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Missed Opportunities Haunt Palace Again as Game Ends 0-0, Playoffs Still Possible

August 7, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


August 7th 2009 - Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore visited Harrisburg tonight looking for a win to keep their playoff hopes as strong as possible. Baltimore came away with just a single point after another frustrating night of missed chances on offense, combined with a shut-out by Brian Rowland and the Palace defense. The 0-0 draw moved Palace level on points with Real Maryland in the fifth and final playoff spot, but Real stay above Baltimore when tie-breaker criteria are taken into consideration. With the tie, Harrisburg cemented third place in the standings.

The opening 45 minutes was not pretty as neither side managed to string more than three or four passes together before losing possession. Palace created the best chance of the half as Pat Healey was on the receiving end of a lovely cross-field pass from Shintaro Harada. With an open goal beckoning, the Palace midfielder headed his effort straight at a relieved Chase Harrison in the Harrisburg goal and Healey held his head in his hands knowing he wouldn't have a better chance than that all night. The only other highlight of the half was the referee's as he failed to give what appeared to be a decent penalty shout from Jordan Seabrook as he was pulled down by his shirt trying to control the ball on the penalty spot.

The second half saw a slight improvement in play, with each team establishing more of an attacking rhythm early on. But both offenses remained anemic as chances continued to be far and few between. Tiyi Shipalane was the home side's biggest threat as he repeatedly waltzed around Palace midfielders and defenders but the finishing touch remained elusive. The Baltimore attack received a boost when Machel Millwood came on for Bryan Harkin and nearly scored with his first touch. On 65 minutes the Jamaican striker unleashed a fierce shot from the left edge of the box that whistled a foot over the bar. Five minutes later Millwood was involved again as he sent a cross from left to right across the box. The ball ended up with Paul Robson who teed up a shot from eight yards out as Harrison scrambled to cover his line, just managing to get his body in the way as a goal seemed certain. Kevin Gnatiko was introduced with ten minutes left, but despite four strikers on the field Palace couldn't find a way through and the match finished goalless.

Palace will now wait to see how Real Maryland does against Bermuda on Saturday night. No matter the result of that game, the final playoff spot won't be decided until after this weekend. Once Real Maryland has played their final match at Wilmington on Wednesday evening, Palace will know whether they still control their own fate in their final game at Pittsburgh on Saturday August 15th.

About Crystal Palace Baltimore One of only 30 professional outdoor soccer teams in the United States, Crystal Palace Baltimore competes in the United Soccer Leagues Second Division and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The club also runs a Professional Development Academy for young players at age levels U9 through U17. Crystal Palace Baltimore is the sister organization of 104-year old Crystal Palace Football Club in the United Kingdom. The London-based club was a founding member of the English Premier League and currently competes in the Coca Cola Football League Championship. More information can be found at http://www.crystalpalaceusa.com

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