F.C. New York News Release -- www.fcnewyorksoccer.com
Friday, June 3, 2011
QUEENS, N.Y. – F.C. New York continued its undefeated streak on Friday night at Belson Stadium thanks to a 58th-minute header from striker Graciano Brito, who scored his third goal in as many games to earn his side a 1-1 draw against the Charleston Battery. Nicki Paterson scored in first-half stoppage time for the Battery on a free kick.
After an uneventful start to the game, New York almost opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Striker Jhonny Arteaga beat his man down the left side and whipped in a cross for Brito, whose looping header left Charleston goalkeeper Keith Wiggans stranded as it struck the right post.
Midfielder Tadeu Terra led New York in the midfield, providing the creative spark to create multiple opportunities for the home side. Brito was the focal point of the offense, winning several free kicks with his aerial presence as well as seeing a volley deflected behind for a corner kick.
Despite a strong opening period, New York found itself trailing at halftime thanks to Paterson. The Charleston midfielder stepped up to bend a 20-yard strike into the bottom right corner of the net over the outstretched hand of New York goalkeeper Tim Melia, leaving New York down 1-0.
The home side looked to rebound in the second half, and found its answer through Terra. The Brazilian streaked down the left side on a counter-attack and floated in a cross to Brito, whose towering header rocketed into the right side of the net past Wiggans to even the score.
The goal sprung New York into life as they began to dominate proceedings, keeping Charleston locked in their own end as they spread the ball across the field. Their best opportunity came in the 87th minute as Qwame Holder worked a give and go with Sam Stockley, beating his man and sending a cross into the area. David Reed got on the end of it, skipping past a defender and ripping a shot destined for the top corner only to see Wiggans palm it over for a corner kick.
The tie kept Shaw’s troops undefeated since his appointment, having won one and drawn two. New York now sits in third place in the National Division with 10 points via 2-4-4 record. Charleston finds itself in third in the American Division with 18 points thanks to a 5-4-3 mark.
F.C. New York’s next home game is Friday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Belson Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University. For tickets and information please call 866-827-0154 or email tickets@fcnewyorksoccer.com.