Miami, May 16, 2008 – Miami FC’s seventh game of the season resulted in a 1-0 loss to visiting Vancouver Whitecaps. Vancouver played with 10 men for most of the second half and successfully defended their lead courtesy of Eduardo Zebrango’s 18th minute goal. Miami falls to 1-5-1 and has a chance to record a home win this season as they host league leading Portland on Sunday.
The Blues created the first chance in the 5th minute when Honduran Walter Ramirez escaped his marker and fed forward Juan Pablo Galavis. The Venezuelan zipped into the box after a fancy turn and crossed inside just long for team leading scorer Alex Afonso.
Vancouver responded with heavy pressure in the 12th minute that led to a Martin Nash shot that went wide of Josh Saunder’s goal.
Alex Afonso came close to opening the score in the 15th minute with a powerful close range header from a long pass. The Brazilian did everything right, but an outstanding reflex from Serbian keeper Sradan Djekanovic denied his effort.
Three minutes later, Miami pressed forward for a quick counterattack. Galavis attempted a through pass to Afonso, but instead his pass was intercepted by Vancouver defender Omar Jarun who found Cuban forward Eduardo Zebrando open. He then slotted home for the 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Vancouver almost doubled their lead but Alfredo Valente’s shot went wide.
The remainder of the 1st half belonged to Miami. The Blues valiantly searched for the equalizer. In the 26th minute, Sean Fraser connected nicely with Afonso, however the Brazilian’s ensuing shot was blocked. Eric Vasquez initiated another first-touch drive to Afonso who whipped in a deadly cross for Galavis to shoot wide.
In the 35th minute Miami again searched to level the score with a low shot from Vasquez. Minutes later, Sean Cameron had a superb effort head straight to Djekanovic’s hand. The Whitecaps were very effective moving forward in their offensive breaks. In spite of the late first half surge from Miami, both teams entered the lockers room with a 1-0 Vancouver lead.
Coach Zinho switched up his lineup for the second half. With hopes of revitalizing the attack, Chris Williams was brought in for Galavis and forward Sean Barrett replaced midfielder Eric Vasquez.
Miami FC gained a numerical advantage when Vancouver forward Nick Adderly was ejected in the 53rd minute after a harsh foul on Sean Cameron. Defender Ramirez was then positioned in the left midfield as Zinho favored his speed and services to the forwards. Two minutes later the tactical maneuver paid off with a nice run of play by Ramirez who whipped a cross to Sean Fraser whose one-touch side-footed strike forced a nice save from Djekanovic.
For long periods the Blues had trouble breaking out of their half-line in spite of Vancouver being one man down. Usual target man Afonso turned creator on many attacks and found little service up front as the Whitecaps closed down their defense.
Coach Zinho brought in reinforcements with Luis Calix, Jarryd Goldberg, and Nicolas Mosquera with a quarter hour remaining. In the 78th minute, Calix’s free kick came dangerously close to threatening Djekanovic’s goal. Jamaican forward then squandered the best chance of the half after his close range volley floated high.
Miami came very close to the equalizer in stoppage time with a dangerous scramble inside the Whitecaps’ area that resulted with Cameron’s shot sailing high.
On Sunday, May 18th, Miami FC will face the Portland Timbers at 6pm, also at Tropical Park. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting
Miami FC - USL Professional Soccer or by calling 305-728-2612. Single game tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-57-MIAMI. Watch all games live on USL Live!
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