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Look Back Part 5 FCTB vs. Miami on July 4
 

The following is part five 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. 

FCTB drew 1-1 with Coastal Cup rivals Miami FC in the first of many Fourth of July meetings, which are traditional for Tampa soccer. Jeremy Christie, who was fresh back from national team duty with New Zealand at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, scored the only FCTB goal of the night. 

Perry Van Der Beck on the match: 

"It is unfortunate that we did not win this game when you consider all the chances we created.  I think the young midfield worked well together in light of some of the injured starters absence.  I am also pleased for Jeremy...it was an important goal for him having just returned from the World Cup.  I'm sure his teamates were happy for him as well."

Game Recap:

FC Tampa Bay seemed to be heading for a victory over Coastal Cup rivals Miami FC after an 82nd minute goal from Jeremy Christie gave them a 1-0 lead, but Edward Santeliz rewrote the script with a 90th minute goal, rescuing a point for Miami FC. 

The teams were still deadlocked at 0-0 at halftime with not too many strong chances for either team in the first half.  A slight change to the formation seemed to imbue FC Tampa Bay with more patience than they displayed against Portland in a 1-0 loss last week.  

Mozzi Gyorio and Christie provided threats with their long passes down the wings to Kwame “JJ” Adjeman-Pamboe and Pascal Millien throughout the game.

Fresh back from international duty at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Christie provided the breakthrough with an unassisted 82nd minute goal.  Christie had missed a month and a half while with the New Zealand national team and scored his second goal of the season.

“It’s disappointing not to get the win, but it’s good that we stopped that rut we were in.  I think we played reasonably well tonight and it’s a step in the right direction for us,” said Christie.

Second half Miami substitute Bryan Dominguez sent in a cross in the 90th minute that found its way to Edward Santeliz who had a free header.  Santeliz did not waste his chance and scored the goal that pulled the Blues even.

Without Aaron Wheeler available due to a stress reaction in his right shin, Adjeman-Pamboe played in an advanced position to start the game.  Long Tan also took a turn playing up front as the main target in more of a 4-3-3 formation.