For the first time this season, the Express failed to score in back-to-back games
NEWARK, N.J. --- Heading into the weekend, the Ironbound Express needed to get a victory and a point to clinch home field advantage for the Mid-Atlantic Division playoffs, but all they were able to walk away with was a single point in the finale of the two-game trip.
For the first time this season, the Express failed to score in back-to-back games, resulting in a 1-0 loss to Hampton Road on Saturday evening and then pitching a scoreless tie to Northern Virginia just hours before the FIFA World Cup Finals.
In an important first game of the weekend, a game the Express needed to win, the Express took advantage of a 19-6 shooting advantage, but failed to find the back of the net against the Piranhas. The Express went down early in the contest, as an 8th minute penalty kick by Renato Barbosa put the home team up by a goal. The Express felt they were at a disadvantage in the contest, due to questionable officiating against that didn’t grant the Ironbound at least three penalty kicks after multiple fouls inside the box. The Express out played Hampton Road in both halves, owning a 5-1 difference in corner kicks.
In the second game of the weekend, the Express made a visit to Northern Virginia, and while neither team found the back of the net, both team owned opposite halves. The Express outshot the Royals in the opening half, 7-5, but then were outshot 8-4 in the final 45 minutes.
Ryan Meara made a combined five saves over the weekend, with a series high four saves on Sunday against the Royals.
The Express will finish the regular-season on Wednesday against Ocean City at 8 p.m.
Check out
Ironboundsoccer.org to know the whereabouts of the Express Playoff destination at the conclusion of the week
