Miami FC Wins Third Game in a Row
June 20, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Miami, Florida June 20, 2009- Miami FC beat the Cleveland City Stars for the second time in a row and for the third this season. The Blues beat the Stars 1-0 and propelled themselves to 5th place in the USL-1 standings. Although Miami is eight points behind the league leaders, the team has also played two less games.
Miami began the first half by controlling the tempo and dominating the ball. In the 8th minute, Leo Inacio Nunes trapped a ball on the top of the box and fired a left footed shot that was blocked by Cleveland's goalkeeper, Hunter Gilstrap. Ten minutes later, however, Miami received a second chance when a loose ball hit the back of forward Alen Marcina, who inadvertently deflected the ball right into a streaking Paulo Araujo Jr. Araujo Jr finished with one touch, giving the Blues a one to nothing advantage.
Towards the end of the first half, forward Joshua Boteng, went on a weaving run and found himself inside the Miami Box. He unleashed a violent shot that sailed over Hanningan's crossbar.
"I am very proud of this team. They kept their heads up even after a hard loss in US Open Cup," said head coach, Zinho. "We are playing great soccer right now, and we will continue to stay this focused for our next opponent, the Montreal Impact. Hopefully we can continue playing well on the road."
Although the Cleveland City Stars dominated most of the second half, its erroneous passes and Miami's powerful defense did not allow the team for a comeback. In the 61st minute, a corner kick found Troy Roberts who headed the ball barely over the goal. Soon after, a free kick was awarded to the Cleveland City Stars. Pato Aguilar fired a forceful shot, but Pat Hannigan's extraordinary save did not allow the goal.
The Blues had another clear opportunity for a second goal towards the end of the second half, when Diego Serna found Ex-Cuban National team member, Reinier Alcantara, open on the left wing for a one on one with the goalkeeper, Hunter Gilstrap. Alcantara got a good shot off but Gilstarp managed to save the ball.
The Blues will travel to Saputo Stadium on June 23rd to face the Montreal Impact. Miami FC beat the Impact at FIU stadium 2-1 on April 24th. Pat Hannigan had a late penalty kick save in that game that secured the victory. Miami FC returns home to play the now traditional Fourth of July game against the Puerto Rico Islanders. This game will be played at FIU Stadium and will include a fireworks extravaganza immediately after the game.
USL First Division Stories from June 20, 2009
- Miami FC Wins Third Game in a Row - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Battery drops second straight - Charleston Battery
- City Stars Drop 1-0 Decision To Miami FC - Cleveland City Stars
- Whitecaps lose tough one to Montreal, 2-1 - Vancouver Whitecaps
- Impact notches 2-1 victory over Vancouver - Montreal Impact
- Thunder Break Three Game Winning Streak with 5-1 Loss to Portland Timbers - Minnesota Thunder
- Timbers Rattle Thunder, Win 5-1 - Portland Timbers
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