BAYAMON, PR- As bad as the Islander season had been so far, the Puerto Rican fans knew in their hearts this match was going to be it: the first victory.
Their hearts got that one right. The Puerto Rico Islanders finally got their first win of the season by beating the Charleston Battery 1-0 in the match played on Tuesday night at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.
Coming into the game, the Islanders were determined to once and for all end their blues. You could tell by their white uniforms tonight. Charleston came in having gone through recent struggles and failed expectations.
The match started out with both teams very active moving the ball and looking for chances. Alexsey Korol had the first opportunity in the 2nd minute for the Battery but Islander goalie Michael Ueltschey responded.
The Islanders, meanwhile, were particularly keen in getting newly acquired forward Raul Diaz Arce the ball, and Diaz Arce responded with two good attempts at goal.
As the first half progressed the Islanders kept the shots coming: Martin Zapata, Chris Gores, Mauricio Salles… everybody got into the act. Then there was Juninho playing his heart out; running, hustling, and creating plays. Juninho and Arce were starting to become partners in crime, so to speak. In the 35th minute the two combined on a nice give and go but Juninho shot too high. The Juninho and Arce show would continue in the 2nd half.
The Battery looked decaffeinated. They battled hard, but Uelstchey was inspired to the point he grabbed all the crosses before any Battery attacker could even put a forehead on the ball. Uelstchey was great coming off the line and cutting off danger.
So then comes the 41st minute of play. Alexis Rivera receives a long pass on the left side of the field, takes a step or two and then suddenly hits this perfect cross to the box. Mauricio Salles would head the cross into the net with total precision, beating a stretching Dusty Hudock. Roar ensues. The locals get the lead and the fans get crazy, and even the local radio broadcaster goes nuts like that Mason guy in Detroit.
The second half started out with a frenetic pace as teams went back and forth and determined to attack. Charleston woke up and got proactive in search of the tying goal. Their best chance came in the 61st minute when Josh Smith had two straight shots on goal at point blank range but Ueltschey responded with key saves and kept the lead intact. Gabe Valencia also had his opportunities throughout the 2nd period but could not capitalize.
Neither could Justin Evans in the 67th minute, when Uelstchey made a defective clearance. Evans’s ensuing shot went over the Islander keeper but wide left.
Meanwhile, the Islanders not only defended their lead but actually looked to increase it. Juninho and Arce continued their recital trying to get the second goal. In the 60th minute, they combined on a play that resulted in Arce missing badly with Hudock already beat.
The rest of the half the scene was repeated again and again: Juninho blazes down the left, pass to Arce, Arce shoots.
As time was winding down the Battery made a final effort but the Islanders held on to notch the long awaited first win of the season and give its loyal fans reasons to cheer. The stadium indeed turned into a party as players and fans celebrated in euphoric fashion.
After the game, there was quite a “we won the World Cup!!!” feeling. Hugs between players, team execs and ear-to-ear smiles were clear evidence they were very happy… no wonder.
The streak is finally over.
The team’s record now stands at 1-10-3. Now they look for number two.
The Islanders’ next match will be against the Atlanta Silverbacks this coming Saturday June 19 in Atlanta, followed by a match at Charleston the next day which happens to be Father’s Day. Winning either will be unlikely so number two could come later against the Virginia Beach Mariners in Bayamon, PR on June 25 and 27.
Line-ups:
PR: Ueltschey, Ortiz, Zuleta, Gores, A. Rivera, Alcerro (Garay 93’), Malizza, Juninho (Toal 86’), Zapata, Mauricio (H. Rivera 89’), and Diaz Arce
CB: Hudock, Kutney, Jones, Klein, Downing, Korol, Jackson, Evans, Smith (Martinez 71’), Conway (Valencia 46’), and Bagley (Harris 57’)
Goals:
1-0 Mauricio, 41’
Yellow Cards:
PR: Alcerro, Diaz Arce
CB: Evans
