Portugal FC  1  Serbia White Eagles 1

June 27, 2008 - On a warm Friday night down at Lamport Stadium Portugal FC continued their unbeaten streak at home by drawing Serbia White Eagles 1-1. The lights were bright as the game was shown on Rogers Television with a loud and active crowd at the game as well. The teams entered the game tied for third place in the International Division with 10 points each.

The game had a slow start with each team attempting long balls to try and feel out the others defensive strategy for the match. The first chance of the match came in the 9th minute as Portugal FC captain Danny Amaral went down in the area. The crowd yelled and screamed as they thought a penalty was sure to ensue, however, the referee did not agree with the crowd and waved play to continue nullifying a scoring chance for Portugal FC. A number of scoring opportunities came and went for Portugal FC throughout the first half with Amaral and Emerson Fiti supplying a great deal of pressure towards the Serbian net. Their play together culminated into a crowd pleasing diving header attempt by Amaral on a Fiti cross in the 26th minute that was inches to far for the Portuguese captain. Dennis Rodrigues was able to break down the Serbian defense in stoppage time of the first half, however was unable to beat goalkeeper Georg Trikkas who made an outstanding save to ensure the score remained 0-0 at half. Cautions in the first half went to Portugal FC's Dennis Rodrigues (11') and Serbia's Milan Janosevic (33')

The White Eagles seemed to have recouperated during halftime and came out with much more offensive premise. In the 56th minute Dragan Radovic fired a great shot on net, only to have Portuguese goalkeeper Michael Da Silva come up with a great save to keep the game scoreless. However, it was Radovic who would finally open the scoring 6 minutes later, firing a low drive into the back of the net to give the White Eagles a 1-0 lead. Amaral had a great opportunity to equalize the game only three minutes later, however was unable to gain full control of the ball in the attacking area. Fiti, who was pestering the Serbian defense all night with pinpoint crosses and long drives towards the net finally broke through for Portugal FC on a spectacular free kick in the 78th minute. From just outside the penalty area, Fiti sent a high left-footed curling shot towards the net that eluded Serbian keeper Trikkas and dipped just under the bar into the back of the net. This tying goal seemed to shift the momentum as the Portuguese controlled the play for much of the remainder and nearly went out on top in the 81st minute, however the ball struck the cross bar and went back to Trikkas, who cleared to safety. It was in the 94th and final minute however, when Trikkas made a brilliant diving save to preserve the tie for the White Eagles and keep them on par with Portugal FC in the table. Cautions in the second half went to Portugal FC's Selmir Sehic  (74') and Emerson Fiti (94').

Game Notes: Portugal FC outshot Serbia 23-12, however both teams were only able to put 6 of their respective shots on net. Portugal FC attempted numerous times to beat the offsides trap, however were unable to for the majority of the night, being called for offsides 6 times. Portugal FC held a decisive advantage in corners as well taking 9 and only conceding 2.

The next game for Portugal FC is on the road as they take on the Italia Shooters in the CSL's Canada Day Game on Tuesday July 1st at 4:00pm.