Astros Rally for 2-2 Deadlock

During the second half, as the Apollo went on top 2-0, at Foley Stadium, John Bertos thought "we were going to lose." Bertos added, "the team seemed to let down".

The Apollo went ahead on two defensive lapses by the offensive - minded Astros who were caught napping on long breakaway passes. Mike Paparigas headed in a crossing pass from Teohil Nahorski for a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute of the first half.

Fourteen minutes later, Mario Garcia found himself unguarded 15 yards in front of the Astros' goal. He did not miss with a curler into the right hand corner of the net.

With 14 minutes remaining, the Astros appeared to be all done. The outlook changed in a hurry.

Forward Carlos George was tripped after penetrating through the defense with 10 minutes left.

Itamar Alves found the lower left hand corner of the net with a penalty kick from 12 yards out, and the Astros were back in the thick of the fight.

And a fight this game was - with heavy physical contact on both sides in a loosely officiated 90 minutes.

Three minutes later, the suddenly inspired Astros struck back as Carlos George once again penetrated the defense on a Helio Barbosa pass and beat New York's stellar goalie, Jamil Canal, from in close.

Though the final outcome was satisfactory from the Astros' view point after apparently being beaten, they have to play in New York on Saturday night to decide the championship.

Bertos said "we made mistakes, mistakes, mistakes. We didn't kick enough..too much passing. We just had a bad game".

Part of the reason was that the league's leading scorer, Jose Neto, was sitting on the Astros bench with a muscle tear.

I couldn't use him tonight", Bertos said, "We hope to have him ready for New York, but we have to see the doctor first. If he isn't ready, I won't play him".

In addition, the Astros woes mounted with Barbosa receiving a red card from the referee after the game. That means he will not be able to play in the New York finale. Barbosa is out after arguing with an official after the game.

Coach Herbert Volgelsinger of the Boston Minutemen was a spectator and called the game "exciting, a great game for the fans". He also praised Foley Stadium as a "great setup" and said the crowd was "as many as we have". The Minutemen play in the North American Soccer League.

Bertos also announced the Astros and the School Committee have come to an agreement over a long term playing contract at Foley Stadium and the contract will be signed on October 2nd.

Bertos was not too disappointed with the crowd since it was a school night.

The Astros outshot New York 14-12, but were outshot 7-5 in the first half, for the first time this season at Foley.