(Puerto Rico 2, Charleston 1)
1-0 min. 45+ Marco Vélez (Puerto Rico)
2-0 min. 56 Petter Villegas (Puerto Rico)
2-1 min. 93 Ben Hollingsworth (Charleston)
Bayamón, PR - The Puerto Rico Islanders earned a huge victory over the Charleston Battery by a 2-1 score on Friday night at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium.
The win temporarily put the Islanders in sixth place (last play-off spot) in the standings (25 points), over both the Battery and the Atlanta Silverbacks (24). With a 6-game road trip coming, the Islanders had to deliver against one of its direct competitors at home, and they did.
As soon as the match started, Puerto Rico had its first clear chance. Alejandro González, in the 3rd minute, pulled away from the Battery defense and kicked the ball over goalie Mike Behonick who had come way off his line. Corey Woolfolk had the opportunity to punch the ball into the empty net, but defender Jeremie Piette arrived just in time to make the clearance.
As the first half progressed, Charleston took control of the action, although the Islanders were strong on defense, even with usual starter Alexis Rivera out due to injury. Newcomer Caleb Norkus took his place and was solid throughout.
In the 23rd minute Charleston missed a golden chance to take the lead. Jesús Martínez shot hard from about 20 yards out and goalkeeper Dan Kennedy could not retain the ball. Lazo Alavanja struck the loose ball at close range, but his shot hit the left post and out. Alavanja again came close in the 42nd minute on a very long shot that sailed over Kennedy's goal.
When it looked like the half would end in a scoreless tie, Puerto Rico decided to try an attack at the last minute. It worked beautifully; because it all ended with Petter Villegas crossing from the right side to an open Marco Vélez, who blasted the ball into the netting from point-blank range for the 1-0 lead. That goal ended the half, and the Islanders were one up and had survived the Battery's pressure.
Puerto Rico started the second half strong, with Corey Woolfolk coming close to giving his team the 2-0 lead; but having a goal disallowed on an offside in the 52nd minute. That would not matter, because four minutes later the Islanders executed a brilliant offensive passing display that ended with Petter Villegas shooting a cannonball from 30 yards out and beating a flying Behonick for the 2-0 lead. Mauricio Salles was in on the assist.
The fans (all 6,322 of them on this night) exploded with excitement and joy.
Charleston kept trying, but Puerto Rico's second tally seemed to have taken the air out of the visitors, and the Islanders were able to hold on to the ball, and the advantage as well.
By the time Ben Hollingsworth broke through for the Battery, it was too late. His goal in stoppage time (93rd minute) was of course, not enough.
Having earned what may be the biggest win in their short history, the Islanders now embark on a 6-game road trip that could very well decide their fate. If they fare well, three home matches await in September with the playoffs on the line.
