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Look Back Part 6 FCTB vs. Miami on July 25
 

The following is part six of the “Best 10 of 2010” series, which is taking a look back at FC Tampa Bay’s best games of the 2010 inaugural season. 

To help later clinch the 2010 Coastal Cup, FC Tampa Bay defeated Miami FC 2-0 in the fourth shutout of the season. Goals by captain Julian Valentin and striker Aaron King gave FCTB the 2-0 lead and later points to win the 2010 Coastal Cup. 

Perry Van Der Beck on the match:

"Our games against Miami have always been challenging and this was no exception.  There's an intense rivalry between the two teams.  Julian's goal gave the team some needed confidence; it had been a long time since we had scored a goal, let alone get a win.  I was proud of the entire team's performance."  

Game Recap

It had been 57 days since FC Tampa Bay last picked up a victory, a 2-1 win over the Puerto Rico Islanders on May 29th.  It had been 314 minutes since Tampa last scored a goal, Jeremy Christie’s 82nd minute goal against Miami FC on July 4th.  Both of those streaks are a thing of the past after a convincing 2-0 victory over Miami FC on Sunday afternoon at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Despite the struggles, FC Tampa Bay had held on to its playoff spot until Puerto Rico’s victory on Saturday night temporarily lifted the Islanders into a playoff spot.  This victory cancels that out and would put FC Tampa Bay back into the playoffs if they were to start tomorrow.  

Drew Yates, making his second start of the season, started the offensive movement that led to the opening goal.  He picked up the ball and dribbled towards the Miami goal before passing it out to Long Tan on his left.  Tan’s shot from the edge of the six-yard box was saved by Miami goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell but put out for a corner kick.  

Mozzi Gyorio’s corner kick to the far post found the head of Captain Julian Valentin who coolly put it into the net, giving FC Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead and breaking the scoring drought.  The goal was Valentin’s second of the season.  His first was also against Miami.

Aaron King scored the crucial second goal in the 66th minute after a Chad Burt cross into the box.  Pascal Millien held the ball well and passed it out to Burt, who found King about 10 yards from the center of goal.  The goal was King’s fifth of the season, making him top scorer for FC Tampa Bay.  

“We knew a win was coming and we’re really happy it came against a rival at home like it did today.  I think we really showed our heart today because we dug deep for this win.  We got it going, we got our goals and we really committed to defending today,” said Valentin.  

After three of four regular season meetings, FC Tampa Bay is in good position to claim the inaugural Coastal Cup, the rivalry series against Miami FC.  The Blues now have two points, while FC Tampa Bay has accumulated five.  

With eight players out injured, FC Tampa Bay again relied on youth to carry them through.  The 10 outfield starters had an average age of 23.2.