BAYAMON, PR - The match between the Atlanta Silverbacks and the Puerto Rico Islanders ended in a 0-0 tie after regulation and overtime in front of 7,098 fans present at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium on Friday night. As expected, local fans turned out in huge numbers to watch their team play strong against the Silverbacks.
From the start, both teams played to move the ball forward, offering a very positive image. This resulted in an entertaining game for the crowd and for the viewers watching on Fox Sports World across the U.S. Both teams had various opportunities to score. Puerto Rico started the show with a perfectly executed strategy play on a set piece in the 9th minute of play. It resulted in a shot by Martin Zapata that went wide but not by much. Atlanta responded with a header by Gary Brooks that sailed over the crossbar. Brooks would be Atlanta's biggest attacking force throughout the match, with players like Leslie Fitzpatrick also directing the offense. The Islanders' defenders nevertheless held on strong and goalkeeper Michael Ueltschey responded in clutch moments. Towards the end of the first half Atlanta almost scored on an individual play by Fred Degand from the left side. His cross went to Mac Cozier, who could not push the ball in despite being very close to goal. For the Islanders, Carlos Garay, who played for suspended Mauricio Salles, worked very hard on attack although he could not finish against Atlanta goalkeeper Anthony Tokpah.
The second half also saw a lot of action, if not as much as seen in the first 45 minutes. In the 59th minute Fernando Zuleta had a golden chance to score at point-blank range but Tokpah swatted the ball away. Two minutes later Brooks again came close for Atlanta, but Ueltschey made a brilliant save on him. In the 64th minute Brooks was denied again, this time by the linesman who disallowed a goal due to offside by the Silverback forward. Ivailo Ilarianov could have also done harm, but his shot in the 86th minute went over the bar. Puerto Rico did have its moments, led by Ricardo Alcerro's control of the game flow and various shots on goal.
In overtime, Brooks (92nd minute) and Ilarianov (100th minute) could have given Atlanta the win, but Uelstchey was unbeatable on this night. Carlos Astondoa would have the best chance for the home team in the second overtime.
With this tie Puerto Rico halted Atlanta's 10-game winning streak. Atlanta however did move temporarily to the top of the Eastern Conference at 11-3-2 and 35 points. Puerto Rico's record is now 3-12-6. More importantly, the Islanders again prove they can compete against the A-League's best sides, despite being an expansion team. What's more, Fox Sports World's TV coverage helped transmit to the U.S. public a very positive image of the team, its dedicated fans, and the whole island.
The next match between the two teams will be on Sunday, July 18 at 5:00 p.m. Islanders' management will give away free tickets for the first 3,000 fans to arrive at the stadium. The tickets to be given will be for next year's opening home game.
