0-1 min. 69 John Queeley (OG)
Bayamón, PR - The Puerto Rico Islanders lost to the Rochester Raging Rhinos by a 1-0 margin in a Sunday match-up played at Juan Ramón Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón, in front of 5,125 fans.
An unfortunate play decided the game in favor of Rochester, when Islander defenseman John Queeley accidentally deflected a Connally Edozien shot into his own goal in the 69th minute.
Despite the long list of injuries and suspensions (including star Petter Villegas, Mauricio Segovia, and Caleb Norkus), the Islanders demonstrated courage and intensity against a tough, well organized Rochester side.
Puerto Rico withstood the potent Rhino attack during the first half. The Islanders' superb goalie Dan Kennedy stood out with two spectacular saves on shots by Rochester's John Ball. Also, luck did side with the home team in the first forty-five, with Rochester crashing three shots into the posts. Ball, Matthew Delicate, and Charles Gbeke all were denied by the woodwork.
The Islanders had their moments on offense, too, thanks to the fine job by Alan Marcina who was always on the Rhino defense's radar. Marcina almost got a goal in the 19th minute after receiving a long pass from midfield, but his shot barely missed to the left.
Another close call came in the 37th minute courtesy of local talent Raphel Ortiz. He penetrated through the middle of Rochester's defense and executed a crisp shot. Rhino goalie Scott Vallow made a nice save.
Once Gustavo Barros Schelotto and Arturo Norambuena, both back from injuries, came into the match after halftime, the Islanders' attack grew more fluid and stronger. Norambuena was very active on the offensive front and almost struck gold in the 67th minute. His explosive shot from 25 yards out just sailed slightly wide to the right of Vallow's goal.
Just two minutes later, the defining play of the game happened. Edozien escaped from the Islander defense on a counterattack and was ready to shoot when Queeley came in trying to take the ball away. Edozien kicked the ball, which bounced off Queeley and surprisingly went into the netting past a stunned Kennedy.
Despite taking such a hit, the Islanders kept pressuring a now backed-up Rochester defense. Norambuena and Schelotto continued to give the visiting team some headaches.
However, a Rochester team that throughout the match was well-positioned on the field closed all spaces and rose to the challenge. Puerto Rico's best late chance for the tie came on a corner kick in the 87th minute. Norambuena headed the ball off Alejandro González's corner, and the ball passed by Marco Vélez who was just steps away from deflecting the ball into an empty corner of the goal.
After that Rochester kept possession and escaped with the victory.
Despite the loss, the presence of Schelotto and Norambuena is a very good sign for the Islanders who need players to come back to full form. Also, Norkus and Segovia will return after serving their suspensions.
The Islanders, hoping to have a healthier roster soon, finish the five-game home stand against the Portland Timbers. Both will square off next Sunday, May 14, at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in a 5 p.m. kick-off.
