Stockade FC's starting XI in Maine on Saturday. (Credit: Dan Hoffay)
By Randy Kim, Kingston Stockade FC GM (match analysis provided by Dan Hoffay)
GORHAM, MAINE -- Earning points on the road is one way to stay in the upper reaches of the table. And while it wasn't a win, at least Stockade was able to take something away from their road match in Maine on Saturday.
Kingston Stockade FC managed a 1-1 away draw against Seacoast United Mariners on Saturday. The match was the first of two away matches for Stockade this weekend.
Subbed on at halftime, Eric Fortier opened the scoring for Stockade in the 74th minute, heading the ball into the back of the net off of a Kingston corner kick. The goal was the first of the season for the 24-year-old from Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
Fortier combined with Dylan Williams and Matt Koziol to control play in the midfield for most of the second half. Fortier came on at the break, along with Joe Bogart and Jeff Paine, all of whom went a long way in changing the complexion of the game.
Darren Gomez and Tommy Steigerwald also deserve plaudits for their work done at outside back, making numerous enterprising runs forward to keep the pressure on the home side.
Mariners equalized in the 84th minute, when the Stockade defense was penetrated by a dangerous through ball. Seacoast then played the ball into the middle, and Wilson MacMillan was able to pass it into the net to level the match.
Stockade goalkeeper Stephen Skonieczny ensured that the visitors were able to escape with a point on the day with a sterling save in the 72nd minute, knocking a dangerous rebound off the post away and out of danger.
Kingston visits Seacoast United Phantoms on Sunday, taking the pitch in Amesbury, Mass. at 4 p.m. ET.
Stockade FC's next home match is Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m. ET against New York Cosmos B.
Kingston Stockade FC Starting XI: Skonieczny; Gomez, Lis-Simmons, Barrett, Steigerwald; Koziol; Anasta, Williams, vonEgypt; Creswick, Phillips