Times wires
Saturday, April 23, 2011
FC Tampa Bay got a 0-0 draw Saturday at Montreal, earning a point but going scoreless for the second straight NASL game.
Tampa Bay's best chance on a windy afternoon came in the fifth minute, when midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake beat Montreal goalkeeper Bill Gaudette but hit the left post.
"I think because of the conditions and the wind, I implored the guys to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible," coach Ricky Hill told fctampabay.com. "I am very pleased that the guys trusted each other and did an excellent job sharing the ball, but I was disappointed that we didn't create … cleaner opportunities."
Forwards Mike Ambersley and Warren Ukah made their first starts for Tampa Bay (1-1-1), as did defender Andres Arango, who made his debut after sitting out two games because of a league suspension that carried over from last season.
Montreal (0-2-1) held a 9-8 edge in shots, and Tampa Bay keeper Daryl Sattler made four saves in front of 12,060 at Saputo Stadium.
"Hopefully the players will take some real confidence from this," said Hill, whose team was coming off of a 2-0 home defeat against Puerto Rico.
"As far as momentum and belief for our team, for us to come here and really keep possession well and give them very few opportunities, was very heartening."