Puerto Rico Islanders News Release - www.islandersfc.org

Monday, December 11, 2006

BAYAMON, PR -- The Puerto Rico Islanders defeated Antigua side Hoppers FC by a 3-1 margin in the start of Group C of the Caribbean Qualifiers for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The match, played at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, on Saturday night was decided by new Islander acquisition, Puerto Rican Yuri Morales, who scored two goals in less than 20 minutes in the first half.

Hoppers took an early lead thanks to a goal by Alejandro Hernandez in the 5th minute of play. Morales tied the match just two minutes later after a free kick by Petter Villegas. And then, in the 23rd minute, Morales scored again, this time from just outside the box with a powerful shot.

The Puerto Rico Islanders added to their margin near halftime thanks to an Alejandro Gonzalez header off a perfect cross from Byron Alvarez. Hoppers could not find a way out of the two goal deficit in the second half despite a valiant effort. The Islanders were able to control ball possession and were able to keep the lead intact until the end.

After the game Morales said “I’m happy the team won and that I was able to contribute. Even though I’ve been here just three weeks I can see there is great chemistry and unity within the team.”

The Group C qualifiers continue this coming Monday, December 11, when W. Connection of Trinidad & Tobago faces Hoppers FC of Antigua. Then on Wednesday, December 13 W. Connection plays the decisive game against the Puerto Rico Islanders. Both matches will be played at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium and have an 8:00 PM kick-off time.