ISL: 10-man FC Goa hold Kerala to 1-1 draw

Bambolim, Jan 23 : FC Goa managed to fend off a tough press by Kerala Blasters to settle for a point each with a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) at GMC Stadium, Bambolim on Saturday.
Goa took the lead through a 25th minute strike from Jorge Ortiz Mendoza. Rahul KP then scored the equaliser for Kerala Blasters in the 57th minute with a brilliant header. Goa were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute with Ivan Gonzalez received two yellow cards within 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 goalkeeper Albino Gomes. The effort hit the woodwork not once, but thrice before the ball bounced back into play.
Goa continued their surge with Ortiz and Noguera combining once again. The latter then crossed the ball into the box, which Devendra Murgaokar headed straight to the goalkeeper.
The Gaurs deservingly took the lead in the 25th minute from a set-piece. Ortiz’s freekick from the left took a slight deflection off Sahal Abdul Samad’s head and looped over Gomes.