Graham's late goal gives Seattle a road point

From www.puertoricoislandersfc.com

Bayamón, PR – Pumped up by their entry to the CONCACAF Champions League after defeating the San Juan Jabloteh of Trinidad Tobago last week, the Puerto Rico Islanders returned home, ready to avenge the nail-biting loss suffered against the Sounders during the USL semi-finals last year. The result however, was acceptable, but hardly the best expected.

The game seemed to favor the locals. Puerto Rico began finding their game early on, while the Sounders held on. A quick scramble in front of Seattle’s goal produced the first threat to Eylander’s defense in minute 9. Then in minute 21, Noah Delgado centered a free kick to Cristian Arrieta, but a clash with the goalkeeper erased the chance to score. Delgado came forth a few minutes later with a hard shot to goal that went wide to the right.

The goal Puerto Rico was working so hard for finally came in minute 34 with an outstanding blast by Taiwo Atieno from 30 yards out that gave the Islanders the early lead.

The Sounders were not about to remain quiet and answered back in minutes 39 and 40, forcing Gaudette to scramble for the two saves. Another threatening shot by John Fishbaugher in stoppage time that flew over the crossbars almost evened the score before half-time.

Seattle kept pressing on during the second half, but Puerto Rico kept holding them back. It was clear from the evened-out offense and physical play that both squads were looking to take home the 3 points.

But it was finally a late goal in minute 80 by Taylor Graham – with an assist from Hugo Alcaraz Cuellar - that sealed the fate of the game. The Islanders, after getting a goal called back in the 85th minute because of a foul, had to accept the final 1-1 score.

Seattle heads to Miami to face the Blues on Sunday, while Puerto Rico flies to Atlanta during the week to meet the Silverbacks on Friday, June 6. They return to the Juan Ramón Lobriel on June 14 to host the Carolina Railhawks.

Match stats