Ten-man FC Goa managed to fend off late pressure by Kerala Blasters to settle for a point with a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League at GMC Stadium, Bambolim, Goa on Saturday.
The Gaurs took the lead through a 25th-minute strike from Jorge Ortiz Mendoza while Rahul KP (57’) scored with a brilliant header in the second half. Goa were reduced to 10 men in the second half after Ivan Gonzalez received marching orders, receiving two yellow cards within a span of seconds.
Goa started with what they do the best — intriguing short passes, maintaining maximum ball possession and keeping Kerala on the back foot.
Kerala were lucky not to concede early in the game. The on-field chemistry between Alberto Noguera and Ortiz has been creating problems for opponents and on Saturday, the duo combined once again, in what would have been a well-worked goal. Ortiz played a one-two with Noguera at the edge of the box, and shot past the keeper Albino Gomes. The effort hit the woodwork not…