Resurgent Bucs strong in P.R.
Published: September 24, 2012
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The University of Virgin Islands men's soccer team continues its resurgence.
Kamel Abdelghani scored off a rebound late in the first half to give UVI a 1-1 tie against Metropolitan in Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria play at UPR-Rio Piedras on Saturday. The Bucs play a majority of their games in Puerto Rico, so Saturday's outcome pleased UVI coach Yohannes Worede.
The Bucs (1-3-1) started the season with three straight losses but rebounded with a 6-1 win over Politecnica last Tuesday.
"I think we controlled the game," said Worede, whose team will be back in action at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Paul E. Joseph Stadium in Frederiksted. "We continued to put a lot of pressure on them in the second half. We just couldn't buy a goal. We hit the post a few times and their keeper had some impressive saves."
A UMET player collected the ball on the right flank and broke through the UVI defense for a goal early in the first half, but it didn't take the Bucs long to get the equalizer.
Forward Denny Smith, who scored two goals last Tuesday, took a shot, but the UMET keeper blocked it. Abdelghani, however, scored on the rebound.
"Denny had a blistering shot on target, and then Kamel had a heads-up play," Worede said.
UVI outshot the opposition,16-7, but neither team could capitalize after the intermission. Bucs goalkeeper Rafael Almonte finished with numerous saves.
After Wednesday's game at home, UVI will host a make-up at 2 p.m. Saturday.
The LAI comprises 15 teams, UVI and 14 teams from Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico teams offer athletic scholarships, but UVI doesn't.
- Contact sports writer Aaron Gray at 714-9102 or email agray@dailynews.vi.
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