Offensive struggles give a sub his shot

The Crystal Palace USA fans thought it went in, rising to their feet and cheering what they believed was a quick answer to a Charlotte score to pull the home team to within a goal.

But the seldom-used midfielder’s blast from just outside the 18-yard box early in the second half narrowly missed, catching the outside of the net beside the upper left portion of the post.

It was that kind of night for the Palace offense. The team failed to capitalize on its opportunities, and Charlotte handed Palace its first United Soccer League Second Division loss of the season, 3-0, at UMBC Stadium.

The loss dropped Palace (5-1, 15 points) into second place behind Charlotte (5-1-1, 16 points).

But Palace’s offensive struggles without leading scorer Gary Brooks, who was suspended because he received a red card in the team’s 3-2 win at Western Mass on May 24. But the absence of Brooks, who has scored five of the team’s 11 goals, allowed reserves like King a chance to show they deserve more playing time.

Palace turned to its bench and four substitute midfielders in the second half hoping to jump-start an offense that only managed one shot on goal in the first half. Charlotte added a pair of goals to its 1-0 halftime advantage, but Palace forced goalie Terry Boss to earn his shutout, with six shots on goal and six corner kicks after halftime.

“We have talented players up and down our roster, so we’d be crazy not to use them,” Co-manager Pete Medd said. “I thought we needed to shake things up, and I think we did. I thought the subs that came on played very well.”

King, who played three minutes against Richmond on May 4 in his only other appearance this season, was the most impressive, showing speed and an ability to get off his shot in traffic.

“Our offense put up a lot of shots, but we’re not moving,” said King, who tied for a game-high with five shots despite only playing the second half. “Our two coaches were stressing that we need to move out there. When I came on, I was probably the only one going across the field causing a little commotion.”

Medd called the performance of the 26-year old Kingston, Jamaica, native “one of the game’s few bright spots,” and said King showed he deserves more opportunities.

King said he worked hard to stay under control and keep his focus even as his scoring chances repeatedly failed. Palace continued to pound the ball into the Charlotte goal box into stoppage time trying to score even when it was clear the outcome was decided.

“I really wanted to get one [goal],” King said. “I came in, and that was the one thing on my mind. Even one goal, just one goal, and I tried my best.”

The return of Brooks will force King to work harder to get back on the field beginning in Palace’s next game at Western Mass (3-3-1, seven points) on Saturday.

“I’m not the fittest right now,” King said. “But when I get to match pace, it will be dangerous.”

edetweiler@baltimoreexaminer.com