United's perfect start to the season came to an end on Saturday as Coastal Spirit proved their title credentials with a late victory at United Sports Centre.
Ryan Edwards made two changes to the Starting XI from last weekend's match against FC Twenty 11. Rico Pradhan returned to the back four ahead of Matt Duncan, and Thomas Chao was replaced by Jackson Cole, a move that saw David Yoo start in central midfield instead of the right flank.
Coastal's strong start to the game paid off after their top scorer, Alejandro Steinwascher, belted it into the bottom left corner, leaving Van Dijk helpless.
United slowly grew into the game, creating problems for the Coastal defence. The Rams' pressure eventually paid off. Matt Brazier cleverly flicked on a header to send David Yoo through on goal, who blasted it past the keeper, sending the packed CUFC Supporters stand into mayhem.
United continued to pile on the pressure and Coastal were looking rattled. Joel Stevens whipped a devilish ball into the box which went all the way into the net, giving United a half time lead.
However, it wasn't to be. Steinwascher caused more turmoil for United on the counter attack playing the bal across the box for Rabuka to equalize. It was end to end from then on in, but Spirit looked the most likely to win it. There was a large chunk of added time following keeper Steven Van Dijk's lengthy injury stoppage. Former United player Mason Stearn's effort struck both posts and was cleared away in added time. Stearn then whipped in a dangerous corner that bounced around the box, and was eventually put into the net by Ryan Stanley in the 100th minute.
Matt Brazier did win a free kick almost straight from kick off, which gave captain Joel Stevens a chance to nick a point for The Rams. His effort hit the crossbar and the referee finally blew the whistle to end an incredible game for the neutral.
United begin their defence of the Chatham Cup on Friday night as they come up against Western AFC.
Ryan Edwards made two changes to the Starting XI from last weekend's match against FC Twenty 11. Rico Pradhan returned to the back four ahead of Matt Duncan, and Thomas Chao was replaced by Jackson Cole, a move that saw David Yoo start in central midfield instead of the right flank.
Coastal's strong start to the game paid off after their top scorer, Alejandro Steinwascher, belted it into the bottom left corner, leaving Van Dijk helpless.
United slowly grew into the game, creating problems for the Coastal defence. The Rams' pressure eventually paid off. Matt Brazier cleverly flicked on a header to send David Yoo through on goal, who blasted it past the keeper, sending the packed CUFC Supporters stand into mayhem.
United continued to pile on the pressure and Coastal were looking rattled. Joel Stevens whipped a devilish ball into the box which went all the way into the net, giving United a half time lead.
However, it wasn't to be. Steinwascher caused more turmoil for United on the counter attack playing the bal across the box for Rabuka to equalize. It was end to end from then on in, but Spirit looked the most likely to win it. There was a large chunk of added time following keeper Steven Van Dijk's lengthy injury stoppage. Former United player Mason Stearn's effort struck both posts and was cleared away in added time. Stearn then whipped in a dangerous corner that bounced around the box, and was eventually put into the net by Ryan Stanley in the 100th minute.
Matt Brazier did win a free kick almost straight from kick off, which gave captain Joel Stevens a chance to nick a point for The Rams. His effort hit the crossbar and the referee finally blew the whistle to end an incredible game for the neutral.
United begin their defence of the Chatham Cup on Friday night as they come up against Western AFC.
