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USL Pro Week 3 recap: L.A. off to a hot start, Charlotte continues to struggle and more

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By JOHN BOSCHINI

Welcome to the USL, Los Angeles.

The expansion L.A. Blues started off their existence with a couple of victories on the road over Sevilla FC Puerto Rico and fellow newcomer Antigua Barracuda FC.  Walter Gaitan is off to a blistering start with three goals in two games.

Richmond continued its hot start with a victory over the Rochester Rhinos, who continued their slow start with a loss to Wilmington on Sunday.

The Charleston Battery continued its title defense with a win over the Dayton Dutch Lions while Orlando City earned a win over the slumping Charlotte Eagles.

Inclement weather in Harrisburg postponed the Islanders’ game with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds with no makeup date announced as of yet.

Here is a look back at all the action in the USL Pro.

Richmond Kickers 1, Rochester Rhinos 0: Matthew Delicate scored his third goal of the season midway through the first half as Richmond held the Rhinos to four shots in a dominating defensive performance.

Sevilla FC Puerto Rico 0, Los Angeles Blues 3:Cesar Rivera, Gerardo Bravo and Walter Gaitan gave Los Angeles its first-ever win in a surprising rout. Seven cards were produced in a physical game.

Charlotte Eagles 0, Orlando City 1: Defenseman Robert Valentino scored just before the half-hour mark to give Orlando its first road victory of the season.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Harrisburg City Islanders: postponed

Dayton Dutch Lions 1, Charleston Battery 2:Two goals from Nicki Paterson and Colin Falvey gave Charleston the lead early in the second half. Kolby La Crone pulled a goal back for Dayton but it served as little more than a consolation as the Battery held on.

Wilmington Hammerheads 1, Rochester Rhinos 0:A second-half goal from Luke Mulholland gave the Hammerheads an opening victory. The game was moved from Saturday to Sunday due to extreme weather. Brock Duckworth made three saves late in the game in his professional debut.

Antigua Barracuda FC 1, Los Angeles Blues 2: Los Angeles wrapped up its inaugural weekend with a second victory on Sunday. Antigua Barracuda scored its first-ever goal with  Tamarley Thomas’ clinical finish in the 16thminute. Los Angeles equalized in the 32ndminute with a Walter Gaitan free kick and Gaitan completed the comeback, and a personal double, with a goal in the 78th minute.

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What did you think of this weekend's action? Impressed with L.A.'s hot start? Concerned by the Rochester Rhinos' sluggish opening weekend?

Share your thoughts below.

 

 

Comments

  1. Blues have quite a few recognizable names. (at least for the LA area) Go check out there roster. Walter Gaitan (Tigres), Josh Tudela (Galaxy), Israel Sesay (Galaxy), Akeem Priestley (Jamaica international), Mike Randolph (Galaxy), and Chijindu (Chivas USA).
    As for the Caribbean teams….

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  2. That is an interesting comment Kevin, and certainly your right. What organization is affiliated with the Eagles? I am curious.

    Please recall that at least two very famous clubs have formed their tradition based on religion – Celtic and Rangers. I am not saying it is right.

    And, Tottenham has a jewish tradition – often referring to themselves proudly as the Yids – although that term is usually derogatory.

    Do you have a problem with the Charleston Battery which is basically the play thing of the for-profit Blackbaud Company?

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  3. Yeah, can someone explain to me how it makes sense that the L.A. Blues are in the Caribbean Division. I thought USL’s new thing was dividing up into regions to cut costs. How is traveling to the Caribbean more cost effective than traveling to the East Coast? USL needs more West Coast teams.

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  4. Surprised with la blues hot start?? Those teams they played don’t even belong in this league. We will have to see how they do against a team from the national or American division before we can truly judge them. Also, Rochester would be a concern if they didn’t play in a weaker division as well. With 3 teams in their division to make the playoffs I’d say they are a lock, despite the 0-2 start. As for charlotte, they are a great club and will bounce back.. however, their division is so strong making the playoffs this year would be a miracle for them.

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  5. I refuse to support the Charlotte Eagles because they are affiliated with a local religious organization. Just doesnt sit right with me to support such a club.

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  6. In my opinion the Blues are only giving us a small taste of what’s to come. I’m excited to see the turn out in Fullerton on May 1. There’s a lot of great talent on the team.

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  7. VERY glad to see the Hammerheads back. MORE glad to see them pull out a victory coming back from a WAY too long layoff and given the crazy weather and rescheduling. Go Hammers!!!!

    Reply

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