New England Soccer Today

PDL: Late PK Lifts Phoenix over Connecticut

Fletcher Ekern scored a controversial stoppage-time penalty that lifted GPS Portland Phoenix to a 2-1 comeback road victory over AC Connecticut on Saturday at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Ct.

The decisive call came after Connecticut’s Alain Sargeant fouled Skyler Milne inside the area in the 90th minute, setting up Ekern for the winner.

Ekern’s goal came a little over half-an-hour after Milne’s 57th minute goal answered AC Connecticut’s third minute strike from Louis Greenway.

Lightning arrived shortly after the break, delaying the match for a half four before the hosts changed into dry blue uniforms after heavy rain soaked the white shirts they started with.

AC Connecticut controlled the ball early on and in the third minute Dave Nigro found Greenway across the penalty area to put the home side up.

The guests reasserted themselves less than two minutes after the lightning delay concluded. A Pedro Luis cross found Milne inside the box, where he headed it through to level it in the 57th minute.

Both sides appeared keen to fortify their backline to share a point, but the Phoenix found an opportunity to get all three when Ekern slotted it through from the spot shortly after Milne was brought down inside the area.

The Phoenix will look to make it two straight on Friday, May 27 at Western Mass. AC Connecticut will host the Long Island Rough Riders on Saturday.

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