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Crystal Palace Baltimore wins season opener over Pittsburgh

25 Apr, 2008

An enthusiastic crowd of 3,104 was on hand to witness an emphatic victory for Crystal Palace FC USA in their 2008 season opener Friday night on their new home field at UMBC Stadium in Catonsville.

Palace opened the scoring against Pittsburgh in the 8th minute, after a trademark 50-yard cross-field pass from centre back Abe Kante to Matthew Mbuta in space on the right, deep inside Pittsburgh's half. After playing a nice one-two with Cecil Lewis to get to the edge of the penalty box, Mbuta floated a lovely cross to last season's top scorer for Palace, Gary Brooks, lurking at the far post. The Jamaican forward headed perfectly across, and out of reach of, the Pittsburgh 'keeper, Zach Varga, and the ball nestled inside the right post, sending the huge home crowd into ecstasy.

In the 20th minute, Palace captain Ibrahim Kante gave away a penalty as he fouled Jason Kutney breaking into the box.   Jean Robens Jerome stepped up to take the spot kick for the Riverhounds, but his well-placed strike was brilliantly saved by new Palace goalie, Matt Nelson, leaping high to his right to palm the ball away.

Palace doubled their lead in the 38th minute as Cecil Lewis whipped in a dipping free-kick which somehow eluded several players' heads but landed right at the feet of Palace right back, Andrew Marshall.  Marshall failed to connect properly, but the ball bounced to Alex Ughivohe standing directly in front of goal, from where he prodded home.

In the 68th minute, Alex Ughiovhe received his second yellow card for a foul on Jason Kutney and Palace were down to 10 men.  Kutney's leg was examined for several minutes on the field before being carried to the sideline for further evaluation by medical staff. Kutney was also shown the red card for retaltiation during the incident, leaving the sides at even strength.  But Palace would soon be down to nine players - Cecil Lewis’ game was over in the 82nd minute when he received his second yellow card of the evening for a foul just outside the Pittsburgh penalty area.

Despite being one man down, Palace kept pressing forward and the always dangerous Mbuta earned a free-kick outside the Riverhounds’ penalty area in the 42nd minute. That effort was cleared, but Palace sealed the victory from the ensuing corner.  Andrew Marshall got his head to Harkin's fine delivery before the 'keeper could get his hands on the ball, flicking it on to new signing, Pat Healey waiting in the six yard box for the easiest of finishes.

Palace Co-Manager Pete Medd was clearly delighted with the result. "It was a great opening night. We got off to a fast start - that first goal really did wonders for us.  It was a perfect team goal:  an inch-perfect, 50 yard pass from our centre back, Abe Kante, right on to Matthew Mbuta's boots.  He then takes on a couple of guys and crosses a great ball in to Gary Brooks who did what he does best."  Medd commented on the impact of the crowd: "We really appreciate the support of the fans, it was awesome. Hopefully they enjoyed the performance - we're looking forward to their continued support throughout the year!"

Match Photos (courtesy of Crystal Palace Footbal Club USA)


Palace team and fans celebrating Brooks' goal


Crystal Palace Baltimore Goalkeeper Matt Nelson


Sergio Flores and Shintaro Harada challenge for the ball


Matthew Mbuta takes on Pittsburgh's Jeff Hughes


Bryan Harkin (center) loses challenge for header

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