ASL: CT United Can’t Capitalize Against Shorthanded Foe
- Updated: April 19, 2016
It’s often been said that a nil-nil scoreline is the end result of both teams playing perfectly. Saturday’s Connecticut United-IFK Maryland clash? Not so much.
In a match was far from perfectly played by either side, Connecticut was unable to capitalize on a short-handed Maryland side, forcing them to stomach a bitter 0-0 draw at Veterans Stadium in New Britain, Ct.
The match began with Connecticut having an overwhelming control of the beautiful sphere. Two early corner kicks were easily shepherded away by the Maryland defense, but coach Ted Haley’s possession-oriented philosophy was firmly on display.
After 30 minutes had elapsed, a lob that would make Carli Lloyd blush found its way to the top of the 18 before IFK Maryland’s Asa Fox took out Francisco Sastre on a dangerous tackle.
The rectangular red was soon to follow, giving Connecticut the opportunity to trot out its offense. The ensuing Miguel Carneiro free kick was struck directly at keeper Christain Caulker.
With five minutes to go in the half, despite being down a man, IFK Maryland’s Route 1 soccer forced the CT defense to rise to the occasion. CT’s counterattack asserted itself in the final five minutes of the half, with passes and crosses finding their intended owners but final efforts eluding the cage.
The second half began with the same rosters taking the pitch as the first, with Haley standing pat. 2007 MLS MVP, Luciano Emilio, IFK Maryland’s Head Coach followed suit.
The result of CT’s man advantage wasn’t apparent, however, as IFK MD split possession with the Red-Blacks for the first third of the half.
Scoring chances were plentiful for the concluding 10 minutes, but alas, Connecticut’s first goal at home has yet to find its way into existence.
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