On Thursday night, the Puerto Rico Islanders and Richmond Kickers played to a 0-0 tie at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. It was truly a scoreless tie kind of game.
Puerto Rico continued having problems with scoring, basically not being able to finish plays into goals after good build-ups. However, the team played very organized and created some notable opportunities.
Defensively, they looked much more comfortable at home, with Jorge Rosa and young goalie Eduardo Memendi (only 18) leading the way. No cold temperature or artificial turf could hinder the team this time, by the way.
The Kickers, on the other hand, seemed too cautious in their approach. Their attack lacked that punch, although they had more possession of the ball and their fair share of chances. Despite facing a team that allowed seven goals in its last two games, Richmond did not go after them as was expected.
The field did not help the cause either. It still showed signs of the tropical showers that fell throughout the week. The grass was very soaked and heavy and the ball bounced awkwardly.
All this resulted in a ho-hum match that could only end up nil-nil.
The first half saw a lot of corner kicks for the Kickers with little results, although Pete Luzak did get off a nice long shot in the 10th minute that zipped inches above the Islander goal. Matt Delicate had the best chance for the Kickers in this period, but on the 37th minute he hesitated on a breakaway with only Memendi to beat and could not shoot.
Puerto Rico’s best chances this half came in the 29th minute when Mauricio also sent one over the crossbar; and in the 32nd minute, when “Mime” Ortiz shot from just outside the box and Richmond goalie Ronnie Pascale made a fine save.
The second half was no fireworks show either. Puerto Rico had chances but nothing that Pascale couldn’t handle.
For the Kickers, Joe Worthen had various scoring chances. However, Memendi denied him two times with good saves.
Memendi, playing in place of Andrew Nucifora (continuing his college studies), also kept Richmond striker Kevin Jeffrey at bay. Meanwhile, defender Jorge Rosa cleared ball after ball with total confidence.
Overtime just about came and went, without much action. Memendi would, however, show his skills again in the 103rd minute, when he stopped a Richard Williams shot coming from close to the penalty spot.
In the end, the nil-nil tie prevailed.
BLUE NOTE: The heavy rain not only affected the field of play. Only 1,754 fans showed up this time, due in part to flooded areas across the island which discouraged people from going out.
PR: Memendi, H. Rivera (Toal 26’), Rosa, Gores, A. Rivera (Mussenden 78’), Deering, Ortiz, Garay (Mourelo 78’), Juninho (Nieves 90’), Zapata, and Mauricio
RK: Pascale, Luzak, Knight, Fox, T. Williams, R. Williams, Simms (Burke 69’), Worthen, Hayes, Delicate, Jeffrey (Cephas 100’)
Yellow cards: Luzak (RK) and Toal (PR)
Att.: 1,754
