1-0 min. 19 Johanes Maliza (Puerto Rico)
BAYAMON, PR - The Puerto Rico Islanders played their best game so far this season on Friday night and came away with a 1-0 victory over the Rochester Raging Rhinos in front of a crowd of 3,461 at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.
Contrary to the previous match in Rochester, the Islanders started out strong, as its midfielders and forwards set the tone and for all purposes kept their motor running all throughout the game. Isaias Bardales came alive on Friday and created serious problems for the Rochester defense. He seemed to be present on every play. Alejandro Gonzalez was also active on the attack, with a couple of notable scoring chances in the first ten minutes.
Rochester responded with a couple of shots on goal by Pato Aguilera in the 8th and 9th minute, while Tony Rougier used his speed to spark up the Rhinos advances. However, Puerto Rico was still controlling the match through its midfielders and getting close to the goal defended by Scott Vallon.
In the 19th minute, Johanes Maliza of the Islanders made his presence felt in the biggest of ways. After making a move on a Rhino defender, Maliza pulled off a furiously fast, potent shot from about 35 yards out that beat a flying Scott Vallon and rocked the net for the 1-0 lead. The spectacular blast sent the crowd in a frenzy of joy.
As if it was not enough the next minute another Maliza cannonball forced Vallon to swap the ball out for a corner kick. The goal seemed to rattle Rochester somewhat as they looked uncomfortable for the next few minutes and Puerto Rico kept the pressure. Rochester would wake up, however, and in the 45th minute Doug Miller headed a corner kick over Islander goalie Dan Kennedy and the ball almost went in, but defender Chris Gores denied Miller by clearing the ball out just before crossing the line. The 1-0 lead remained intact into halftime.
The pace of the game went down a few notches in the second half. Puerto Rico was being cautious with the lead while Rochester tried mounting a serious attack, but they had problems passing the ball and the Islander defense kept its composure. Johnny Steele and Jamel Mitchell entered the game to revive the Rhinos chances while Rougier continued pushing forward. Puerto Rico held on and sub Corey Woolfolk was sent in for counterattacking purposes. Woolfolk had his chances to put up the 2-0 but to no avail.
Then, there came the 90th minute. A great Rochester play ended with Mitchell heading in the ball for what looked to be the tying goal to the dismay of the local crowd. However, the linesman ruled offside on the play and the 1-0 score would remain to the end.
The Puerto Rico Islanders would like to get another taste of victory on Sunday, May 15th at 5:00 p.m. when they again play the Rhinos on "Islander Fan Day".
