Antigua Barracuda FC News Release -- www.antiguabarracudafc.com
Thursday, April 21, 2011
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua -- Sevilla FC Puerto Rico recorded its first victory of the USL PRO season with a 1 – 0 victory over Antigua Barracuda FC at the Sticky Wicket Stadium on Thursday night.
The goal came against the run of play as Sevilla took the lead in the 39th minute to stun the local but supportive crowd as Ryan Roushandal was given the opportunity to strike a low ball pass a static defense and a flat-footed goalkeeper.
The game started brightly for the home side as they demonstrated signs of a more lethal attack as Peter Byers, in his first game for the Cudas, brought energy and enterprise to the forward line. However it was Byers who managed to miss an open goal having rounded the keeper but somehow shockingly kicked the ball over the crossbar from six yards out.
As the first half was winding down, an infringement on the edge of the penalty area provided the opportunity Sevilla FC sought as Roushandal's strike, his second of the season, was good enough to beat the wall of the Barracuda FC defense and a diving Molvin James.
The second half started much like the first with Antigua dominating play with wave after wave of attack but had nothing to show for all their possession and commitment.
“We just failed to but the ball into the back of the net,” Antigua Barracuda coach Tom Curtis said. “We dominated play, threw everything at them but you have nights like that in football”
Antigua Barracuda captain George Dublin shared the same sentiment.
“Right now we are very disappointed but we must keep going,” Dublin said. “This is a tough league and if you fail to score, you fail to win”
Sevilla’s players were obviously elated by their first victory, expressing delight at holding out to win the game.
“We’ve been working hard on our game, to record a victory, we are very happy tonight,” said Sevilla captain Erik Hort.
The two teams will again meet on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the Sticky Wicket with Antigua hoping to turn around their fortunes and find their opening win of the season.