Baton Rouge Capitals News Release - www.brcapitals.com

Saturday, May 10, 2008

BATON ROUGE, LA -- The Baton Rouge Capitals started the season with a great result at home, defeating division rivals El Paso Patriots 2-0. The game also counted as a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup qualifier.

The match was well fought from the beginning. The Patriots brought a surprising 3-4-3 line up and forced the Capitals to adjust. The first 30 minutes saw a battle in the midfield with both teams having good chances. Slowly the Baton Rouge team took the bulk of possession and forced the visitors to sit back and absorb the shots.

On the 30th minute Diego Michelato (Jundiai, Brazil) almost opened the score after heading a cross from Rick Alleman (Cordova, TN).

Shortly before the Texans had their gold opportunity when a cross in the box forced Capitals keeper Dustyn Brim (Covington, LA) to make a spetacular save.

The game broke open on the 40th minute when Tony Judice (Covington, LA) dribbled down on the right flank and fired a powerful shot across the keeper. The ball hit the post before ending up in the net. The goal was noted as unassisted.

Both teams made adjustments at halftime and another struggle for possession took place. The Capitals seemed in control and could have scored when Leo de Barros (Brasilia, Brazil) finished a cross from BJ Reine (Baton Rouge, LA). The shot forced a great save from the opponents' keeper.

Later Fred Parker (Baton Rouge, LA) missed an open shot 10 yards away on the right side of the box.

Finally, with five minutes to go in regulation, after a couple of rebound shots were taken in the box, the Capitals scored the insurance goal. And again Tony Judice got the credit for it. Despite an attempt from the El Paso players to save the ball from going in, the ball crossed the line and the goal was confirmed by the linesman.

Now 1-0-0 in the season, the Capitals took an important step in qualifying for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Another positive result on Sunday when the team plays again at home vs the Laredo Heat will put the Capitals just about assured to qualify. The Heat were last year's PDL league champions and will try to "raise the temperature" for the Capitals. The match will be at Olympia stadium on mothers day at 6:00 pm.