A tired Miami FC loses to USL leaders, Portland Timbers
MIAMI, July 19, 2009 - Miami FC could not stop the Portland Timbers from entering the history books. Although Miami put forth a valiant effort on the pitch, they could not stop the hottest team in the league and lost for the first time at FIU Stadium 3-0. With this victory, the Timbers reach the 16th game unbeaten and now become part of USL history. Miami will now travel to Minnesota to face the Thunder on Friday, July 24 at 8pm, which will be televised on FOX Soccer Channel.
The first half featured both teams battling for position in the midfield. Miami got a great opportunity in the opening minutes, when Jack Traynor crossed a beautiful free kick straight to Paulo Jr. The Brazilian connected with the cross but his header sailed harmlessly into the hands of Portland goalkeeper, Steve Cronin.
Fifteen minutes later, as Miami's defender, Zack Kirby and Portland's mid-fielder, Johan Claesson, fought for position inside the Miami penalty box, both players went up to head the ball and ended up heading each other. Although the violent collision put a temporary stop to the match, both players managed to walk off the field on their own strength.
Towards the end of the first half, Leo Inacio gathered a rebound on the edge of the box and fired a violent shot that was denied by Cronin.
Five minutes into the second half, Portland opened the score board with a beautiful strike from George Josten. The forward took the ball unchallenged near the 18-yard penalty box and finished with an admirable strike. This was the first lead for the Timbers in this series.
Just six minutes later, Portland would strike again. Taka Suzuki made a great run on the right flank, crossing the ball to a streaking Keith Savage. Savage put the ball towards the second post and past the outstretched arms of Pat Hannigan.
Portland capped off a high impact offensive night with a great counter attack in the 77 minute. The Timbers got the ball off a Miami FC mistake, allowing Antou Jallow to finish with a one-time shot, beating Pat Hannigan for the third time in the evening.
Miami FC had a great opportunity in stoppage time. Leo Inacio broke down the Timbers' defense and left a ball for Reinier Alcantara. The Cuban forward received the ball and fired a difficult shot that sailed harmlessly over the Portland goal.
Notes...
Miami FC unveiled their newest cheerleaders tonight. The FIU/Miami FC cheerleaders will be cheering for the Blues for the rest of the season; This partnership will help the FIU cheerleader raise money for their competitive cheerleading squad...This is Miami FC's only loss at their new FIU Miami-Dade home...
Miami FC's next home game will be August 1st, same day as "Miami FC's One Day Summer Camp", once again at FIU stadium. The Blues will face the Montreal Impact at 8PM.
This article was published on Sunday 19 July, 2009.
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