Friday, July 13, 2012
BRADENTON, Fla. – Bryan Burke had a pair of goals, and Brian Farber had a goal and assist, as the Los Angeles Blues took a 3-0 victory against Antigua Barracuda FC on Friday morning as the two teams concluded their weather-delayed contest from Thursday night.
Burke had given the Blues the lead before lightning and heavy rain pulled the teams off the field at IMG Academy in the 13th minute on Thursday. Burke’s 11th-minute goal came from a defensive error as he was able to drive into the penalty area and drive a low shot home for his second goal of the season.
Upon the resumption on Friday morning, both teams had chances to find the back of the net. Los Angeles almost doubled its lead after a low cross skidded across the face of goal, but it was the Barracudas who came closest to a goal before the break after Erlys Garcia conceded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Antigua's Quinton Griffith struck a good free kick, only for Blues goalkeeper Jose Miranda to make a good save to keep his side ahead.
Antigua’s chances of getting back into the contest were diminished as they were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute as Luke Blakely was sent off. Blakely had already received a yellow card minutes earlier before a challenge from behind saw his game end early. The Blues capitalized almost immediately on their man-advantage as Farber doubled the lead two minute later with a clean finish from inside the penalty area.
The Blues then slowed the game down, but they were able to add a third goal with five minutes to go as Farber played provider. The veteran midfielder was able to make a run down the right side, and sent back-post cross that was met by Burke for his second goal of the game.
The win kept the Blues in contention for the playoffs in the USL PRO standing, with Charlie Naimo's side getting the chance to pull even with the sixth-placed Richmond Kickers on Saturday at 4 p.m. as the teams meet again at IMG Academy.