Puerto Rico Islanders News Release - www.islandersfc.org

 

Sunday, April 23, 2006

 

BAYAMON, PR -- The Puerto Rico Islanders had to settle for a 1-1 tie against the Atlanta Silverbacks in a Sunday USL First Division match held at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, in front of a crowd of 5,182 fans.

Although Atlanta played much better than on Friday, Puerto Rico had significant scoring opportunities, and held a 1-0 lead until the last few minutes. A Liam George equalizer in the 90th minute allowed Atlanta to take a point out of Bayamón.

The Islanders again displayed on Sunday their brand of organized, technical style of soccer with the Latin flare. This time, however, Atlanta came totally prepared for Sunday's game after their loss on Friday. The Silverbacks played very tight, stingy defense, making it very hard for Islander attackers to go through. Atlanta managed to keep the home team in check throughout the first 45 minutes of play, even though they themselves rarely threatened Dan Kennedy's goal during that first half.

The Islanders came closest in the first half on two shots hitting the crossbar. Both Alexis Rivera and Alejandro Gonzalez tested Silverback goalie Felipe Quintero from long distance but the bar denied them each time. Also, Atlanta defender Joe Afful blocked a dangerous shot from Islander Caleb Norkus in the first half.

The Silverbacks continued with their defensive scheme for the second half and kept Puerto Rico at bay for a while, but the visitors' lack of offense up to then was not helping their cause.

The Islanders finally broke through Atlanta's wall in the 60th minute of play on a fantastic play. Alejandro González executed a precise defense-splitting pass to a charging Petter Villegas, who basically went through the back door of the Silverback defense. Villegas found himself with just Quintero to beat, and the Islander midfielder/forward easily struck the net for the 1-0 home lead.

Atlanta reacted strongly, and Fabian Dawkins almost made an equalizer in the 71st minute. Alexis Rivera denied Dawkins, however, by clearing his shot from near the goal line. In the 87th Kennedy made a nice save on a Rodrigo Rios shot.
 

The Silverbacks finally got their goal in the 90th minute thanks to a Liam George deflection of a teammate's shot.

In stoppage time Puerto Rico almost had a game-winning goal but Quintero saved the day for the visitors. Petter Villegas's powerful free kick from 25 yards out in the 92nd minute was well on target towards the Atlanta goal. Quintero was able to deflect the ball enough so that it hit his left post and out instead of the back of the net, saving the tie for his club.

Despite the tie Puerto Rico played very well overall, and just fell short in the end against a well-organized Silverback team. The Islanders now look forward to their next match at home against the Montreal Impact on Sunday, April 30th at 5 p.m. local time. (5 PM EST) The match will mark the return of former Islander star Mauricio Salles to the Loubriel after signing with the Canadian club this year.