Palace Baltimore Topped by Austin Aztex

Published on May 16, 2010 under U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
Crystal Palace Baltimore News Release


Baltimore, MD - Crystal Palace Baltimore fell in Austin tonight by a score of 2-1, their first defeat in their last three matches. Lance Watson and Jamie Watson got on the scoresheet for the Aztex, while Mathew Mbuta was on the mark for Baltimore. The victory leaves Austin with the best record in the USSF D-2 Pro League at 4-1-1 while Palace drop to 1-4-1.

The early stages of the game saw both sides struggle to keep possession and establish any rhythm. Quarter of an hour in, Jamie Watson's acrobatic cross from Lance Watson's free kick found Lawrence Olum. The Kenyan midfielder placed his header past Evan Bush in the Palace goal, but the officials had blown for offside and the goal was disallowed.

On 35 minutes, Austin's English defensive midfielder Eddie Johnson released Lance Watson on goal. Watson chipped the ball over Bush for the opening goal of the contest giving the Aztex a lead they would take into the half-time break.

Ten minutes into the second period Austin's joint leading goalscorer Jamie Watson squandered a golden opportunity to double the home side's lead, failing to find the target from close range. Five minutes later, Palace striker Randi Patterson launched a fierce shot from 15 yards out but he directed it too close to Aztex 'keeper Miguel Gallardo who was able to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Three minutes later, Evan Bush launched the ball from his own area towards Mathew Mbuta. The Cameroonian playmaker beat the Austin offside trap and broke away for a one-on-one with Gallardo, finishing well to notch his second of the season and bring Baltimore level.

In the 71st minute however, it was Jamie Watson who added to his tally firing home his fourth goal of the campaign from a Maxwell Griffin cross from the right side of the box to give Austin the lead once again.

Palace failed to find a way past the Aztex defense over the final twenty minutes and the final whistle blew and Austin had sealed the 2-1 victory.

Palace will close out their marathon five-game road swing with a visit to Rochester this Wednesday night. The game kicks off at 7:00pm Eastern at Marina Auto Stadium.



U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 Stories from May 16, 2010


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