Miami FC unable to grasp three crucial points
Published on September 6, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Seattle, WA - With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, and playing without USL-1 leading goal scorer Alex Afonso, Miami FC came to this game after losing 4-0 to the Portland Timbers on Thursday and with an obligation to win their last away match of the regular season. The Blues faced off with the Seattle Sounders at Starfire Complex. Earning three points tonight was critical to keep Miami's hope to reach the playoffs alive. But that was not what happened and Miami FC lost to Seattle Sounders 3-0.
The game started in a slow pace and the first real chance for any team to score came only in the 15th minute when a Seattle Sounders player chipped the ball over Miami FC goalie Josh Saunders. The ball was slowly heading to Miami FC's goal but it was kicked away by defender Eric Brunner.
Miami's first good opportunity to score came in the 19th minute. Léo Inácio was chopped down by number 4 Danny Jackson. The referee cautioned the Sounders defenseman for his late tackle. Ansu Toure then curved the ball around the wall, depositing the ball into the lower right corner, but goalie Chris Eylander was able to make a nice save.
In the 32nd minute, after a nice individual play by Sebastien Le Toux, who started dribbling the ball inside Miami's box, goalie Josh Saunders lost his cool and hacked down the French player. Sounders midfielder Leighton O'Brien stepped up to the spot and shot low to the left. Saunders guessed incorrectly and Seattle scored their first goal.
Miami had two excellent opportunities to tie the game, both with corner kicks. Walter Ramirez, in the 34th minute lofted the ball high for Ricardinho to rise above the defense to head the ball which was saved by Seattle's goalie. Another corner kick in stoppage time left defender Cristiano Dias free to kick the ball home, but the shot was blocked by a Seattle Sounder's defender.
The Blues headed into the break down 1-0.
Miami got off to a rough start in the second half by conceding a goal in the 48th minute. Sebastien Le Toux took advantage of a crossed ball and scored the home team's second goal of the match.
A few minutes later, Le Toux dropped the ball of to Leighton O'Brien who slotted a simple finish into an empty net and the game ended in a 3-0 win for the Sounders.
Miami's next home game at Tropical Park is on September 17th against the Rochester Rhinos. Group tickets are currently on sale by visiting www.miamifc.com or by calling 305-728-2612. Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-57-MIAMI.
USL First Division Stories from September 6, 2008
- Miami FC unable to grasp three crucial points - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Rhinos drop Timbers 2-0 in Rochester - Portland Timbers
- RailHawks beat Battery 3-1 - North Carolina FC
- Battery loses to Railhawks - Charleston Battery
- Thunder Draw With Impact 1-1 - Minnesota Thunder
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