Boston City FC Defeats New York Athletic Club 2-0

A goal in each half eased Boston City to a 2-0 win away over New York Athletic Club in a National Premier Soccer League match littered with chances for the visitors.

The hosts threatened occasionally, but keeper Vitor Scariot was not forced into a save until the 90th minute when he turned away a dangerous curling shot from Laurin Vogel.

The Lions enjoyed a perfect start when after only four minutes, Kamali Webson, deputizing up front for absent Jhonata Batista, pounced on a defensive mix up between keeper Andre Wilkinson and defender Makesi Lewis to intercept a short back pass and score from a tight angle.

Three points were effectively secured six minutes into the second half with a fine passing move.  Homero Morais waltzed past three opponents, fed Isaac Addai, whose trickery released Luca Tarable to the end line and his cross was turned home at the far post by the architect of the move Morais.

Victory came despite striker Batista being unavailable and Yaw Addow and skipper Ronaldo Vieira being ruled out through injury.  Paulo Henrique deputized for Vieira with the captain’s armband and led a back four that was rarely troubled, while teenage defensive midfielder Filipe Dutra made a confident debut.

Boston City failed to build on early possession after making such a fast start as speculative long distance efforts from Morais, Dutra and Jadson Leite caused little threat.  Wilkinson was quick off his line to deny Webson a second goal after 25 minutes, parried away a Morais effort and then turned the rebound over the crossbar.  The keeper was fortunate to only be shown a yellow card for a dead ball shove on Webson who was also booked.

Kareem Joachim was freed on the right by Stefan Gualano for New York’s best chance, which flew just over the top on the half hour mark, then as a reminder that Boston City’s lead was slim going into halftime, Roberto Cabrera clipped the top of the crossbar.

Manuel Louro replaced limping goal scorer Webson at the break and almost marked his debut with a goal inside two minutes, but his shot was saved by replacement home keeper Jasurbek Tursunboyev, who also blocked the rebound shot that fell to Luca Tarable.

The impressive move capped by the Morais goal all but settled the tie, though the Lions should have added to the final score.  Joel Lobo saw a shot headed off the line, Leite struck the foot of the post from 20 yards out and Gilly Desouza, who was impenetrable at right back, saw a header come back off the upright.  Just for good measure, Nana Addai two good chances well saved by Tursunboyev.

Boston City make the club’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup debut this Wednesday night away to Western Mass Pioneers, kickoff 7pm at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, MA.