The Puerto Rico Islanders returned to their winning ways beating FC Edmonton 1-0 with a last minute goal by Captain, Aaron Pitchkolan at Foote Field late Saturday night. With this win, the Islanders cement themselves in second place with seven points between Puerto Rico and third place FC Edmonton. The Islanders return home Wednesday night to square off against the last place Atlanta Silverbacks. Come join the club for after school night as ALL Students get in free and the first 200 kids will receive a “Back to School” pack. Kick off is set for 7:30pm.
The Islanders started the game by dominating possession of the ball. Colin Clarke’s troops pressed high and kept the ball away from the Canadian side.
Kevon Villaroel created the first opportunity of danger when he trapped a ball inside the box, and unleashed a shot that barely sailed over the crossbar. Moments later Jonathan Fana found a ball towards the top of the box and got a good shot on frame, but the ball was deflected by the Edmonton goalkeeper.
Ray Burse made a spectacular save from point-blank range after brilliant header from Hamilton on the far post. Chris Lemire floated in a corner kick in extra time of the first half, and Hamilton made a strong run towards the back post, connecting with a violent header which forced Burse into an acrobatic save.
Burse was called upon again to deny Edmonton. In the second half, Islander Matt Bouraee was stripped of the ball by Hamilton, who was pressing into the offensive end on a set piece. Hamilton took the ball and left it for teammate Ilja Van Leerdam, whose shot from 25 yards forced Burse into a diving save.
The was decided, in the 89th minute by a wonder striker by Aaron Pitchkolan. After a Noah Delgado’s shot was deflected the ball fell right to the feet of Pitchkolan, with the hesitation the Islanders captain unleashed a one-time volley giving the Islanders an important road victory, cementing them in third place.
