Miami FC ties Rochester 0-0 and stretches unbeaten streak to nine games

July 13, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release


Miami, July 13, 2008 - Miami FC took on the Rochester Rhinos in New York looking to climb their way up the standings and had an 8-game unbeaten streak with them. On Friday the Rhinos took down the Seattle Sounders, the reigning USL-1 champions, 1-0 which extended their streak to 2 straight wins. Both teams did all they could to come away with 3 points and a chance to move up the standings but the result was 0-0, extending Miami FC's unbeaten streak to 9 games. USL-1 leading scorer, Alex Afonso, was not named in the roster for the Blues after suffering an injury and his absence played a major role in this draw away from home.

Very early in the game, in the 1st minute, JP Galavis had an outstanding chance right in front of the goal after a cross by Sean Fraser but was only able to shoot right into the Rhinos keeper. It was evident that Miami wanted to pressure the Rhinos players as they were able to force some early turnovers.

In the 11th minute a good passing combination on the right flank led to a high cross taken down by Cauê da Mata which he tried to flip over a defender in the area. The ball struck the defender's hand but it was judged to have not been a penalty.

Then in the 18th minute a great run down the right side by Sean Fraser resulted in a shot off the post by Sean Cameron. Fraser charged into the area with the ball and laid it off to Cameron near the 6 yard area and he got a shot off amongst a group of Rochester defenders which struck the post with force.

In the first 20 minutes the Blues definitely had the better opportunities and deserved to be ahead on the scoreboard. This point was reinforced in the 21st minute when Sean Fraser took off with the ball from midfield and gave a few moves to two Rochester defenders and got off a descent shot low on the right of goal but it did not have enough power behind it.

There was a scare for Miami in the 28th minute when one of the Rochester forwards was left completely unmarked in the middle of the field and received the ball and looked to attack but excellent team defending by Chris Williams and Eric Brunner were able to thwart the attempt.

Rochester made a huge blunder in the 37th minute when one of the Rhinos defenders played the ball back to the keeper but did not put enough force behind the pass and Fraser raced downfield to intercept the pass but the goalkeeper rushed out of the area and kicked the ball high in the air which was eventually kicked out of bounds.

After en eventful first half the Blues went into the lock room tied 0-0 with the Rhinos.

Josh Saunders, the Miami FC goalie, showed excellent command of his area the entire night including in the 54th when he dived to scoop up an opportunity for the Rhinos.

The Rhinos came out of the locker room strong and picked up the pace of their game compared to the first half. In the 58th minute Rochester somehow maintained possession in the Miami penalty area and after a frantic scram for the ball a bicycle kick over the crossbar ended a dangerous moment for the Blues.

In the 64th Miami put together a nice play in the Rochester half which resulted in a close range attempt by Cauê da Mata but the Rochester goalkeeper, who was having a very good game of his own, was there to block the shot.

In the 78th minute Miami took off down the left flank on a counter attack after a Rochester corner kick. Ramirez went downfield, which he has done so well all season, and pushed it forward to Léo Inácio who took a low, driving shot that was saved by the Rhinos keeper.

After some desperate long balls down field by both teams toward the end of the game the final whistle was blown and the Blues and Josh Saunders recorded another shutout which added to his league leading total.

Miami's next match is on Friday July 18th at 8 pm (ET) in Montreal. Miami's next home match at Tropical Park is on July 27th against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Group 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 other USL games live on USL Live!



USL First Division Stories from July 13, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central