BAYAMON P.R. (June 9, 2012) - The Puerto Rico Islanders move three points clear at the top of the NASL standings with a 2-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rowdies at the Bayamon Soccer Complex. Islanders top scorer David Foley had a penalty saved by Jeff Attinela, but goals from Jay Needham and Jarad Van Schaik were the difference for the hosts.
After a first half without any clear-cut chances, the second half was hardly underway before the Islanders were given a golden opportunity to take the lead. Rowdies defender Andres Arango was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, and the Islanders were awarded a penalty. David Foley stepped up to take the kick, but his shot was saved by Attinela who dove low to his right to keep the Rowdies from going behind.
Attinela was forced into four saves during the night, but there was nothing he could do in the 80th minute to stop the Islanders from grabbing the game's opening goal. Off a corner kick Foley, who missed the earlier penalty, put the ball into the box for Jay Needham to head the Islanders in front with his second goal in two matches. Foley making amends for the earlier miss with a brilliant assist.
A goal down with ten minutes left, the Rowdies pressed for an equalizer. The Florida based side threw everything they had at the Puerto Rico defense, but were punished on the counterattack deep into stoppage time. Richard Martinez collected a turnover in the Islanders box, and carried the ball up the field before finding Jonathan Fana. The fleet-footed forward fed the ball to Jarad Van Schaik in acres on space on the right. The midfielder made no mistake with his shot, effortlessly slotting the ball past Attinella to ensure victory for the hosts.
NASL TM and ©2011 North American Soccer League, LLC. North American Soccer League and the NASL Crest Design logo
are registered trademarks of North American Soccer League, LLC. All other trademarks and images are property of their respective
owners. All rights reserved.
