Shorthanded Phantoms Salvage Draw

Knot Brooklyn, 1-1

May 27, 2008

Leaving Rhode Island last week the New Hampshire Phantoms had an idea they were going to be shorthanded this weekend, but they had no idea just how undermanned they would be.

First, AJ Dubois was out serving a suspension for a red card in the final minutes last week, then Adrian Schippers was unable to play with a leg injury, and Kevin Woods was sidelined with the flu. Adding to the loss of three players that have accounted for 85 percent of the Phantoms offense this season, the Phantoms learned Henry Braunner would not be available for the game after being called up to Philippines National team.

Still, the Phantoms managed to put forth a solid effort to draw 1-1 with the Brooklyn Knights.

New Hampshire was fueled by the prospect of qualifying for the US Open Cup and applied an onslaught of early pressure but was unable to score on opportunities by Romelle Burgess and Kyle Urso.

The Phantoms went down a man when Paulson Edum was sent off in the 57th minute. Sensing a momentum swing Brooklyn really stepped up the pressure and finally got on the scoreboard in the 60th minute. Phantoms goalkeeper Tim Murray pushed away the initial shop but the rebound was not cleared and Matia Damiani put the ball in the net for the knights. Despite being down a man the Phantoms put forward non-stop pressure for the rest of the game, knotting the score at 1-1 on a penalty kick by Joe Annese.

Even thought the Phantoms were able to salvage a draw, they were unable to qualify for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Cup. Phantoms record improved to 2-0-2 to remain undefeated in the Northeast Division. of the PDL.

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