Phantoms tie Crystal Palace, 0-0
June 2, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Hampshire Phantoms News Release
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND - The New Hampshire Phantoms have had their share of tough luck and unlucky bounces this season, and it continued tonight at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium tonight when NH tied Crystal Palace Baltimore 0-0 in United Soccer League Division 2 action.
Phantoms Val Teixeira's bid to give his team the lead clanked the crossbar from 35 yards out on a free kick in the 63rd minute just moments after teammate Flavio Casal had been hauled down from behind on a breakaway to goal. Palace was fortunate to only be issued with a yellow card.
Just 11 minutes later, NH veteran forward Almir Barbosa sprinted into the penalty box to pick up a wide serve from Casal, beat Palace goalkeeper Brian Rowland to the ball and tipped the ball over Rowland from 6 yards out to the far post. The ball ricocheted off the inside of the post and rolled all the way to the opposite post before hitting the right angle and bouncing away from the goal It was cleared away by a Baltimore defender.
Every member of the Phantoms team was cheering the goal thinking it had crossed the goal line, but the linesman never signaled the goal and player resumed.
"It's a game of inches," said Phantoms coach Sean Carey. "We have had to fight for every inch of turf this season. It hasn't been easy, but there are signs that the tide is turning."
Carey credited midfielder Romelle Burgess as one of the most consistent players on the team. "Romelle continues to be a highlight reel in the middle of the field. His work ethic equals his passion for the game," Carey added.
Palace, just two spots ahead of NH in the standings with a 1-4-1 record, entered the game on a two game undefeated streak having tied second place and defending USL2 champion Richmond 1-1 in its most recent match as well as posting a 3-0 win over Wilmington. The Phantoms were coming off a pair of 3-2 losses to first place Charlotte and third place Cleveland.
The Phantoms were eliminated from U.S. open Cup competition last weekend, just six games into the season, but are playing with more confidence despite being one of the youngest teams in the league. NH has also already played five matches on the road, but plays its final six games of the season at Manchester Memorial High School's Chabot/McDonough Stadium. The top four teams in the division will qualify for the playoffs.
Baltimore and NH matched shot totals in the game with 16 apiece. Phantoms goalkeeper Brian Levey made five saves in earning his second shutout of the season. Rowland had 7 saves for Palace.
The Phantoms return home to face off with arch rival Western Mass Pioneers next Saturday night, June 9, at Memorial HS with a 7:30 PM kickoff.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 2, 2007
- Second Half Performance by Tanzini brings the Islanders Back in 2-2 Draw - Penn FC
- Cleveland returns undefeated with 2-2 draw from Harrisburg - Cleveland City Stars
- Phantoms tie Crystal Palace, 0-0 - New Hampshire Phantoms
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