Bridges 1 LB07 1

Malmo, Sweden – Playing their last Swedish side of the trip, Bridges looked to leave on top, facing LB07.  With a consistent light drizzle, it would be important that both teams came out with their touch.  The match opened with both teams having a share of the possession, limiting dangerous chances almost entirely.  Playing what appeared to be a new formation, backs Lorenza Stephens, Marcos Morales, Pat McMahon, and Drew DeGurian stood strong against a tall and dangerous front line for LB.  The game’s first dangerous chance would be created by the hosts.  A free kick into the area found an LB striker on the back post.  Taking a one time strike out of the air, the striker was sure to see his finish put LB on the board.  A diving save by Brian Levey however, pushed the ball away where a second strike was more easily picked up by the keeper.

Avoiding disaster early, Bridges looked to press themselves.  Though nothing too dangerous ensued, the American midfield headed by Alvin Hudson and Joel DeLass maintained possession and continually looked to find the net.  In the 26^th minute, Bridges would finally get the chance they had hoped for.  A ball over the top found striker Desmond Tachie where he found himself alone on the keeper.  Looking to finish the play, Tachie went for the strike.  However, an LB defender had not given up on the play and was able to snuff out of the attempt before Tachie could strike.

Not discouraged, Bridges continued to press and found themselves on the end of their own counter attack.  With DeGurian wide left, and DeLass to his right, forward Hassan Minter bolted for goal.  18 yards out, Minter had a beautiful strike for frame, only to see the shot ping off the back post.  With either side creating very little, the teams went into half time locked at 0.

The second half would seem to be a mirror image of the first with chances hard to find.  Good possession by both squads was only matched by superior defense.  In the 63^rd minute however, a Bridges attack would find John Devae on a through ball.  The striker took a touch and before he could do anything else, he was brought down inside of the area.  The referee pointed to the spot and Bridges looked to finally break through.  Midfielder DeLass stepped up and put the ball away giving the visitors the lead.

From there each team looked even more intently to get on the board.  Bridges knew if they could get one more they might be able to put it away.  A few brilliant chances from subs Reed Cataldo and Marco Sullo gave the guests everything they could ask for.  A stingy keeper and back line however, kept the lead at one.

In the 74^th minute, LB would see their hard work come to fruition.  A ball over the top found a striker inside the 18.  With time and space, he slotted the ball to the back post where he pulled equal for the hosts.  With both teams at a stalemate for the remaining 15, Bridges had earned a road point and had seen their time in Sweden come to an end.  Bridges will play their final game on Saturday against Danish club AB Copenhagen at 12.00.