Miami FC scores for the first time against Montreal but loses 2-1

April 19, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Miami, FL - Miami FC's new head coach Zinho, suffered his first defeat with a 2-1 loss against the visiting Montreal Impact. The Canadians, with a 2-0-3 edge in head-to-head encounters against the Blues prior to this match, came to South Florida looking to clinch three points after losing last week away to Vancouver. Last week's season opener and at Tropical Park saw Miami FC draw 2-2 against the Charleston Battery.

The match was a hard fought battle with both sides going heavy on challenges. In the 15th minute, Miami's Walter Ramirez made a powerful run in the left flank and connected with Juan Pablo Galavis, however his ensuing cross was wide. A minute later, Alex Afonso scored Miami FC's first ever goal against their Canadian opposition, with a powerful header after a superb Sean Cameron cross.

Both defenses had their work cut out. Montreal's Adam Braz was yellow carded in the 19th minute after bringing down Leandro Mineiro. Montreal's defender Stefano Pisoli did well to stop a Miami FC counterattack led by Alex Afonso and Sean Fraser.

In the 32nd minute, Montreal earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box. The defensive wall blocked the free kick, which led to a dangerous Miami FC offensive break with Galavis, Afonso, and Cameron connecting well with nifty passes. Montreal responded well with midfielder Joey Gjertsen hitting the post with a powerful left-footer drive.

As the first half was drawing to a close, the visitors began pressuring more for an equalizer, with long free kicks that Miami keeper Josh Saunders controlled well. At halftime, both teams entered the dressing rooms with Miami FC leading 1-0.

The second half began with both teams making no substitutions. In the 48th minute, Montreal was determined to defend their undefeated record against Miami, and scored the equalizer with Robert Brown. Minutes later, during a Miami FC push which saw keeper Matt Jordan make crucial saves, Sean Fraser injured his elbow after a collision with teammate Galavis and was replaced by fellow Jamaican forward Sean Barrett.

Alex Afonso, Miami FC's most dangerous player, almost took his season tally to 3 after his 66th minute effort past keep Matt Jordan went wide. Josh Saunders did well to save a close-range shot by Montreal after a defensive lapse by the Blues as match became a back and forth affair. The referee Sanchez ignored substitute Eric Vazquez's penalty appeals after being brought down in the 18-yard box.

Later in the 76th minute, Vasquez slipped the ball in the middle for Leandro Mineiro to unleash a powerful cracker that hit the right post. Vasquez, in sparkling form, would later threaten the Montreal goal with a brilliant solo effort.

In the 83rd minute, an awkward clearance by Miami FC's keeper Saunders left an open net for substitute Dwight Barnett to coolly chip in Montreal's second goal of the match.

In the closing minutes of regulation time, Montreal looked to close off the match by pressuring forward and Miami FC's defense looked more and more nervous. With 7 minutes of added extra time mostly due to a horrific fall by Sean Fraser who dislocated his elbow, the Blues could not figure how to get past a well-organized Impact defense. The Blues remain winless against the Canadian squad and Montreal notches their first win of the season.

Miami FC's visits the Puerto Rico Islanders next weekend and their next home game at Tropical Park is May 4, at 6 PM as they host the Carolina Railhawks. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting http://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 April 19, 2008


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