Brooklyn Italians 0 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
A brilliant first half Jordi strike that ruffled the net after touching all 3 sticks gave the Rovers the valuable 3 points vs a very good Italian's team. The Italians belied their lowly league standing, sporting a new - all d1 college - side and in truth deserved something out of the match. Broach made sure they did not. He made 4-5 fantastic saves throughout the 90 mins of his man-of-the-match performance to keep the clean sheet.
The Rovers started brightly and had plans to control the tempo and possession on the cold day. But their focus swayed within the first 2 mins. Brownie in his first touch, tried to dribble - when he could have passed - was tripped and as he attempted to cushion his fall, landed on his elbow and dislocated it terribly. With the club president watching, Sheero immediately drove him to the nearest ER. Thankfully, on the 4th attempt and equal morphine shot, the doctors were able to lodge it back. No broken bones, so Brownie will be back by the end of February. And thank you Dave Sheeran !
On the pitch, the Rovers found the space in the middle and enjoyed the majority of possession. Jordi was, as always, a constant threat down the right flank, even if, in the early stages, his final ball was not to the usual standard. Andy had a good chance on a turn and volley inside the area that was well parried by the Italian's keeper. Pugli has another good chance from close range that was blocked. Finally the Rovers capitalized midway through the half. Salvo, Einar combined finding Colin with time at the top of the box. He threaded a ball through to Jordi who rocketed the finish in the near upper 90, ricochet to the far post and end up in the opposite side netting with the goalkeeper spinning. Rovers 1-0.
The Rovers failed to kill the game off in the next few minutes, and turned the show over to Broach. First the Italian forwards were too slow to finish and Broach blocked it at his feet. Then he parried an uncontested shot from the penalty spot angled for the far post for a corner.
In the 2nd half, the Rovers turned more direct, and the Italian's became increasingly dangerous on the counterattacks. The Rovers did not do well in tracking the extra runners through the midfield. Broach stepped up and tipped past the far post another one-one finish, before smothering the next. And he saved and kept the rebound when a 2 v 1 resulted in the left side of the Rover's 18een.
On the other end, the Rovers failed to get a final shot off attacking 4 on 3 and then 3 on 2, but in the end, it did not matter. Broach assured the clean sheet and the Rovers in 2nd place with a game in hand.
Team: Dave Borchard, Mark Kushemba, Pat Brown, John Salvucci, George Tagaris, Vidar Ekehaug, Einar Benedktsson, Jordan Chirico, Colin Marshall, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese Subs: (all played) Randi Lee, Mat Levine, Ajene Green, Pierre Byman
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Lady Rovers1 Result 12/6/09 - by Nicolas
Lady Rover 1: 2 Central Park Rangers Women Red: 0
On Sunday, the Ladies finished their Fall season the way they had started it about 3 months ago: with a deserved win.
Despite a very early start and a blistering cold, Rovers 1 showed up in force after the Thanksiving break. All bets were off before the game as CPR Red had brilliantly tied against Vendaval in their last game. Sometimes playing well just means a game summary is told very briefly. And indeed, our ladies however took early control of the game and kept it pretty much that way for the entire game, never giving CPR Red any serious chance. Susan and Shannon scored the two goals of the game for a comfortable 2-0 win.
On Sunday, the Ladies finished their Fall season the way they had started it about 3 months ago: with a deserved win.
Despite a very early start and a blistering cold, Rovers 1 showed up in force after the Thanksiving break. All bets were off before the game as CPR Red had brilliantly tied against Vendaval in their last game. Sometimes playing well just means a game summary is told very briefly. And indeed, our ladies however took early control of the game and kept it pretty much that way for the entire game, never giving CPR Red any serious chance. Susan and Shannon scored the two goals of the game for a comfortable 2-0 win.
Prmeier o30 - 12/13/09 - Kevin O'Donovan
Barnstonworth Premier 2 Brooklyn Italians 2
Goals: Nedgy Nazon 60' Marlon Johnson 75'
The Italians have lost all but two this year but managed to earn a draw against us on a miserable Sunday morning out by Coney Island. Another 2-2 draw, but unlike several of our matches this year, it was the Italians who had the lion's share of chances. We were down early when on a break their guy hit a top drawer left-footed strike into the opposite upper 90. It stayed this way for the rest of half as they continued to pour on the pressure while we struggled to link passes together.
We started brightly in the second half and Marlon was released down the right, crossed to Nedgy who smartly tapped in from close range. Back on track it seemed we were. But alas, we couldn't take the lead from the Italians. The best chance came when Allen's curler hit the crossbar. Their long balls for some reason caused us problems and eventually they earned a free kick on the side just outside the area. After a weak clearance, the ball fell to their first half goal scorer who hit a laser beam that I saw only at the last second. I blocked with my chest but the ball landed at the feet of their guy who scored even after I launched myself at him. 2-1 to them. Marlon equalized, however, within a minute when he beat a couple of guys at the top of the box and coolly stroked the shot past the keeper far post. And instead of closing the deal in the final 15 minutes, it was Brooklyn who nearly got the winner except for yours truly saving two 1v1's. And if we're to fight for a playoff spot in the spring, we'll have to be more efficient converting our usual possession advantage into goals.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Maurice, Stav, Allen, Robbie, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Marlon, Nedgy
Goals: Nedgy Nazon 60' Marlon Johnson 75'
The Italians have lost all but two this year but managed to earn a draw against us on a miserable Sunday morning out by Coney Island. Another 2-2 draw, but unlike several of our matches this year, it was the Italians who had the lion's share of chances. We were down early when on a break their guy hit a top drawer left-footed strike into the opposite upper 90. It stayed this way for the rest of half as they continued to pour on the pressure while we struggled to link passes together.
We started brightly in the second half and Marlon was released down the right, crossed to Nedgy who smartly tapped in from close range. Back on track it seemed we were. But alas, we couldn't take the lead from the Italians. The best chance came when Allen's curler hit the crossbar. Their long balls for some reason caused us problems and eventually they earned a free kick on the side just outside the area. After a weak clearance, the ball fell to their first half goal scorer who hit a laser beam that I saw only at the last second. I blocked with my chest but the ball landed at the feet of their guy who scored even after I launched myself at him. 2-1 to them. Marlon equalized, however, within a minute when he beat a couple of guys at the top of the box and coolly stroked the shot past the keeper far post. And instead of closing the deal in the final 15 minutes, it was Brooklyn who nearly got the winner except for yours truly saving two 1v1's. And if we're to fight for a playoff spot in the spring, we'll have to be more efficient converting our usual possession advantage into goals.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Maurice, Stav, Allen, Robbie, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Marlon, Nedgy
Lady Rovers2 Result 12/6/09 - by Nicolas
Lady Rovers 2: 1 (4) Central Park Rangers Women White: 1 (2)
Rovers 2 was supposed to have plenty subs, we ended up with only 10 players after several last minute diseases and cancellations, including that our resident goalie Emily. Seeing their advantage in numbers CPR White pressed on early and within seconds one of their strikers took a beautiful shot that curved straight towards the goal. Mary H, aka crazy Mary, who had stepped up in goal for the day jumped, overextended her right hand and tipped the ball above the bar for her first of many brilliant saves that day, under the cheers of the team and her boytoy standing on the bleachers. Little by little our ladies found their position on the field and managed to balance the game despite being short of one. In second half we focused on closing the gaps and putting the pressure high on CPR. Fantastic defense on the midfield line from Bridget, Courtney and Abbey kept the danger at bay. Then on a great overlap and passing combination on the right side, a ball was laid back to Abbey who in her run and from the corner of the box precisely placed the ball out of reach of the goalie for the 1-0. Minutes later, our only defensive mistake allowed CPRW's best player to close range drill one in leaving no chance to Mary for the 1-1. From there on is was a perfectly balanced game that led to shoot out after regulation time. Let us just say that the whole team pulled through on that difficult exercise. Not only did all our players score on their attempt but CPRW missed their first, and Mary dove on the right side to save the shot from CPRW's best player and take teh game home. Final score 1-1 (4-2) for a well fought and deserved win.
Rovers 2 was supposed to have plenty subs, we ended up with only 10 players after several last minute diseases and cancellations, including that our resident goalie Emily. Seeing their advantage in numbers CPR White pressed on early and within seconds one of their strikers took a beautiful shot that curved straight towards the goal. Mary H, aka crazy Mary, who had stepped up in goal for the day jumped, overextended her right hand and tipped the ball above the bar for her first of many brilliant saves that day, under the cheers of the team and her boytoy standing on the bleachers. Little by little our ladies found their position on the field and managed to balance the game despite being short of one. In second half we focused on closing the gaps and putting the pressure high on CPR. Fantastic defense on the midfield line from Bridget, Courtney and Abbey kept the danger at bay. Then on a great overlap and passing combination on the right side, a ball was laid back to Abbey who in her run and from the corner of the box precisely placed the ball out of reach of the goalie for the 1-0. Minutes later, our only defensive mistake allowed CPRW's best player to close range drill one in leaving no chance to Mary for the 1-1. From there on is was a perfectly balanced game that led to shoot out after regulation time. Let us just say that the whole team pulled through on that difficult exercise. Not only did all our players score on their attempt but CPRW missed their first, and Mary dove on the right side to save the shot from CPRW's best player and take teh game home. Final score 1-1 (4-2) for a well fought and deserved win.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Preier o30 - State Cup Round of 16 12/06/09 - Kevin
Barnstonworth Premier 2 (3) Manhattan Kickers 2 (5)
Goals: Nedgy Nazon? 60' Allen Tardieu 90'
Rovers went down to the Kickers in the PK's after a see-saw second half. The first half was all quiet in terms of goals but Nedgy was unlucky to not score as two of his efforts were cleared off the line. Stav's thru ball found Kendall, who passed up his own shot to square to Nedgy. The keeper parried Nedgy's shot only for his defender to clear it away. The next one was a thru ball that Nedgy dinked over the keeper again only for the Kickers defender to clear off the line. Their only real chance in the first half was a rocket from MacKinnon's mate Colin that Kevin was able to just parry wide.
The second half saw Kickers get the lead after a flurry of long throw-ins led to a goalmouth melee that their large striker was able to poke in. We soon equalized when Kendall nicked the ball off one of their midfielders, he fed Marlon on the right who crossed for Nedgy? to score from the 6 yd box. We stepped up the pressure and created several good chances but were unable to score. They took the lead again on the break when their guy crossed to an unmarked forward at the far post who headed home. We managed an equalizer late when Duane soloed down the left side, cut inside, just losing the ball but not before the ref blew a delayed foul. Coach Robbie insisted Emman take the free, but stubborn Nedgy insisted it was his to take. He curled it to Duane who flicked on for Allen to tap in from close range. One minute later, the ref blew the whistle for 90 minutes. Our second PK cup match in 3 tries.
Long story short, they scored all 5, we scored 3 of out 4 and didn't get to take our last one. Their keeper saved Allen's effort, Narces got a second try after his first hit the post since their keeper moved early and Carl and Duane scored theirs. I got a hand to the 4th kick but not enough. Kickers will play Pele Masters in the quarters.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Maurice, Stav, Roger, Allen, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Marlon, Nedgy
Goals: Nedgy Nazon? 60' Allen Tardieu 90'
Rovers went down to the Kickers in the PK's after a see-saw second half. The first half was all quiet in terms of goals but Nedgy was unlucky to not score as two of his efforts were cleared off the line. Stav's thru ball found Kendall, who passed up his own shot to square to Nedgy. The keeper parried Nedgy's shot only for his defender to clear it away. The next one was a thru ball that Nedgy dinked over the keeper again only for the Kickers defender to clear off the line. Their only real chance in the first half was a rocket from MacKinnon's mate Colin that Kevin was able to just parry wide.
The second half saw Kickers get the lead after a flurry of long throw-ins led to a goalmouth melee that their large striker was able to poke in. We soon equalized when Kendall nicked the ball off one of their midfielders, he fed Marlon on the right who crossed for Nedgy? to score from the 6 yd box. We stepped up the pressure and created several good chances but were unable to score. They took the lead again on the break when their guy crossed to an unmarked forward at the far post who headed home. We managed an equalizer late when Duane soloed down the left side, cut inside, just losing the ball but not before the ref blew a delayed foul. Coach Robbie insisted Emman take the free, but stubborn Nedgy insisted it was his to take. He curled it to Duane who flicked on for Allen to tap in from close range. One minute later, the ref blew the whistle for 90 minutes. Our second PK cup match in 3 tries.
Long story short, they scored all 5, we scored 3 of out 4 and didn't get to take our last one. Their keeper saved Allen's effort, Narces got a second try after his first hit the post since their keeper moved early and Carl and Duane scored theirs. I got a hand to the 4th kick but not enough. Kickers will play Pele Masters in the quarters.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Maurice, Stav, Roger, Allen, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Marlon, Nedgy
Monday, November 30, 2009
Result: Firsts 11/22/09 vs Pancyprians (h)
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms 4
The Rovers could not match the effectiveness and efficiency of the perennial powerhouse and made some critical mistakes that cost them. Even at 1-3 with the Rovers on the ascendency and with Pancyps down to 10 men, 1sts failed to capitalize and assert the asphyxiating pressure that is within BRFC’s potential. Too often, when going forward, the Rovers failed to get the ball to their strengths. Instead, symbolically for this match, it was Pancyps who put the ball in the net, in an embarrassing fashion.
It was the first home league loss for the Rovers in over 18 mos.
After an even first 20 minutes the Rovers gifted Pancyps the opener. An unnecessary free-kick in the middle of the pitch was crossed to the 18een. Broach called for it, but failed to get to the ball, the forward heading into an open net from 10 yards out. Rovers 0-1.
The second come 10 minutes later from a touch of class from Dos Santos. His clever calculated flick behind and in between the Rovers central defensive duo, fell perfectly in the path of the other forwards run who had an easy task placing the ball inside the near post. Rovers 0-2.
And with the final whistle of the half, Megaloudis, unattended after a clearance, was lethally allowed to receive the ball on the BRFC right flank, his cross found 2 pancyp forwards unmarked in the box. They don’t miss those. Rovers 0-3
The Rovers somewhat adjusted at half time, flooding the midfield hoping to get a footing in the opposite third. It worked, and after a near miss inside the six, Andy got a ball in the back of the Pancyp defense inside the box, and was brought down before he could finish. Clear penalty, Colin stepped up for his 3rd in 3 league match rekindling the Rovers’ fire. Rover 1-3
With 30 mins remaining, Pancyps central midfielder made a late tackle for his 2nd booking of the night. Pancyps down to 10. Now it felt that the Rovers really could get a result. Waddell cut in from the left but his shot just missed the far post. Colin struck a rebound seemingly heading for the top corner only to be blocked by the body of a defender. Andy put a ball angling across the six, first past Pugli and then just beyond Mat’s reach. And after a similar through ball, Mat was just beaten to it by the onrushing keeper.
Still, and most unimpressively, in the end, Megaloudis pinned against the side line by 2 Rovers at the center of the pitch, turned both of them inside out, paced down the flank, cut across another defender inside the box and as typically against the Rovers, hit a bullet to the far upper 90 to kill the game. Rovers 1-4.
Team: Dave Borchard, Alan Alcade, Vidar Ekehaug, Pat Brown, Mark Kushemba, Colin Marshall, Einar Benediktsson, Scott Waddell, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mat Levine, Pierre Byman.
N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms 4
The Rovers could not match the effectiveness and efficiency of the perennial powerhouse and made some critical mistakes that cost them. Even at 1-3 with the Rovers on the ascendency and with Pancyps down to 10 men, 1sts failed to capitalize and assert the asphyxiating pressure that is within BRFC’s potential. Too often, when going forward, the Rovers failed to get the ball to their strengths. Instead, symbolically for this match, it was Pancyps who put the ball in the net, in an embarrassing fashion.
It was the first home league loss for the Rovers in over 18 mos.
After an even first 20 minutes the Rovers gifted Pancyps the opener. An unnecessary free-kick in the middle of the pitch was crossed to the 18een. Broach called for it, but failed to get to the ball, the forward heading into an open net from 10 yards out. Rovers 0-1.
The second come 10 minutes later from a touch of class from Dos Santos. His clever calculated flick behind and in between the Rovers central defensive duo, fell perfectly in the path of the other forwards run who had an easy task placing the ball inside the near post. Rovers 0-2.
And with the final whistle of the half, Megaloudis, unattended after a clearance, was lethally allowed to receive the ball on the BRFC right flank, his cross found 2 pancyp forwards unmarked in the box. They don’t miss those. Rovers 0-3
The Rovers somewhat adjusted at half time, flooding the midfield hoping to get a footing in the opposite third. It worked, and after a near miss inside the six, Andy got a ball in the back of the Pancyp defense inside the box, and was brought down before he could finish. Clear penalty, Colin stepped up for his 3rd in 3 league match rekindling the Rovers’ fire. Rover 1-3
With 30 mins remaining, Pancyps central midfielder made a late tackle for his 2nd booking of the night. Pancyps down to 10. Now it felt that the Rovers really could get a result. Waddell cut in from the left but his shot just missed the far post. Colin struck a rebound seemingly heading for the top corner only to be blocked by the body of a defender. Andy put a ball angling across the six, first past Pugli and then just beyond Mat’s reach. And after a similar through ball, Mat was just beaten to it by the onrushing keeper.
Still, and most unimpressively, in the end, Megaloudis pinned against the side line by 2 Rovers at the center of the pitch, turned both of them inside out, paced down the flank, cut across another defender inside the box and as typically against the Rovers, hit a bullet to the far upper 90 to kill the game. Rovers 1-4.
Team: Dave Borchard, Alan Alcade, Vidar Ekehaug, Pat Brown, Mark Kushemba, Colin Marshall, Einar Benediktsson, Scott Waddell, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mat Levine, Pierre Byman.
Result: Reserves 11/22/09 vs Pancyprians (h)
Barnstonworth Rovers Res 2
N.Y. Pancyprian Freedom Res 1
The Reserves assured themselves to be top of the league at the midseason break with a deserved 3 points over the Pancyprians. Actually, the Reserves are 5 points clear and 4 points with a game in-hand from their closest rivals in the entire 1st Division !
The Reserves made their quality count 20 minutes in. A Lynch foray from the left, the ball came to middle, Sammie’s effort was blocked, Yannick opportunistically pounced on the rebound and slot it home. Reserves 1-0.
For the rest of the half, the Reserves dominated possession but could not capitalize. That changed in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half. After a very neat 2 consecutive 1-2’s featuring Felix bursting from the back, Baskin latched on to the through ball on the left, just inside the box, he took 2 strides then hit the far side netting. Reserves 2-0.
Now the Rovers playing with confidence and style, sometimes stringing passes together that mesmerized the opposition should have put the game to bed. Rather, the killer instinct yet to be marbleized in the team’s psychic, the Rovers conceded a goal from a set piece letting their opponents and their vociferous support back into the hunt for the last quarter-hour. Reserves 2-1.
Reorganized and with resolve, the Reserves saw it out and took the points home.
With the current depth of the Rover squad, if the Reserves build on their belief and consistency, the division title is in their feet.
Team: Robin Mills, Felix D’ambrose, Pierre Byman, Kemar Brown, Bond Griffin, Yannick James, Yuri Krym, Ron Baskin, Nick Lynch, Michael Martocci, Sam Minaya Subs: (played) Mat Levine, Stavros Zomopoulos, Pete Watson - Matt Kaplan (dnp)
N.Y. Pancyprian Freedom Res 1
The Reserves assured themselves to be top of the league at the midseason break with a deserved 3 points over the Pancyprians. Actually, the Reserves are 5 points clear and 4 points with a game in-hand from their closest rivals in the entire 1st Division !
The Reserves made their quality count 20 minutes in. A Lynch foray from the left, the ball came to middle, Sammie’s effort was blocked, Yannick opportunistically pounced on the rebound and slot it home. Reserves 1-0.
For the rest of the half, the Reserves dominated possession but could not capitalize. That changed in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half. After a very neat 2 consecutive 1-2’s featuring Felix bursting from the back, Baskin latched on to the through ball on the left, just inside the box, he took 2 strides then hit the far side netting. Reserves 2-0.
Now the Rovers playing with confidence and style, sometimes stringing passes together that mesmerized the opposition should have put the game to bed. Rather, the killer instinct yet to be marbleized in the team’s psychic, the Rovers conceded a goal from a set piece letting their opponents and their vociferous support back into the hunt for the last quarter-hour. Reserves 2-1.
Reorganized and with resolve, the Reserves saw it out and took the points home.
With the current depth of the Rover squad, if the Reserves build on their belief and consistency, the division title is in their feet.
Team: Robin Mills, Felix D’ambrose, Pierre Byman, Kemar Brown, Bond Griffin, Yannick James, Yuri Krym, Ron Baskin, Nick Lynch, Michael Martocci, Sam Minaya Subs: (played) Mat Levine, Stavros Zomopoulos, Pete Watson - Matt Kaplan (dnp)
Lady Rovers 1 - 11/22/09 - by Nicolas
Lady Rovers 1: 5 Manhattan Lady Kickers: 0
TOP OF THE LEAGUE AT WINTER BREAK
Sunday morning, Rovers 1 welcomed a chilly but sunny Sunday morning with an emphatic 5-0 win over the Kickers, ensuring thereby that it would stay top of the league before the winter break no matter the other results of the day. Jen North bagged 2 goals, thereby overtaking Liz as best scorer of the League so far with 6 realizations, while Shannon bagged two more and Ana Julia got the fifth. This great result was followed by good news a few hours later when we learned that Vendaval had tied against CPR Red, dropping thereby 4 points behind Rovers 1.
TOP OF THE LEAGUE AT WINTER BREAK
Sunday morning, Rovers 1 welcomed a chilly but sunny Sunday morning with an emphatic 5-0 win over the Kickers, ensuring thereby that it would stay top of the league before the winter break no matter the other results of the day. Jen North bagged 2 goals, thereby overtaking Liz as best scorer of the League so far with 6 realizations, while Shannon bagged two more and Ana Julia got the fifth. This great result was followed by good news a few hours later when we learned that Vendaval had tied against CPR Red, dropping thereby 4 points behind Rovers 1.
R2D2 match report - 11/22/09 - by Nicolas
Lady Rovers 2: 0 Slackers: 3
Far far away in Brooklyn, Rovers 2 encountered for its part a rejuvenated and dramatically reinforced Slackers team in a gruelingly intense and physical game. The Slackers got the best of the first half, scoring two goals after impressive one touch movement and efficient build up of the play. Rovers 2 came back in second half and managed to dominate the next 35 minutes, camping in the Slackers half of the field. Three strong opportunities were created but we could not capitalize on any of them and, as things go, the Slackers managed to strike once more on a counter five minutes from the end. The final score of 3-0 is much heavier than we would have liked but we did walk off the field with our heads high.
Far far away in Brooklyn, Rovers 2 encountered for its part a rejuvenated and dramatically reinforced Slackers team in a gruelingly intense and physical game. The Slackers got the best of the first half, scoring two goals after impressive one touch movement and efficient build up of the play. Rovers 2 came back in second half and managed to dominate the next 35 minutes, camping in the Slackers half of the field. Three strong opportunities were created but we could not capitalize on any of them and, as things go, the Slackers managed to strike once more on a counter five minutes from the end. The final score of 3-0 is much heavier than we would have liked but we did walk off the field with our heads high.
Premier Match Report 11/22/09 - by Kevin
Barnstonworth Premier o30 2 Guyana Veterans A 1
Goals: Emman 80', Narces Phanor 88'
After trailing almost the entire match, we scored two goals at the death to nick three points from a resurgent Veterans squad. Early doors, it was the Veterans who took it to Rovers. They played with intensity and won most of the 50-50 balls. They didn't have too many chances but they made one count when they were able to cross into the 6 yd box for a contested but close range tap in. We didn't really get things going until late the first half when we started to string together some passes in the final third.
But the real wake-up call came after Robbie's half time speech. And with all due respect to the Lady Rovers, he correctly indicated to us that we were 'playing like gurrls.' And that if we corrected this, we'd have alot better chance to win the match. Indeed, we came out much stronger in the second half and controlled the match for long periods. And aside from his penalty miss, Nedgy's yeoman effort in particular was tremendous. He was not on the scoresheet, but he was continually fighting off challenges and holding the ball up, setting up himself or other Rovers. We came close on several corners, as well as a penalty kick, but we finally equalized when a right-sided cross found its way to Emman at the top of the box. And it couldn't have come at a better time as Emman is one of the best strikers of the ball I've come across in recent years. Ignoring Carl's plea for a pass, Emman controlled and hit a rocket that ricocheted in off the post. 1-1 and we smelled blood. It was Narces who got the winner from a well-delivered corner from Alex. Due to the poor Guyana marking, both Carl and Duane were waiting to head the winner home but it was Narces who snuck in to deliver the three points to Rovers.
Finally, a big up to Juan for reffing the full 90 and doing an excellent job after reffing 45 minutes of his own match just before.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Maurice, Roger, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Marlon, Nedgy
Goals: Emman 80', Narces Phanor 88'
After trailing almost the entire match, we scored two goals at the death to nick three points from a resurgent Veterans squad. Early doors, it was the Veterans who took it to Rovers. They played with intensity and won most of the 50-50 balls. They didn't have too many chances but they made one count when they were able to cross into the 6 yd box for a contested but close range tap in. We didn't really get things going until late the first half when we started to string together some passes in the final third.
But the real wake-up call came after Robbie's half time speech. And with all due respect to the Lady Rovers, he correctly indicated to us that we were 'playing like gurrls.' And that if we corrected this, we'd have alot better chance to win the match. Indeed, we came out much stronger in the second half and controlled the match for long periods. And aside from his penalty miss, Nedgy's yeoman effort in particular was tremendous. He was not on the scoresheet, but he was continually fighting off challenges and holding the ball up, setting up himself or other Rovers. We came close on several corners, as well as a penalty kick, but we finally equalized when a right-sided cross found its way to Emman at the top of the box. And it couldn't have come at a better time as Emman is one of the best strikers of the ball I've come across in recent years. Ignoring Carl's plea for a pass, Emman controlled and hit a rocket that ricocheted in off the post. 1-1 and we smelled blood. It was Narces who got the winner from a well-delivered corner from Alex. Due to the poor Guyana marking, both Carl and Duane were waiting to head the winner home but it was Narces who snuck in to deliver the three points to Rovers.
Finally, a big up to Juan for reffing the full 90 and doing an excellent job after reffing 45 minutes of his own match just before.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Maurice, Roger, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Marlon, Nedgy
BRFC o-30's Match Report - 11/22/09 by Ben Weiner
BRFC o30's 1 Pele Masters 2
The o-30 Rovers continued their long slow decline to the bottom of the table this past Sunday. This one was a heart breaker, however, since for most of the match we held a 1-0 lead over the division leaders Pele Masters. The match began with a speech by Coach Weiner suggesting that if the Old Boys can take points from league leaders Dinamo then there was no reason we can't make Pele Masters part with a few points. We hoped to follow the Old Boys lead and have just as exciting a game to report. For about 70 minutes we thought we might do just that. The Masters seemed to start flatter then we remembered their abilities as we held the majority of play in their half. We had possession, movement, and enthusiasm. Inevitably this led to an Un-mackers run down the wing, a quick move around the defense, and a neat slot past the keeper in the right side net. 1-0 Rovers. Our play and hopes went skyward. Even with a Ref seemingly giving the Masters every call , including a blatant hand ball in the area off a cross, we pushed on. At least 2 other goals should have been notched by the fighting Rovers, but a couple of bad choices ended in lame shots rolling to the keeper instead of going to the open forward that could have walked them in. These turned out to be key misses. Perhaps a couple more goals would have been the un-doing of the Masters. We went to the half still up 1-0. We kept to the game plan and continued to hold play. Then somewhere around the 65th minute you could see the gears slow down on the Rovers machine. Whether fitness or just the relentless pressure of the Masters (who seem to make a career out of come-backs) we could not hold onto our lead. By the 70th minute the Masters had unleashed their speed demon on the left wing. No one knew where he had been the rest of the game but this guy is a likely Olympic sprinter as he made any and all of our players appear to be in slow motion as he blew past our guard towards goal. His pressure ended with a scuffle ball in the box that flipped over Jean-Marc and popped slowly in the upper net. Our hopes to keep it at a tie faded as the sprinter kept forcing Jean-Marc to make beautiful 1 on 1 saves. One such attack was not thwarted and the Masters took the lead with less than 5 minutes to go. At that point we were defeated and perhaps lucky to keep it only 2-1. It was a sad day as it felt our move off the bottom of the division was snatched from us. Maybe a little more fitness, maybe a few missing key players. At least it was a proud run for 70 minutes showing we can play with the best.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Premier o30's Match Report- Cup Rd2 11/15/09 - by Kevin
Barnstonworth Premier o30 3 Shamrock o30 0
Goals: Nedgy Nazon 25', Narces Phanor 40', Maurce Wellington 60'
We drew the 2nd division mostly Irish squad for the 2nd round of the State Cup. And I must say we put the disappointment of last week behind us with one of our best displays all season. We knocked the ball around, kept possession very well and created excellent chances throughout the match. It is hard to single out just anyone since everyone was passing quite effectively. Were it not for excellent goalkeeping, we might have had 6. Marlon was cruelly denied the opener when he comfortably beat three men outside the box and fired a rocket that hit the crossbar and bounced down Bobby Moore style but alas no goal while Kenton was unable to knock in the rebound. We soon scored though when Narces played a 40 yard ball to Marlon just inside the 18. Marlon pulled a cut back and the defender clearly handled it and we were awarded a PK. Nedgy took it well after their keeper stalled for at least 2 minutes. Our second came just before halftime, when Narces poked home from close range after a lengthy pinball session in their 6 yard box.
The second half was more of the same and we killed off the match when Duane/Nedgy? got down the left side to the byline and crossed to Mo who tapped in from close range. Our opponents did have a few chances and were unlucky to not score in the first half during a goal mouth scramble. Next up in the Round of 16 are the Manhattan Kickers who, unfortunately, defeated our Old Boys brethren, denying a Rover v Rover cup tie.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Roger, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Maurice, Marlon, Nedgy
Goals: Nedgy Nazon 25', Narces Phanor 40', Maurce Wellington 60'
We drew the 2nd division mostly Irish squad for the 2nd round of the State Cup. And I must say we put the disappointment of last week behind us with one of our best displays all season. We knocked the ball around, kept possession very well and created excellent chances throughout the match. It is hard to single out just anyone since everyone was passing quite effectively. Were it not for excellent goalkeeping, we might have had 6. Marlon was cruelly denied the opener when he comfortably beat three men outside the box and fired a rocket that hit the crossbar and bounced down Bobby Moore style but alas no goal while Kenton was unable to knock in the rebound. We soon scored though when Narces played a 40 yard ball to Marlon just inside the 18. Marlon pulled a cut back and the defender clearly handled it and we were awarded a PK. Nedgy took it well after their keeper stalled for at least 2 minutes. Our second came just before halftime, when Narces poked home from close range after a lengthy pinball session in their 6 yard box.
The second half was more of the same and we killed off the match when Duane/Nedgy? got down the left side to the byline and crossed to Mo who tapped in from close range. Our opponents did have a few chances and were unlucky to not score in the first half during a goal mouth scramble. Next up in the Round of 16 are the Manhattan Kickers who, unfortunately, defeated our Old Boys brethren, denying a Rover v Rover cup tie.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Roger, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Maurice, Marlon, Nedgy
Result: Reserves State Cup Rd2 11/15/09
Barnstonworth Rovers Res 2 Brooklyn Italians Res 3
The Reserves suffered their first set back of the season, unfortunately at the most inopportune time, and were knocked out of the cup 3-2 by last year’s finalists, Brooklyn Italians.
The Italians, sporting several 1st team regulars, took advantage of an uncharacteristically very flat Rover start and jumped to a 2-0 lead by half time. The two strikes comes minutes apart. Reserves 0-2.
At halftime, the Reserves adjusted, pressured higher up the pitch and soon started to turn the tide.
Lynch got the ball on the left wing, cut inside beating his marker in the box and fired against the grain, past the Italians fill in keeper. Reserves 1-2.
And minutes later, Lynchie completed the Reserves revival with an identical build up and goal. Reserves 2-2.
It all seemed perfectly poised for the Rovers to go on from there and complete the task. Instead, a lapse of concentration and the quick thinking, skillful Italians restarted a midfield free kick quickly to their striker making a perfectly timed diagonal run through the Rover’s back line. He collected and finished past Guelich.
Lynchie did his best to complete his hat-trick, in a third identical move, but his third thunderous strike hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced outside the goal line.
Yuri, coming off the bench, squandered a golden opportunity when a long ball sprung him between the last 2 defenders, carrying the ball inside the 18een. His strike just missed the upper far 90.
As BRFC pushed up looking for the equalizer Guelich kept them in the hunt with a couple of super saves.
Sammie’s header went wide and Yannick’s effort of a corner over the bar. Then in the last minute the Rovers failed to connect with Lynchie’s left foot low cross through the Italians’ six, their keeper smothering it well the 2nd time of asking. And the Reserves were out of the cup, missing, what looked in the draw, clean run to the semi’s.
Team: Bobby Guelich, Bond Griffin, Stash Rutkowski, Zach Chandis, Pat Brown, Yuri Krym, Vidar Ekehaug, Corey Dempsey, Nick Lynch, Yannick James, Sam Minaya. Subs (all played) Felix D’ambrose, Michael Martocci
Lady Rovers 1: State Cup Rd 2 11/15/09 - Sometimes soccer just plainly sucks...by Nicolas
Lady Rovers 1: 0 Vendaval 1
You know all these ready-made expressions people have about the beautiful game? How what makes it great is its unpredictability and the possibility for a game to change entirely in a few seconds? How the magic of the game is that just one goal out of the blue is enough to determine the outcome of a game? Well believe you me, these expressions are bs when you are faced with them because there is just nothing magic about seeing the better team loose.
- On Sunday Rovers 1 stumbled in its Cup run in the worse fashion: by entirely outplaying its opponent but being unable to score. To keep a long story short, Rovers 1 entirely dominated the first half and the second half, keeping possession of the ball most of the time and trying its luck time and again. Getting the ball in the net looked like a question of when and how often rather than if. The last 5 minutes of the first half and first 5 of the second half provided a perfect example. In the last five, a great corner ended up on Andi's head and bounced between the line and the upper post, looking like it went in just to be picked up in the air by the goalie. Then, on a great cross from the left, Emily cut in, jumped and open foot volleyed the ball in the small net… Move to the second half, a perfect run by Laura down the left and into the box, she passes it, the ball rolls parallel to the goal through 3 defenders, in front of the goalie and past two of our players without anybody being able to kick it in or out. Then on yet another cross, Liz takes a close range shot towards an open net and the ball flies right over it. Less than 2 minutes later, one of our players (I believe Laura or Amy) makes a run inside the box with the ball and is taken down from behind by the last defender as she was about to score, a clear penalty kick if we have ever seen one. The improvised referee (the official one never made it to the game), a ref registered in NJ (no offense to any NJsers out there) looks at it, thinks for a second or two and then motions with both arms indicating that we should keep on playing and there is no foul….
In the end, Vendaval had two shots on goal. The first, a free kick from about twenty yards out was poorly taken, flew way too high only to drop by chance right between Annie's extended hand and the bar for a completely underserved goal 20 minutes in the second half. The second, a great one on one attempt, the only time our defense was beaten the whole game, was countered by a fantastic dive from Annie.
2 chances on goal versus more than 15 and a final score of 1-0. Sometimes soccer just plainly sucks.
You know all these ready-made expressions people have about the beautiful game? How what makes it great is its unpredictability and the possibility for a game to change entirely in a few seconds? How the magic of the game is that just one goal out of the blue is enough to determine the outcome of a game? Well believe you me, these expressions are bs when you are faced with them because there is just nothing magic about seeing the better team loose.
- On Sunday Rovers 1 stumbled in its Cup run in the worse fashion: by entirely outplaying its opponent but being unable to score. To keep a long story short, Rovers 1 entirely dominated the first half and the second half, keeping possession of the ball most of the time and trying its luck time and again. Getting the ball in the net looked like a question of when and how often rather than if. The last 5 minutes of the first half and first 5 of the second half provided a perfect example. In the last five, a great corner ended up on Andi's head and bounced between the line and the upper post, looking like it went in just to be picked up in the air by the goalie. Then, on a great cross from the left, Emily cut in, jumped and open foot volleyed the ball in the small net… Move to the second half, a perfect run by Laura down the left and into the box, she passes it, the ball rolls parallel to the goal through 3 defenders, in front of the goalie and past two of our players without anybody being able to kick it in or out. Then on yet another cross, Liz takes a close range shot towards an open net and the ball flies right over it. Less than 2 minutes later, one of our players (I believe Laura or Amy) makes a run inside the box with the ball and is taken down from behind by the last defender as she was about to score, a clear penalty kick if we have ever seen one. The improvised referee (the official one never made it to the game), a ref registered in NJ (no offense to any NJsers out there) looks at it, thinks for a second or two and then motions with both arms indicating that we should keep on playing and there is no foul….
In the end, Vendaval had two shots on goal. The first, a free kick from about twenty yards out was poorly taken, flew way too high only to drop by chance right between Annie's extended hand and the bar for a completely underserved goal 20 minutes in the second half. The second, a great one on one attempt, the only time our defense was beaten the whole game, was countered by a fantastic dive from Annie.
2 chances on goal versus more than 15 and a final score of 1-0. Sometimes soccer just plainly sucks.
R2D2 match report - 11/15/09 - by Nicolas
Lady Rovers 2: 0 NY Magic 5
Rovers 2, prospects for the game looked difficult from the start as we were missing a lot of players. 3 extras for the day were however supposed to guarantee that we had a full team. That was without counting with fate. With Mary being stuck at the hospital to attend to her beau who had received a bad ice hockey blade cut in the leg and Courtney unexpectedly stuck in Long Island we ended up starting the game with 10 facing the Magic reserve in full force with 17 players in uniform.
What will be remembered at the game is first and foremost that playing 1, then 2 players down, Rovers 2 displayed incredible discipline and positioning and played one of its best defensive game of soccer ever, keeping the score to 1-0 for 70 minutes straight. Having lost Emily in goals in second half proved however too much and we finally let 4 more goals in for a 5-0 final result. All in all and considering the circumstances a game that Rovers 2 could walk out of with its head up high.
Rovers 2, prospects for the game looked difficult from the start as we were missing a lot of players. 3 extras for the day were however supposed to guarantee that we had a full team. That was without counting with fate. With Mary being stuck at the hospital to attend to her beau who had received a bad ice hockey blade cut in the leg and Courtney unexpectedly stuck in Long Island we ended up starting the game with 10 facing the Magic reserve in full force with 17 players in uniform.
What will be remembered at the game is first and foremost that playing 1, then 2 players down, Rovers 2 displayed incredible discipline and positioning and played one of its best defensive game of soccer ever, keeping the score to 1-0 for 70 minutes straight. Having lost Emily in goals in second half proved however too much and we finally let 4 more goals in for a 5-0 final result. All in all and considering the circumstances a game that Rovers 2 could walk out of with its head up high.
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