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Palace Baltimore Held Scoreless At Western Mass

May 27, 2009 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Ludlow MA - Crystal Palace Baltimore battled to a 0-0 draw in Ludlow, Massachusetts last night against the Western Mass Pioneers. Matthew Mbuta was once again called in on loan from Red Bull New York, but despite his best efforts and plenty of chances, Palace were unable to find the back of the net. The point earned moves Baltimore into second place in the standings and leaves Western Mass at the bottom.

The Pioneers enjoyed the first sustained spell of pressure for either side as they rattled off four consecutive corners, starting in the ninth minute, but the Palace back line held strong. Western Mass forward Adam Wallace came close four minutes later, running on to a nicely weighted through-ball into the right side of the box and firing off a shot at full tilt, but it flew just past the top left corner with Palace 'keeper Brian Rowland at full stretch.

On 14 minutes, Palace had half a chance after a corner was punched high in the air by the Pioneers' James Thorpe and the ball eventually ended up with Dan Lader 20 yards out, but his effort sailed high over the bar. A minute later Val Teixeira released the overlapping Paul Robson down the right. The Englishman's low cross was a yard behind Lader lurking on the six, but he managed to pass the ball back to Teixeira on the edge of the area. The Palace captain tried to direct his effort into the top left corner but it was overhit and the ball sailed a yard high and wide.

A good build-up along the right wing on 18 minutes saw Pioneers' playmaker Yan Klukowski whip in a cross from deep, but target man Neil Krause couldn't control it and the ball went behind for a goal kick.

In the 24th minute, Teixeira's low, left-footed strike from the right corner of the box was blocked by a Western Mass defender and the ball fell to Matthew Mbuta. The young Cameroonian took the ball to the byline as he appeared to be setting up a cross, but instead he unleashed a rocket from a very tight angle which whistled past the far corner of the goal.

Another 5 minutes later, Teixeira again fed Robson who broke down the right flank and crossed just beyond the far post. Zack Flores was there and he headed the ball back to the head of Dan Lader, but Lader's header was stifled by a closing Pioneers player and after a half-hearted appeal for a handball, Western Mass cleared.

Soon after the half-hour mark of the game, the action was turned up a notch and the crowd was treated to an enthralling sequence of end-to- end play with both teams looking dangerous, but the lack of a killer finishing touch left the teams scoreless at the half.

The second half began a little slower, but still there was plenty of back and forth between the sides. On 51 and 53 minutes, Baltimore and Western Mass exchanged long-range, volleyed efforts - Palace midfielder Pat Healey's shot flew left of the goal while the Pioneers' Klukowski watched his attempt sail to the right.

In the 58th minute, Palace failed to convert perhaps their best chance of the match. Teixeira found himself with his back to goal near the penalty spot after Lader's cross from the right. He swiveled to his left, slipping as he turned, but still managed to find Flores wide open on the left just 7 yards from goal. Flores took a touch before shooting and Thorpe sprang off his line to smother the ball at point blank range.

Two minutes later, a lead pass found Mbuta in the box. Mbuta dropped the ball back to Flores who struck the ball with power from 25 yards out but it had too much height, clearing the crossbar by a foot. The following minute, it was Lader's turn to storm up the right wing and towards the box. Lader cut the ball back to Teixeira 15 yards from goal, but again his curling effort was slightly overhit.

Another minute passed and the ball was up at the other end of the field through the tireless Western Mass left back, Federico Molinari. His cross was met well by Klukowski but Rowland pulled off a world- class save, tipping the ball over the bar to keep his team in the game.

Rowland had to be at his absolute best again just two minutes later. An initial Pioneers shot was blocked and the ball came out to Krause on the left. The big striker fired low towards the far corner but Rowland reacted like a cat, blocking the shot with his foot and the danger was averted.

The pace picked up as the clock showed fifteen minutes remained and each side pressed forward seeking a late winner. A combination of frantic defending and poor finishing combined to keep the nets unruffled however - Healey flung himself in front of a shot inside the box on 75, while at the other end, Krause headed inches wide from a free kick. With five minutes to go, Krause saw his powerful shot deflected out for a corner and with just seconds left, Rowland did well to tip a low shot that had taken an awkward bounce past his right- hand post. So despite an entertaining game, the 'keepers nets remained intact and each side walked away with one point.

Palace return to the friendly confines of UMBC Stadium in Baltimore on Friday May 29 at 7:30pm for the local derby with Real Maryland. Tickets are selling well but are still available online at http://www.crystalpalaceusa.com or by calling 410.933.TEAM(8326).

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 27, 2009


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