New Orleans Jesters Defeat Florida Roots in U-19 Play

By New Orleans Jesters

Sammy Nichols scored twice to lead the New Orleans Jesters U19s to a 3-2 victory over Florida Roots FC U19s in a rain-soaked match Saturday afternoon at Pan American Stadium. 

Nichols opened the scoring in the 15th minute after intercepting a loose throw-in midway inside the Florida half.  He carried the ball forward and as the Roots goalkeeper approached lifted a delicate finish into the goal.

Five minutes later Nichols added a second as New Orleans converted a sweeping counterattack.  The move started with a Florida corner kick, and the Jesters won the ball and drove forward down the right side before the ball was centered to Nichols who drilled home.

New Orleans scored a third goal in the 33rd minute after the Roots failed to deal with a long throw-in.  The ball bounced into the box and striker Taylor Weeks guided it home past the goalkeeper.

Florida pulled a goal back through Samuel Sanchez in the 38th minute and then Sanchez added a second in the 51st minute as Roots mounted a comeback.  However, New Orleans defended hard for the final 40 minutes and held on for a deserved victory,

Up next for New Orleans is a visit to Port City FC next Friday night.  The match kicks off at 7:30 pm and will be available live on mycujoo.tv.

Photo Credit: James E. Cage Jr.