Kitsap Pumas News Release -- www.kitsapsoccerclub.com
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
REDMOND, Wash. - The goal count was 2-1. The card count was 5-4. The end result was a win for the Northwest Division-leading Kitsap Pumas who improved to an unbeaten 7-0-1 (22 points) overall record and extended their division lead to nine points over second-place Portland.
.jpg)
Before a crowd that was comprised nearly three-to-one of Pumas supporters, Kitsap head coach Pete Fewing was able to do something he has not done all season - he emptied his bench using all six allowed substitutions - and allowing two players to make their season debuts.
Following a mediocre first half from both sides, Kitsap exploded for two quick goals just before the interval, as midfielder Nik Besagno opened scoring with a carbon copy of his bicycle kick in Portland last Friday.
The sequence leading to Besagno’s goal was triggered by a textbook David Gray corner in the 41st minute. Gray's driven ball found defender Daniel Scott, who then headed the ball down to Besagno who took it out of the air with his back to goal - and into the back of the net. It was his second goal in two matches.
Then ninety seconds later, Pumas winger Cameron Hepple took off on a long run, dished off to Matt Friesen who then unselfishly fed forward Robby Christner for his fourth goal on the season.
The Pumas then came out firing in the second half, stringing together a chain of opportunities – all of which were for naught.
In the 67th minute a second yellow card was awarded to Washington’s Matt Fisher, meaning the home side would finish the match a man down. That’s when Fewing began to bring on his reserves.
Making their season debuts for the Pumas were Kendell McFayden and Graham Davidson. Also coming on were Elliott Fauske, Greg Miley, Chris Andre and Sam Roca. Miley though, lasted all of five minutes after a strong challenge from behind by a Washington midfielder injured his foot. He is now listed as day-to-day.
Washington made things interesting in the 89th minute after a careless foul by Fauske afforded Washington a free kick which led directly to a shot on goal - and a conversion - to bring the score to 2-1. Kitsap goalkeeper Bryan Meredith claimed he was interfered with prior to the strike but the referee disagreed.
The team now prepares for its third-successive U.S. Open Cup appearance – the first PDL side to accomplish this feat – with a hard test in El Paso on Tuesday against the Chivas El Paso Patriots. Early weather reports show temperatures over 100 degrees in the first round of the knockout stage of the 2011 Cup. That match will not be broadcast due to technical and rights issues.
SCHEDULE NOTE: Sunday’s match at the Abbotsford Mariners has been rescheduled to July 5 – also at Abbotsford – to accommodate the team's Open Cup appearance.
The Pumas return home match Friday, June 17 against Abbotsford. Tickets are now on sale via www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling Puma headquarters at 360-377-6008.