto.
Miami FC continued to push and apply pressure on the Vancouver backline, but was unable to find the equalizer. Wagner sealed the victory in the opening minute of stoppage time after receiving a cross inside the box and placing the ball into the back of the net.
HOME SWEET HOME
Midfielder Christian Gomez and forward Paulo Jr. are looking to get back to their scoring ways at home against the Islanders.
Paulo Jr. has continued to climb the league leader boards with a team-high six goals on the season and is third in the league in that category while Gomez has four goals and is tied for eighth as they continue to prove that they are one of the top dual-threats in the league.
Gomez is tied for fifth in the league in points with 11 while placing third in assists with three.
Paulo Jr. has 14 points and is in sole possession of third place in that category among the league leaders
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from July 16, 2010
- Miami FC Returns Home to Face the Puerto Rico Islanders - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- AC St. Louis Set for Texas Showdown - AC St. Louis
- Midfielder Antonio Ribeiro Back with Impact - Montreal Impact
- Palace Baltimore Travel to Canada, Face Impact - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- RailHawks Conclude Road Trip in Rochester on Saturday - North Carolina FC
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