Antigua Barracuda FC News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com
Sunday, April 17, 2011
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - Antigua Barracuda FC went under to two set plays as the Los Angeles Blues took a 2-1 victory at the Sticky Wicket Stadium on Sunday night in Antigua's first game in USL PRO. Walter Gaitan scored twice for the Blues, scoring on a magnificent free kick in the 32nd minute to draw level after the home team went ahead in the 16th minute, a strong finish by Tamarley Thomas that sent the home crowd into rapturous joy.
Gaitain then added a second-half penalty in the 78th minute to seal the victory for the visitors, giving him three goals in two matches.
Perfect conditions for football presented itself at the Sticky Wicket Stadium, in front of a crowd numbering more than six thousand. Eager to see their new USL PRO team display a good performance, they cheered every move and telling pass.
Both teams were slow off the mark but Barracuda FC set the stage early, as they were not prepared to give the Blues time on the ball to make their silky passes even as the visitors controlled most of the play.
It was an interception as a result of the pressure exerted on the Blues that resulted in the first goal and although surrounded by two defenders, Antiguan international Tamarley Thomas still managed to out muscle the pair and shoot home.
Not daunted by being a goal down the visitors continued to string passes around the field looking for an opening but it was impressive to see the discipline of the home side in keeping their shape and defending well.
However an infringement five yards outside the penalty box presented Gaitan his first opportunity to strike at goal and he did not disappoint. Goalkeeper Molvin James had no chance as the ball was in the back of the net having cleared the wall and dipped sharply to draw the Blues level in the 32nd minute.
The visitors immediately after the break controlled the lion share of the possession and the local boys with all the running in the legs were beginning to struggle to keep up the pace. However it took an unfortunate handball to seal the deal and Gaitan secured his brace to make it two wins in as many games for the Blues.
“It was a game of two halves as the Antigua team pressed us very well and were impressive in the first half," Blues coach Charlie Naimo said. "Our boys were not settled enough and we needed to be more relaxed in our approach and by doing that we took control of the game in the second half. The playing conditions were also a welcome change and we have been very impressed with how we have been treated here in Antigua.”
Walter Gaitan, speaking through an interpreter, said he enjoyed the game, especially the second half and was pleased to have helped his team to its second victory in as many games
“This is a very good team and we have nothing to be ashamed about," Antigua Barracuda coach Tom Curtis said. "Our boys are having a first time experience, they fought hard, ran their sox off, and despite all the possession, it took to set plays to crack us open. We can learn from this experience, we will be better for it.”
Captain and inspirational leader of the Antigua Barracuda FC George Dublin said, “We are disappointed but not down, we had the chances to win but it did not fall for us tonight, we will build on this first game. We will get this behind us quickly as we have a game on Thursday, we will be doing our best to get our first win for the fans. They were great tonight.”
Antigua Barracuda FC will play Sevilla FC Puerto Rico on Thursday night and with both teams seeking to register their first victory for the 2011 USL PRO season.