USL Official Match Information

Crystal Palace Baltimore produced a goal in the 89th minute to secure their second win on the road in the last five days in a classic 6-pointer match. In a contest marked by heavy tackles and aggressive play, Palace was able to press Western Mass for the majority of the game. In the 5th minute of play Western Mass had an early opportunity when Central Back Jay Willis headed off a corner and hit the top of the crossbar untroubling Keeper Brian Rowland. On the other end Crystal Palace went close on a number of occasions. Mathew Mbuta, Gary Brooks, and Josh Alcala each had near misses on well-orchestrated team attacks. Going into half-time 0-0, both teams were desperate to score to keep their play-off hopes alive.

The teams remained deadlocked as the match escalated with increased foul play that produced 4 yellow cards for Western Mass. However it was Palace who saw red when Mbuta was sent-off following a questionable call for a challenge in the 70th minute. Down men Palace pinned Western Mass in their half for much of the final 20 minutes. In the final minute of regulation Alex Ughiovhe who had pushed into the midfield, won a tackle near the touchline and split two defenders with a pass to Gary Brooks who's left footed shot deflected off Western Mass defender Jay Willis to give Palace a 1-0 lead. The Pioneers had a late opportunity following an altercation that resulted in a red card for Ibrahim Kante. A free kick produced a header in front of the Palace goal but was saved on a fine play by Brian Rowland that secured his 5th clean sheet of the season and a victory for Crystal Palace. Palace next faces New Hampshire away Saturday night in Manchester.

Palace Co-Manager Pete Medd said, "I was very dissapointed with the refereeing, but it was a great victory in a hostile environment."

Crystal Palace 1 (0), Pioneers 0 (0)

Summary:
CPB: Gary Brooks (Idris Ughiovhe) 89

Cautions
CPB: Mateus Anjos 13
WM: Anthony Augustine 7, Federico Molinari 26, Steven Arias 32, Easton Wilson 48

Ejections
CPB: Matthew Mbuta 72, coach Pete Medd 72, Bourcina Kante 90

Referees: Niko Bratsis, Mike Rugnetta, Sean Nally, Claudio Badea