Puerto Rico Islanders News Release – www.puertoricoislandersfc.com
Thursday, February 12, 2009
BRADENTON, FL — The Puerto Rico Islanders defeated the Columbus Crew, current Major League Soccer Champions, in a preseason match played Thursday in Bradenton, Florida.
Only one minute into the game, the Uruguayan-American Martin Nunez, formerly of the Carolina RailHawks, found a loose ball in front of the Crew’s goal and scored the first one for the Islanders.
Minutes later, in the 13th minute of the game, Islanders 2008 captain Noah Delgado scored the Islanders second off an assist from 2008 USL First Division Most Valuable Player Jonathan Steele.
Former Des Moines Menace goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum was forced to leave the match early for Columbus in the proceedings due to an ankle injury and was replaced by Kenny Schoeni in the 20th minute.
Columbus forward Steven Lenhart picked up a red card in the 30th minute. Due to the match being an exhibition, the Crew was not forced to go a man down and Lenhart was replaced by Jason Garey.
The Islanders mantained the 2-0 lead for the remainder of the match resulting to defeat the defending MLS Cup Champions.
«As we finish this phase of preseason, the trip could not have finished on a more positive note as we beat Columbus Crew, the current MLS champions by a score 2-0 this morning at the IMG center in Bradenton,» said Islanders Head Coach Colin Clarke. «The team played very, very well today and created numerous chances; and could have scored some more goals.»
«Defensively we were very sound, and Columbus struggled to create any clear cut openings. With a little bit of luck and better finishing the score could have been much more flattering. The players have worked very hard and are looking forward to returning back to PR to face the exciting challenges ahead with DC United on February 21st and CD Marathon at home on February 26th.»
The Islanders will play Friday their last game in Tampa against the University of South Florida. The team will return to Puerto Rico Sunday night and continue their preseason training for their last friendly against MLS DC United on Saturday February 21 at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.
The starting lineup for the Islanders was: Bill Gaudette, Scott Jones, Nigel Henry, John Krause, Cristian Arrieta, Noah Delgado, Sandy Gbandi, Jonathan Steele, Petter Villegas, Nick Addlery, and Martin Nunez. Forward Josh Hansen came as a second half sub for Islanders Villegas.
Crew Lineups
First Half – Andy Gruenebaum (Kenny Schoeni 20), Danny O’Rourke, Chris Clements, Andy Iro, Gino Padula, Ty Shipalane, Brian Carroll, Stanley Nyazamba, Emmanuel Ekpo, Steven Lenhart (Jason Garey 30), Guillermo Barros Schelotto
Second Half – Kenny Schoeni, Jed Zayner, Anthony Peters, Chad Marshall, Paul Gerstenberger, Cory Elenio, Duncan Oughton, Eddie Gaven, Alex Grendi, Pat Noonan, Jason Garey
