Phantoms Grab Last Minute Draw

Ryan Kinne appeared set to head home as the hero after scoring what looked to be winner for his hometown CFC Azul, but the Seacoast United Phantoms’ Dylan George had other ideas, stunning the visitors with an equalizer deep into stoppage time. George’s 95th minute strike gave the Phantoms a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth High School on Sunday night and kept the New Hampshire-based club unbeaten on the season.

Kinne, handed the number nine shirt in preseason, has thus far lived up to the expectations that come with the coveted number. The former New England Revolution striker/midfielder opened the scoring for the visitors in the 36th minute with a header from close range. Kinne, a Waterbury, Conn. native, finished off a play that started with a free kick for his second goal in as many games.

The crafty 22-year-old attacker had nearly opened the scoring earlier after chipping goalkeeper Jon Dawson, only for defender Jordan Thomas to clear his effort off the line.

Azul had a couple more chances to add to their lead prior to the halftime break, but were unable to find a second and would rue those missed opportunities by the end of the match.

Though the Phantoms came out on the attack in the second half, it wasn’t until a corner kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time that they finally managed to get on the scoreboard. With everyone pushed forward for the last chance of the game, George, a product of the University of New Hampshire and a Bangor, Maine native, finished off a corner from Brad Hilton to steal a late point for the Phantoms. The goal was George’s second of the season.

It must’ve felt a bit like déjà vu for CFC Azul. The Connecticut based club had taken a 1-0 lead in their season opener against Boston Victory SC through Kinne last weekend only to fall 2-1 after giving up goals in the 88th and 90th minute.

The Phantoms (2-0-1, 7 points) next head to Quincy, Mass, to face the Boston Victory at Veterans Stadium on Saturday, May 19.

CFC Azul (0-1-1, 1 point), still in search of their first win, travels to Portland, Maine, to face the GPS Portland Phoenix on Saturday, May 19.