Miami FC Shuts out Portland in 1-0 Victory to Move Forward in Standings
June 12, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, June 12, 2010- Miami FC picked up an important 1-0 shutout victory over the MLS-bound Portland Timbers to jump ahead in the USSF D-2 Pro League standings on June 12. Miami FC will look to build on its home win in the first round of the U.S Open Cup against the Central Florida Kraze at Central Broward Regional Park (Cricket Stadium) on June 15. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m.
"One of the things we have talked about is keeping the zero and they were really creative, but we are a team that is capable of keeping other teams at zero," Miami FC Head Coach Victor Pastora said.
Both teams exchanged opportunities early on, looking to establish themselves in the midfield. Without Paulo Jr. on the field, Miami FC would have to look elsewhere for an offensive spark.
The Blues found that spark and picked up the lead in the 26th minute when Kyle Veris headed a ball off a corner kick by Euzebio Neto into the back of the net for his first goal of the season, giving Miami FC an early advantage over the visiting Timbers.
Christian Gomez almost extended the lead to two goals in the 31st minute with an acrobatic bicycle kick shot from just outside the box, but the blast sailed a few feet over the crossbar to keep the score 1-0.
Portland made a push late in the half to try and score the equalizer, but a shot by Handjou Kelta from inside the box went high in the 43rd minute and Miami FC headed into the half with its one-goal lead intact.
Miami FC wasted little time trying to extend its lead as Abe Thompson put a header on goal after a corner kick, but Portland goalkeeper Steven Cronin managed to make a diving stop to keep the Blues from picking up their second goal of the match.
The Blues backline managed to keep Portland midfielder Ryan Pore, the league's leading goal scorer, and the rest of the Portland offense at bay throughout the second half.
The Timbers picked up a golden opportunity in the 78th minute when a careening ball in the box in the midst of traffic ended up at the feet of Mamadou Danso, but his shot went wide of the net.
Miami FC kept Portland from having any quality opportunities and time expired to give the Blues their second victory of the season.
U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from June 12, 2010
- Whitecaps FC defeat Aztex - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Palace Falls 2-1 To Rochester - Crystal Palace Baltimore
- Miami FC Shuts out Portland in 1-0 Victory to Move Forward in Standings - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Impact Break Streak, Win on the Road - Montreal Impact
- Timbers Dealt 1-0 Loss by Blues in Miami - Portland Timbers
- AC St. Louis Win in Puerto Rico - AC St. Louis
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