TSF FC BATTLES BACK TO DRAW WITH SEACOAST UNITED PHANTOMS

Saturday night’s game between TSF FC and Seacoast United Phantoms ended in a 2-2 draw as TSF overcame a two-goal deficit to level the score. TSF looked to build upon consecutive wins, but falling behind two goals to a clearly motivated Seacoast side proved to be to much to overcome.

TSF FC started the game out on the front foot with several attacking opportunities within the game’s first ten minutes. The best of these came as Almir Batsita Jr. nodded a header wide from just outside the six-yard box. Several minutes later a shot from the left side of the box by Daniel Cordeiro was handled by the Seacoast goalkeeper. Seacoast managed a strong shot in the 19th minute, but it was blocked away by a TSF defender. TSF went back on the offensive as some nice combination play led to a shot just over the crossbar. This was followed the next minute by a shot just wide of goal.

The action really heated up at a TSF and a Seacoast player clashed at midfield, leading to a yellow card for Seacoast. Following a delay in action, a Seacoast player fired a shot from long distance, but it was easily handled by TSF’s Juan Alcantara. Not to be deterred, Seacoast forged ahead but a speculative through ball was cut out by a TSF defender. Minutes later, the scoring was opened by Seacoast United as their #10 redeemed himself with a left footed finish. Despite TSF working back with more combination play, the resulting shot was saved. Seacoast struck again soon after as the ball was chipped over an onrushing Alcantara.

Finding themselves down 2-0, TSF made the game first substitution in the 39th minute, bringing in a duo of resting starters. This move didn’t pay immediate dividends as halftime whistle blew with Seacoast United still holding a two-goal advantage. TSF FC made two more substitutions at halftime and finally got on the score sheet with a goal in the 49th from the debuting left back David Mintz. TSF stayed aggressive, pressuring the ball and pushing up the field. Shortly following Mintz’s goal, a header and shot from distance were saved by the Seacoast keeper.

Still feeling adrenaline from their first goal, TSF’s chanced continued.  Batista’s attempt on goal was handled with a nice save from the Seacoast goalkeeper, with the ensuing corner kick coming to nothing. The 58th minute saw a free kick from 30 yard struck into the wall by the dangerous right foot of Luis Mendoza. With he pressure on Seacoast mounting, substitute Ritchie Barry put the ball past the keeper into the back of the net, leveling the match in the 72nd minute.

Though Seacoast answered with a dangerous attack and getting behind the TSF back line, TSF continued attacking, feeling further emboldened by the equalizing goal. Several shots were put over goal and a free kick was met by a header but handled by the Seacoast goalkeeper. The final minutes of the match saw both sides exchanging a handful of opportunities, with TSF appearing the closest to breaking the deadlock. Ultimately the whistle blew with the score level at 2-2.