Miami FC falls to the Islanders 1-0

Miami, August 17th 2007- Miami FC traveled to Puerto Rico to play against the Islanders with a new Head Coach, the former assistant coach, Victor Pastora, who replaced Chiquinho de Assis this past Tuesday.

Every point for the team is crucial at this stage of the championship and the game against Puerto Rico is a direct match-up, which heated up the emotions on the field.

The game started in a slow pace. The first opportunity for Miami FC came at the 22nd minute. Zinho was fouled 20 yards away from the goal. Zinho himself shot the free kick and the Islander´s goalkeeper, Sounders, looked as the ball sailed left of the goal.

The game remained tedious until the 40th minute when Puerto Rico had its first chance to score. Midfielder, Edwin Miranda shot a loose ball in the middle of Miami FC´s box. The ball deflected off a Blue´s defender and went passed the end line.

The second half started with a different pace than the first one. On the 53rd minute, Rachid Didouh shot the ball 25 yards from the goal, scrapping the left post.

On the 78th minute, Rachid was fouled just outside the penalty box. Zinho shot the free kick and Sounder made a spectacular save.

On the 91st minute, the Islanders lobbed the ball into the area, which was then disputed in the air between the Blue´s keeper, Gabard Fenelon and Jay Needham. The ball bounced off Needham´s head and went into the goal.

Miami had a chance to tie the game up on the 93rd minute with Sean Cameron´s kick outside the box. However, Sounders made a game saving save. The game ended 1-0 for the home team.

Miami FC plays the Islanders again this Sunday, August 19th, at 6pm and then travels back home to play the Portland Timbers on Saturday, August 25th at 6pm at Tropical Park Stadium.