Miami FC loses 4-1 to Islanders



Miami, June 9, 2007 - The grudge match continues today as the Miami FC and the beautiful South Florida weather welcome the Puerto Rico Islanders back to Tropical Park Stadium. The two teams met last Thursday in a heated battle that ended tied 2-2.



Miami FC tried to strike first with a valiant effort by Luchi Gonzalez in the 4th minute. His shot sailed just high. Puerto Rico’s midfielder Noah Delgado made the night’s opening goal on a loose ball that slipped by the defense. The shot put the Islanders up 1-0 in the 13th minute of play.



Puerto Rico continued to apply pressure, but in the minute 32, Luchi Gonzalez got free with the ball inside the box forcing the Islanders goalkeeper to grab his leg and foul him. The foul led to a penalty kick by Eric Vasquez. Vasquez scored thee equalizer in the games 33rd minute tying the game 1-1.



Miami FC didn’t waste anytime getting right back into the action. The Blues continued to apply pressure on the Islanders defense forcing them to foul Luchi 20 yards from the goal. Miami FC’s captain Zinho’s attempt sailed just wide of the net.



With two minutes left in the half, Cristiano Dias enforced his will down the left sideline of the defense and drove a powerful shot into the side of the goal. Miami FC and Puerto Rico head into the half just as they ended the last game tied, but this time 1-1.



The second half started with both teams trying to keep possession of the ball and create opportunities in open space. Miami FC increased its pressure on the Islander’s defense with a monster shot by Ignacio Calcagno created by Gonzalez in the 59th minute.



Puerto Rico countered with two quick goals within two minutes of each other. The first was scored by midfielder Pettar Villegas in the 60th minute, and the second coming in the 62nd minute off the foot of Puerto Rico’s forward Alberto Zapata. The two goals put the Islanders up 3-1 with half an hour left in the second half.



Vasquez’s corner kick in the 84th minute found the head of defender JP Rodrigues whose attempt missed left.



The 87th minute found more bad fortune for the Miami FC. Jorge Ramirez’s cross found Alejandro Gonzalez to put the Puerto Rico Islanders up 4-1. Miami FC was unable to find any good looks in the final minutes of the game. The loss gives Miami FC a record of 4-7-1 on the season.



Miami FC’s next home game is against last year’s defending champion Vancouver Whitecaps at Tropical Park Stadium, June 22. On Tuesday, June 12, Miami plays El Paso patriots for the US Open Cup, in Texas.