Phantoms lose 3-2 to Cleveland
May 19, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Hampshire Phantoms News Release
CLEVELAND, OHIO - (Satuday, May 19, 2007) - Cleveland (4-0-0), riding a three-game win streak, including a 2-1 victory over Cincinatti Kings last week in Lexington, Kentucky, where the New Hampshire Phantoms lost last night 4-0, scored in injury time in the 93rd minute to win 3-2 tonight at Krenzler Stadium (Cleveland State University) in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
Playing on brand new Field Turf with the skyline of Cleveland in the background, the City Stars, hosting its first home match of the season, jumped out to an early 2-0 lead only to see the Phantoms roar back in the second stanza while dominating play.
Cleveland's Adam Moffat scored the first goal of the game set up by Mark Schulte, former player with Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew, to make it 1-0. Just eight minutes later, Moffat assisted Nigel Codrington increasing the lead to 2-0.
Phantoms newcomer Tiago Lopes of Portugal, signed just two days ago, got the Phantoms started with a goal at the 54th minute mark. NH battled furiously and finally scored the equalizer with just eight minutes remaining in regulation time when Narciso Fernandes headed home a serving ball from teammate Flavio Casal.
It appeared the Phantoms were going to settle for a hard-earned 2-2 tie until Moffat sent the Phantoms home with a goal three minutes into injury time with Derek Potteiger earning the assist.
The loss drops NH to 0-3-2 on the season and spoiled the Phantoms bid to knock Cleveland from the ranks of the undefeated. The Phantoms goals were only the second and third goals of the season in five games played with the other coming on a penalty kick against Western Mass Pioneers in its second match.
Cleveland, currently the sixth largest soccer market in the United States, drew 2,000 to the gate to witness the the see-saw battle between the Buckeye State and the Granite State. The City Stars entered the game sporting a perfect 3-0-0 road record, tops among USL2 teams, and had torched opposing teams for 8 goals - another league best.
The Cleveland win catapults the City Stars into a first place tie with Richmond Kickers (who won tonight 1-0 over Charlotte Eagles) - each with 12 points and identical 4-0-0 records.
The Phantoms, now 0-3-2, make the long trip home to prepare for a Memorial Day Weekend encounter at Joe Chabot/Hubie McDonough Jr. Stadium at Manchester Memorial High School with the Charlotte Eagles, a USL2 finalist the last four seasons and having won it all in 2005. Kickoff next Saturday is 7 PM.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 19, 2007
- Lady Eagles and Eagles suffer losses in Richmond, 3-2 & 1-0 - Charlotte Eagles
- Richmond posts another shutout despite Charlotte attack - Richmond Kickers
- Cleveland City Stars Win Home Opener 3-2 â Stay Undefeated - Cleveland City Stars
- Phantoms lose 3-2 to Cleveland - New Hampshire Phantoms
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