Cincinnati (6 wins 0 ties and 7 losses) entered the game with a chance to pick up some ground on division leaders Minnesota and Milwaukee that played to a 1-1 draw. El Paso (5 wins 6 ties and 5 losses) came in after losing to Vancouver 3-1 breaking up El Paso's 7 game winning streak.
The Hawks and Patriots played intense soccer the first half. In the 26th minute from just outside the penalty area Martinez took a shot forcing the Hawks keeper Ueltschey to make a fine diving save. The Patriots were in control of the game at this point and were tring to take advantage of it. In the 37th minute Patriot keeper Estrada answered the call with 2 saves of his own in succession. Simon Lowey fired a shot from about 6 yards out right at Estrada who promptly blocked the shot and with the rebound falling to Lucas he took a quick shot that Estrada saved as well. The game is turning into a battle of the keepers with both making excellent plays. The half ended with the score of 0-0 and the battle of the keepers going to Ueltschey with him making 6 saves to Estrada's 4.
The 2nd half started with a shot by El Paso having to be tipped over the cross bar by Ueltschey. The Hawks turned things around showing a bit of ball control them selves. In the 53rd minute Degand blasted a shot past a diving Alvarez giving Cincinnati the 1-0 lead. El Paso did not need much time to answer. In the 57th minute Frias pounced on a saved shot that deflected right to his feet and placed it into the net. The score being knotted up at 1-1 mad both teams aware that they would have to work hard for a victory. The Hawks came back with a near goal that just went wide of the net in the 61st minute. Daniel Alvarez showing some excellent ball skills chipped a ball in to the waiting Ryan Lucas. Lucas put his head to the ball and missed the goal by inches. In the 77th minute Cincinnati again had an excellent chance when Alvarez went to cross the ball and it hit the crossbar then upright just missing the net. The 2nd! half finished with the score at 1-1.
On to overtime! Both teams came out playing cautious soccer. Cincinnati played well in the overtime period getting one shot off that went over the cross bar and showing control of the ball. However, with a long ball played from midfield to the penalty area, 3 passes later, Jose Lomeli shot the ball past Ueltchey to give the Patriots the win.
On a side note...
With FOX Sportsworld doing the game I was unable to get the stats to the game. I assisted FOX with the on screen graphics and you would be amazed at all the behind the scenes work that goes on to get the game to you on TV.
Many thanks to FOX Sportsworld for the opportunity to assist them, to the Cincinnati Riverhawks players, staff and volunteers for making everything run as smoothly as possible. Also special thanks to Tim Holt of the USL who made sure we got scores to other matches. Last and certainly not least many thanks to the fans of the Cincinnati Riverhawks and all the fans around the globe that make this game the joy that it is!
