Miami FC Loses in Stoppage Time 1-0



Miami, June 30, 2007 - Miami FC (4-10-2) made the short trip from Seattle to PGE Park to face the Portland Timbers (6-2-3) for their first match of the season. The Timbers willed themselves to victory scoring in stoppage time beating Miami FC 1-0. Portland is undefeated at home this season with a record of 4-0-3.

Gabard Fenelon got his first start tonight. It is his first start in USL play.

Miami FC midfielder Douglas got the game started by beating two Portland defenders and crossing a ball to find the head of Sean Fraser. Fraser’s shot almost found the back of the net sailing just over the goal.

Portland got to test Fenelon early on a corner kick that found the head of two Timbers attackers, but they were unable to score. The Timbers continued to test Fenelon creating opportunities in front of the Miami FC goal.

Sean Fraser put relentless pressure on a sluggish Portland defender forcing a turnover. Fraser found himself with 30 yards of grass between himself and the goalkeeper. The Timbers goalie ran at Fraser causing him to bend the ball around the keeper. Fraser’s shot hit the goal post, and he was unable to take advantage of the rebound that was deflected over the goal and out of bounds.

Miami FC leader Zinho tried to keep the momentum in the Blues favor finding himself with the ball inside the box. Zinho turned on the ball and ripped a shot that missed wide.

Portland didn’t seem to learn from their earlier defensive mistakes and continued to lazily pass the ball around defensively. This time Miami FC midfielder Eric Vasquez slid past a couple defenders as they passed the ball back to their goalie. Vasquez was able to get a foot on the ball, but again the ball sailed just over the net for Miami.

The Timbers had most of the chances in the first half, but the more they tested Fenelon, the more comfortable Fenelon looked behind the net not allowing Portland to score in the first half.

Miami FC and the Portland Timbers entered the half tied at zero. Portland had eight shots on goal to Miami’s five.

Portland looked to score quickly in the second half creating a couple of early chances that were stopped by Fenelon and the Miami FC defense.

Zinho tried to get Miami FC back on track sneaking a ball past a defender to find Fraser. Fraser, the ball, and the Timbers goalie met at the top of the box, knocking the goalie down. The ball was picked up by Vasquez whose shot missed the open net.

Vasquez had another chance on goal finding another ball bouncing around the Timbers goal. Vasquez kicked the ball on goal, but it found its way directly into the hands of the keeper.

The game seemed to be headed towards a draw, especially with the good play of Fenelon on the defensive side of the ball. Miami FC looked to get the point earned from the tie, but this wasn’t acceptable to the Timbers who somehow willed themselves to a victory.

Portland midfielder Gregor, who leads his team with five goals on the season, whipped a long ball from almost midfield that found the head of Lawrence Olum. Olum’s header found the back of the net three minutes and ten seconds into stoppage time. The game ended shortly after 1-0 in the favor of the home team.

Miami FC remains on the West coast for their next game when they face the California Victory on our nations Independence Day at 9 pm