Bayamón, PR (September 21, 2011) – The Puerto Rico Islanders beat FC Tampa Bay 1-0 at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón during their last game of the season of the North American Soccer League (NASL) maintaining their 2011 home undeafted streak.
The Orange Troop started the game with several dangerous plays between forward Yaikel Perez and midfielder Kevon Villaroel. During the second minute, Villaroel made a move down the right flank creating a combination play with Perez. Villaroel took a shot on goal, but fell into the hands of FC Tampa Bay goalkeeper, Jeff Attinella.
In the fifth minute, the combination between Perez and Villaroel managed the first goal of the game. Villaroel took advantage of a counterattack, passing the ball into space. The ball arrived at the feet of Perez who scored the goal with his left foot.
"I was able to get free. Villaroel gave me a pass into space and I defined with my left. Now the team’s mentality is to focus on the semifinals. At the time, we have to work on small mistakes,” said Yaikel Perez.
During the first half, Ray Burse made some good saves rejecting shots from FC Tampa Bay. In the 13th minute midfielder Chad Burt took a shot on goal, but Burse blocked the ball. In the 24th minute, midfielder Mozzi Gyorio shot from the edge of the box, but once again Burse saved a goal.
Between minutes 30 and 33, FC Tampa Bay managed to shoot on goal in several occasions. Shane Hill shot on goal hitting the bottom right post. Also, a play between Mike Ambersley and Aaron King came to the foot of Burt, but his shot was deflected.
Before finishing the first half, during the 44th minute, midfielder Tyler Wilson got a shot off after a move from Fana near the box. The shot went over the mark.
Starting the second half, during the 51st minute, Fana launched a shot that passed near the bottom of the frame.
In the 87th minute, defense Alexis Rivera shot with his left foot after a pass from Petter Villegas, the shot sailed high over the frame.
During the last minutes of the match the Orange Troop continued with dangerous offensive plays. In extra time, passes in midfield between Fana and “Pito” Ramos transpired with a shot from Ramos that fell into the hands of the goalkeeper.
The Puerto Rico Islanders will play on October 8th in the NASL semifinals at their home field. As a limited offer, you can buy season tickets for the 2012 season from $50.
For more information you may call (787) 520 – 9684.
