Colin Clarke
On Tuesday, just a few hours before the Columbus Crew vs Puerto Rico Islanders match I sat down with Colin Clarke for a brief interview. We spoke about the CONCACAF Champions League, several Islanders players, the team’s playing style, amongst other things. You can listen to the audio of the interview below:
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Posted by KVD
The Islanders fell 2-0 to the MLS Champions Columbus Crew in a very frustrating match. Terrible officiating and some missed opportunities sealed the team’s fate in Columbus.
More on this match later…
Leave a Comment » | CCL | Permalink
Posted by KVD
It’s hard to say what will happen tonight. Needless to say, it will be a very important match. The Puerto Rico Islanders return to the group stages of the CONCACAF Champions League and will be facing the MLS champions in their first ever CCL match in the US.
The Islanders will be missing several key offensive players such as Josh Hansen, out due to injury – as well as Fabrice Noel and Andres Cabrero, both in France for tryouts. So the Islanders will have to depend on Nicholas Addlery as starter and probably Fraser and Nuñez as subs depending on what happens later in the game.
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Posted by KVD
Puerto Rico Islanders in Ohio State House
The Puerto Rico Islanders participated last night in a team reception hosted by the Columbus Crew in order to kickoff the Crew’s CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) campaign.
Colin Clarke
At the event, Columbus’ General Manager Mark McCullers spoke about the importance of the CONCACAF Champions League and welcomed the Islanders to the city. Then came Colin Clarke who congratulated the Crew on their successful season last year and admitted the match between these teams would be difficult. Clarke also thanked his players for their efforts in getting the Islanders as far as they have in the last year. Finally, Crew coach Robert Warzycha spoke briefly about the toughness of the group in the CCL and that said he looked forward to the match against the Islanders.
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Posted by KVD
Yesterday afternoon, the Islanders held a one hour practice at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The team was able to reconnoiter the playing field where they will be facing the Columbus Crew of the MLS in CONCACAF Champions League action on Tuesday (today).
Some notable absences: Josh Hansen (out with injury), Fabrice Noel (tryouts in France), and Andres Cabrero (tryouts in France)
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Posted by KVD
As you might know, I have been able to cover several Islanders road games this season (Miami, Cleveland, Cary). With the ‘Tropa Naranja’ making their first trip to the US for a Champions League game, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make the trip there. I should be arriving in Columbus on Monday to watch the team practice and conduct some interviews with the coach and the players.
If you have any questions you would like me to ask to Clarke or any of the players, leave it in the comment area below. You might see your question answered later on.
And remember, if you’re in the Columbus area – come join us for the game on Tuesday!
Leave a Comment » | CCL, CONCACAF | Permalink
Posted by KVD
After an exciting couple of weeks, the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) preliminary round is over and it’s time for the group stage. 16 teams made it in, but only 8 could advance. There were a couple of upsets and some hard fought series, so here’s a brief recap:
D.C. United vs Luis Angel Firpo
D.C. United made it back into the group stage but barely. After a 1-1 time in Washington, DCU had their work cut out for them when they managed another 1-1 in El Salvador. With the global score tied at 2-2, the teams went to a penalty shootout where DC edged Firpo 5-4. With their unimpressive run last year in the CCL and their fight to reach the MLS playoffs, there is a good chance that DC will not be 100% invested in this competition. Also, having Mexican club Toluca and Honduran Marathon in their group will make it very difficult for DC to advance.
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Posted by KVD
An important victory, a disappointing match
With a 1-0 score, the Islanders were barely able to put Montreal away and gain 3 more points. Where many expected the Islanders to show off again, as they had last week against Miami, instead the team looked out of sync and barely able to keep Montreal from scoring.
Not only did the Islanders fail to really mount much of a threat, but they actually looked outclassed by Montreal for a long period during the first half of the match. For about the first 30 minutes, the Impact controlled possession and continually attacked Bill Gaudette’s net. Things changed when the Islanders managed to get a goal from a corner kick by Steele in the 37th minute. Steele sent in one of his classic corners, Arrieta headed it closer to to the goal, and Krause took care of sending it past Montreal’s keeper. Classic Islanders corner and a decisive one at that.
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Posted by KVD
With a 1-0 score, the Islanders won another 3 points at the expense of the visiting Montreal Impact.
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Posted by KVD
The Puerto Rico Islanders continue their battle for the top spot in the USL-1 this week when they receive the Montreal Impact. The Islanders are currently red hot in terms of confidence, while Montreal continues to tumble through a very disappointing season. Still, both teams are in need of a victory. Puerto Rico is still in the race for first spot in the USL-1, while Montreal sits in 6th place with both Miami and Vancouver just 1 point behind – which means their playoffs spot is anything but assured.
The Impact come into this match having lost against Portland on Wednesday l-nil. Since July, Montreal has only managed 2 wins in their last 8 matches – and those wins came against Cleveland and Minnesota, 2 of the worst teams this season. On top of this, other than the two new expansion teams, Montreal is tied with Vancouver at 17 for most goals allowed on the road. They have struggled throughout the season and remain mediocre at best. Having lost twice already to Puerto Rico this season (3-2 in Bayamon, and 1-0 in Montreal), it’s difficult to see the Impact coming out with a win.
Leave a Comment » | Match Previews | Tagged: Montreal Impact, Puerto Rico Islanders, USL-1 | Permalink
Posted by KVD
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