Morise scores winner as New Orleans Jesters defeat Florida Roots FC

Panama City, FL.  The New Orleans Jesters defeated Florida Roots FC 1-0 Thursday night at Tommy Oliver Stadium. Mason Morise scored the lone goal with a headed finish at the back post just after the hour mark.  The win lifts the Jesters (2-2-1) into third position in the NPSL Gulf Coast standings.

New Orleans created most of the chances but for much of the evening it was a frustrating night for the Jesters as they failed to convert.

That changed in the 64th minute with a super run and cross from new signing Andres Rodriguez.  Rodriquez received the ball at the edge of the box and cut past his defender to the goalline then lifted a perfect cross to the back post.  Morise anticipated the delivery and snapped a header past goalkeeper Zach Moenter.

New Orleans could have put the game away in the first half but a combination of near misses and some close refereeing decisions left the game in the balance until Morise’s winner.

Probably the best chance of the first half came in the 36th minute when forward Sheldon Green appeared to have beaten the offside trap with a late run.  He beat Moenter to the ball, and tucked his shot home only to see his celebrations cut short as the assistant-referee raised his flag.

Winger Mason Walsh had a chance to break the deadlock just before half time as he collected a long pass over the top.  His first touch was good as he controlled the pass but his attempt flew just wide of the goal.

Chasing the game in the closing stages Florida Roots threatened with multiple set-piece chances that were launched into the box, but Jesters goalkeeper Lamoy Graham, making his first start of the season, kept a cool head to preserve a well deserved shut-out.

The Jesters conclude their two-match road swing on Saturday night with a game versus Tallahassee SC (6:00 PM CST / mycujoo.tv).