Firsts / Reserves 2004 - 2005 Season Scorers
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Thursday, 10 February 2005
Firsts:
Pugliese 15
Bazza 7
Vega 3
Musa 3
Baskin 2
Tamu 1
Libby 1
Kipp 1
Reserves:
Abramovits 13
Schardt 8
Stash 5
Jallu 4
Anders 2
Stavros 4
Ben 1
Mika 1
Shadi 1
Keogh 1
Donald 1
Fetters 1
Fourths 2004 - 2005 Season Scorers
Written by Juan González Casares
Thursday, 10 February 2005
Okey Obudulu 3
Donald Robertson 2
Hunter Taylor 2
César González 2
Pek Subchart-Anan 2
Jeremy Brown 2
Tomás Antelo 2
Luis Guzman 1
Jason Moore 1
Kevin O'Donovan 1
Own goal 1
o30s 2004-2005 Season Scorers
Written by Eric Butte
Rob Bowley 8
Tom Zimmerman 5
Kevin O Donovan 3
Dominic Stiller 1
Mattias Gustafsson 2
Chivon Thornhill 2
Zee Bardi 2
Josh Lee 2
Ted Eisenman 2
Jerome Albertini 1
Ron Baskin 1
Dave Bonthrone 1
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Monday, June 06, 2005
Awards 2004-2005
| 2004/5 | MVP | Most Dedicated | Top Scorer | Rookie |
| Firsts | Steve Pugliese | Mike Alexander | Steve Pugliese (18) | Tamu Bowen |
| Reserves | Anders Voigt | Alez Schardt | Andy Abramovits (15) | Anders Voigt |
| 3rds | Kenny McIntosh | David Sheeran | Kenny McIntosh (6) | Alfonso Nanclares |
| 4ths | Jeremy Brown | Jeremy Wine | Okey Odubulu (3) | Pek Subchart-Anan |
| O30s | Rob Bowley | Zee Bardi | Rob Bowley (8) | Teddy Eisenman |
| Ladies1 | Sarah Natchez | Molly Kromhout | Tory Monro (6) | Molly Kromhout |
| Ladies2 | Jessie Salpeter | Kelli Lee | Kristen Altorfer (4) | Shawn Mattson |
Season 2004-2005 Match Reports - Firsts
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. Reserves 1 - N.Y. Albanians 5, 05/22/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Nate Kipp’s last appearance for the Rovers - playing at forward !! - and marked by his first goal of the club, was the only thing of note this Sunday. Except, Xavi’s fight with the red card. He really slammed it to the ground, twice for a double TKO in the round, and if he had stomped on it while on the ground, he would certainly have won the fight. He did not, so he had to take an early shower on the sideline.
Shadi made his comeback after a broken shoulder.
And, oh yes – we had our first women ball girl too, thanks to Macker’s girlfriend.
On a rainy day, far away at Verazzano, the Rovers playing only for pride, were just not interested. They developed well enough through the first 2/3 of the field, but without desire and determination often stalled there. The Albanians, still in the hunt for the Reserve title, became the only team to beat the Reserves twice. They were the Rovers exact opposite. Having only 10 in the first half, they did not play much football, but were lethal with desire in the final third. 2 chances, 2 goals that did everything to determine the result. The Rovers wanted to fight – some, most tried - but having all 11 players, individually, in one of their worst performances of the year, you can imagine the overall team showing. Lacking motivation, and luck, it was just not happening.
Great goal Kipp !
Team:
Patrick Duff, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Xavier Egurbide, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos, Nate Kipp, Mackers Mclaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt, Shadi Shahrohki.
Greek American Atlas 1 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 2, 05/15/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
The Firsts proved, in front of the State Federation officials, that they should be considered one of the strongest amateur teams in the state beating the league leading GA 2-1. The firsts this year demolished Pancyprians, beat and tied GA, and will beat Albanians twice. To highlight the achievement, GA last Sunday, on the same pitch, beat the USISL Bridgeport 3-2 to advance to the 2nd round proper of the the US Open Cup!And, maybe most importantly, they avenged the earlier loss by the Reserves that ended the club’s first D1 title hunt.
With Salvucci absent due to the late match arrangements, Colin unavailable due to work commitment and Musa still unable to make the game, and only 9 fresh players, Stash and Mika were included in the starting 11 and with their outstanding performances – Mika’s run and cross set up the winning goal – and enacted their own revenge.
Even another goal in the first minute did not deter the Rovers. Pugli pulled them even in the first half after following up on his own rebound on a tet-a-tet, and then he gave the Rovers the points tucking in Mika’s beautifully weighted cross in the second. The Rovers staunch defending assured the win, and obviously, D1 football for next year.
If the tables remain, and Koha with Shamrock are relegated, the Rovers will have the 3th longest current uninterrupted presence after Albanians, NYAC along with Pancyprians. The other 3 have all been crowed champions in the last 4 years.
The Rovers gave up the customary goal to match the Reserves, within 1 minute. GA attacked from the left, Yuri failed to deal with the wingers speed, who got to the ball by the by-line first, pulled it back to Savarese and he buried it past Kipp. Rovers 0-1.
Moment later, and with the Rovers psyche still fragile, likely saved the match. One on one with the talented GA forward, he sprawled closing the angle and kick saved. The Rovers settled and started to dominate. Bazza – who had his best showing of the year working for 90 min (maybe he is taking the same vitamins as Lee) – hit a free kick with the outside of his right foot and around the wall forcing a good stop by the GA keep.
Then Tamu’s – he had his best game as a Rover - long ball, beat the off-side trap and Pugli raced free his finishing effort was stopped.
Pugli’s second breakaway thankfully ended in the back of the net, even though a second effort was needed. He followed up his first attempt that was meakly parried by the keeper, beat the rushing defender to the ball and tucked it home. Rovers 1-1.
In the second half the Rovers started with appetite for more. They could have taken the lead when Puglie fed Eoin, he streamed in the area, but his effort – just better than last weeks – was saved for a corner.
Pugli could have had the second when he received the ball streaked in the area, but a GA defender made a timely slide tackle to block the shot.
Then the best move of the match. Lee – again with a fantastic showing – played Bazza, on to Tamu and a through ball to Mika deep in the wing. Mika carried to the end line beating his man, and unleased a cross when it seemed impossible. The perfect parabola just eluded Lee and a GA defender, arriving at the back post where Pugli made no mistake. Rovers 2-1.
The Rovers wasted several chances to secure the score. Pugli should have had his hat trick but another breakaway went begging, and Tamu with a better final ball could have released either Pugli or Eoin on goal. More, Pugli beat his man and took the ball far, deep in the area.
Attacking the goal from a narrow angle, the GA keeper committed, he unselfishly decided to feed Andy arriving alone on the goal line. Stunningly, a GA defender also running towards the goal intervened and sliced the ball to safety.
The final 20 mins, with GA seeing their divisional lead slipping, the Rovers retreated and soaked up the pressure without major incident. Kipp was master of his box, and Vega, Mike stellar.
A great win for the Rovers. They can finish in the top half of the table, over 500 for the first time with a win vs Albanians next week.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Stash Rutkowski, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, Bazza O’Driscoll, Tamu Bowen, Mika Tapio, Yuri Krym, Stephen Pugliese, Lee Williams. Subs (all played) Jim Miller, Andy Abramovits, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Barnstonworth Rovers 2 - Polonia S.C. 2, 05/08/01
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Thursday, 12 May 2005
A last gasp equalizer - a Pugli header from a set piece - gave Rovers a deserved share of the points and elevated them to almost assured safety. Andy's first, First team goal had given the Rovers the lead midway in the first half; a lead that for most of the game appeared enough for a Rover victory and mathematical D1 survival. But 2 moments of bizarreness late in the match completely changed the complexion of the match.First, a corner to the far post was headed back across the 6 mtr box, arrived untouched to the original taker. Attempting a volley, he kneed the ball to the ground. He - as all - watched in amazement as the ball bounced off the Octagon floor, over a mistimed Kipp leap, and squeezed in the barely ball wide gap between Vega's hair and under the crossbar. Rovers 1-1.
Then, after a clearance in the box, a Polonia midfielder struck a volley, as perfectly and hard as anyone had ever seen. The ball whistled past Scmidtie's head, hit Anders on the shoulder hard enough to buckle him but it barely changed course, arriving at a sprawling Kipp with enough pace to pour out. A Polonia forward following in, undisturbed tucked the rebound under him. Rovers 1-2.
To their credit, the Rover's did not despair as the Rover faithful on the bleachers surely feared the worst. They braved forward. A first corner was cleared just in front of an arriving Salvo. The second was perfectly placed for Pugli to power it home and earn the Rovers the invaluable point. Rovers 2-2.
Earlier Andy become the first person to score for the Firsts and Reserves on the same weekend since Baskin vs Albanians on a very wet and cold Bronx Saturday night in Dec 2001. Andy did brilliantly to time, follow and leap to a deep Vega free kick. His downward header to the far post eluded the Polonia keeper and thrusted the Rovers in the lead. Rovers 1-0. The Rovers deserved the point. Maybe more. They started with 3 forwards, and later Anders did his best Jallu impersonation as the main target main up top. The Octagon field - the great equalizer - Sunday hindered the best Polonia line up in memory. The Rovers, staunch in defense, dominated the chances throughout the first 60 mins, before they visibly tired. Andy or Pugli could have doubled the Rover tally, as they both moved to meet Mika's cross. Interfering with each other, the ball rose above the crossbar. Still, it was great to see 2 Rover forwards fighting to a ball in the opposition box. And Pugli could have scored when he broke into the area, beating his defender, but his shot went array.
Still, the best chance to put the game away fell to Eoin in the beginning of the 2nd half. Salvo, Lee and Yuri combined releasing and finding Pugli 9 mtrs out. He could have easily slotted the ball home, but unselfishly decided to feed Eoin arriving alone in the back post at the 6. He delayed pulling the trigger, the staggering, allowing the Polinia defense to recover and block his final effort. Lee - man of the match selection - worked tirelessly up front having his best ever performance for the Rovers.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Mika Tapio, Yuri Krym, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese, Lee Williams. Subs (all played): Anders Voigt, Jim Miller, Stavros Zomopoulos, Brian Schmidt. New York Athletic Club 0 - Barnstonworth Rovers 0, 05/01/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 02 May 2005
The good: the Rovers’ proved that if they are not the best – yet - they are the deepest team in the league, as the Reserves played the mighty NYAC to a scoreless draw. And they deserved better, missing several un-missable chances in the beginning of the second half, and having the only goal of the match disallowed for off-sides well after the ball rested in the back of the NYAC goal late in the first.
The bad: a not-communicated change in kick off times, led to a debacle depriving a game from many Rovers, and – pending the Rover’s league protest – threatening the Reserve’s title hunt.And a whimsical referee crew, at NYAC nagging, reneged on the agreed substitutions during the second half forcing an undeserving meek sideline ending to Baskin’s flamboyant Rover career.
The Rovers started the match with understandable apprehension. The weekend’s reserve team though had something to prove to themselves and to the club. They weathered the first nervous minutes without a significant incident and slowly began to confidently take the game to NYAC. A little better timing or earlier releases would have seen the Rovers take the lead on several occasions. And if Andy chosen to take on the last NYAC defender in the 30th instead of hesitating, the Rovers may have still taken the lead. When Alex finally powered his shot past the NYAC near post, the goal was belatedly not given. As the pace of the game wore the Rovers, NYAC became increasingly dangerous.
First a NYAC forward won the race to a near post corner, his header stopping at the crossbar and then cleared. Then, as the Rovers asked for an off-side that never came, the NYAC forward burst into the area but as his first touch failed him, the Rovers recovered and slide-tackled for a corner.
The save of the game – or that save the game – undoubtedly one of the season’s best came in the 40th. A NYAC forward stole the ball and strove inside the arear. He glided, seemingly, past the on rushing Kipp, veering to his right. The goal wide starring at his mercy, he must have already started the celebration in his mind. Kipp, somehow, pushed up, recovered and dove backward to block – with both hands – the shot. NYAC’s day was over.
The Rovers on-slaughter started with the beginning of the 2nd half. Whether it was the confidence gained from the first, or the knowledge that reinforcements were about to arrive, it is debatable. The results are not.
The half was bearily 3 min old when Mika drove a ball to Alex, he crossed it from the six yard box across to Andy, standing 3 yards out. His attempted volley volleyed air the game scoreless.
2 minutes lates, Alex rose to meet a long free kick, and perfectly directed the ball (and yelled his name) to Andy’s path in the six. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Andy placed it against his falling body, failing to open the score.
Pugli, and Salvo‘s– the only 2 late arrivals that were allowed to join the fray – arrival on the pitch signaled complete Rover dominance. And with NYAC reduced to 10 men due to an injury, it seemed only a matter of time for the Rovers to notch their first ever win against the preppies. But, Pugli went wide of the target 3 times when he should have done better, and slipped inside the area after he had collected a long ball and cut behind the defense.
It was Salvo though that came within closest to breaking the deadlock in the late stages. His herculean jump to meet a driven free kick inside the dumbfounded defender went clear across the goal line and past the far post instead.
Still a point against NYAC away for the Rovers and the Reserves is an outcome the Rovers would have accepted in the beginning of the season. Yesterday, maybe not.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Jim Miller, Xavier Egurbide, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Mackers McLaughlin, Mika Tapio, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt. Sub: (player) Steve Tronzano, Ben Weiner, Mark Kushemba, John Salvucci, Stephen Pugliese. Not allowed to play: Tamu Bowen, Ron Baskin, Colin Marshall, Yuri Krym
Barnstonworth Rovers 5 - Central Park Rangers 2, 04/24/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 25 April 2005
Local derby that may well settle relegation. Wild fans, Messmer and Mckinnon creating an electric atmosphere. An eager Reserve team, top of the table in the league. What more can you ask for to motivate a team?For a fleeting moment, it did not seem enough. And an incredibly lackadaisical start to the match saw the Rovers down 1-0 to CPR within – literally – 15 seconds. A Rover record.
From the kick off the ball works its way back to Alexander who squares it in the area to Vega, he passes it straight to the CPR forward at the 18n and he places it beyond Kipp’s reach.
For the next 10 minutes the Rovers looked on their way down to D2. Thanfully something snapped. The team started to communicate on the field, and with it came the intensity. The Rovers needed nothing more, already possessing superior skill.
Colin, on debut, dominated the center, his quickness provided the spark in the middle. He could have leveled for the Rovers after playing a tidy one-two with Puglie and bearing down on the CPR keeper 6-out. His left footed strike swerved to the side netting.
Salvo, all day, was the catalyst for the Rovers. Winning a long Kipp clearance his flick pressured the CPR right back to a dreadful header. Puglie pounced, strode in the area and tied it. Rovers 1-1. The Rovers had awakened.
And there was not stopping them now. A move from the right, Eoin’s throw in the area, Salvo flickes it goalwards where Pugli with lightning anticipation slides and pokes it home. Rovers 2-1 to the good.
Salvucci would have made it 3 right away. But his header from Bazza’s corner angled over the bar. He, instead, got on the score sheet after Bazza’s explosive free kick hit the crossbar and bounced down. In games past the opposition where always first to these balls and the opportunities went begging. On Sunday 3 Rovers got there, Salvo commanded the possession and nodded for the Rovers 3-1.
In the second half Bazza was not to be denied his first of the spring. He provided the necessary cushion after running into a Colin's timely thru ball before beating the keeper. Rovers 4-1.
CPR were gifted a ray of hope when Kushemba in a moment of heedlessness clumsily – and unnecessarily – fouled a CPR forward just inside the Rovers area. Kipp guessed wrong and Rovers 4-2.
Andy could have had his first goal for the Firsts, but his header hit the post after beating the keeper. As consolation, Andy with that effort, set a new Rover record – 4 posts in a day, 0 goals.
Eoin was more clinical and secured the points. He notched the Rovers’ 5th in the 85th min. After receiving the ball with his back to the goal, he turned his defender, created an inch of space and spanked it to the far inside netting. Rovers 5-2.
The First welcomed their first win in the spring, completing a 6 point day vs old nemesis CPR, and a reprieve in the standings. Team:
Nate Kipp, Mike Alexander, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, Colin Marshall, John Salvucci, Tamu Bowen, Yuri Krym, Bazza O’Driscoll, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Xavier Egurbide, Andy Abramovits, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Shamrock S.C. 2 - Barnstonworth Rovers 2, 04/17/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 25 April 2005
An extremely disappointing day for the, now, relegation threatened Rovers.A brilliant start versus the division’s bottom-dwellers saw the Rovers take a comfortable 2-nil lead on a pair of clinical Musa finishes in as many chances. Then, after a slew of missed opportunities that would have finished the match, and against one of the weakest opponent the Rover’s have ever faced in D1, the Rovers did not have the character to withstand the typical – but sterile – Shamrock battling.
Not even a magnificent Kipp double save on a penalty keeping the score line at 2-nil at the start of the 2nd half, could spring the lethargic Rovers to action.
Shamrock got one back when a miscommunication in the Rover box allowed the ball to bounce free in an unattended goal 2 yards from the goal. Still, the Shamrock forward did his best to miss it, but it was too difficult. The ball just creeped under the bar.
The debacle was complete in injury time, as a last gasp long range effort from a Shamrock striker who could not have hit the goal if nobody else was on the pitch, shot in Vega’s direction and Vega deflected it to the opposite corner. Kipp having already committed lunged the other way, but could only parry it inside the side netting.
Shamrock’s both points this year have come curtsey of the Rovers. Lee could have made all this pointless had his lst half lob of the keeper that seemed to be on its way to a Rover 3-0 lead had not strangely bounced in an angle away from the goal-line. Or had he been able to keep his slidding node from 2 yards out on target after Andy’s pinpoint cross, with 3 mins to play.
The embarrassment may have also been averted had Musa’s shoes not given him blisters.
Or, or ...
In reality there was no excuse; the difference in quality of the teams was gigantic. So was the spirit and the hunger to fight for the result. Unfortunately the later in Shamrock’s favor.
Shockingly, no Rover stepped up to steady the team and guide it to victory. I guess too few remember what it is like in D2, and maybe a few more such indifferent displays and they will find out.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Mark Kushemba, Chris Vega. Mike Alexander, Tamu Bowen, Barry O’Driscoll, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Lee Williams, Musa Shannon. Subs: (all played) Ron Baskin, Andy Abramovits, Xavier Egurbide.
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 0 - Manhattan Kickers 1, 04/10/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Thursday, 21 April 2005
A beautiful sunny spring afternoon, a bitter disappointing result. The Rovers fell for the second time this year to Kickers by one goal. A first minute goal sealed the Rovers fate, who now, despite all of their talent, are looking into another spring relegation straggle. The Rovers had plenty of chances to level the score, even to win it, but, yesterday, the ball was magnetically charged opposite to hit the Kickers net.
The Rovers started by unnecessarily giving Kickers a free kick dangerously close to the box. The shot deflected on the way to Duff who failed to hold the shot. Kickers were first to the rebound and to the 3 points. After seeing Dudek, Caroll making similar plays last month, one can hardly be too critical.
The treacherous and now unfamiliar Octagon pitch did its best to stifle what little creativity the Rovers could muster. Yet, there were numerous chances:
Salvucci hit the post with a driving header.
Puglie thought he had equalized when he outsprinted the keeper to a long through ball, heading the bounce over and past him. As Puglie was upended, the chasing Kicker defender slid on the line and cleared the ball. The advantage gone, the ref awarded the free kick at the 18een but Bazza’s effort was disappointing.
Andy broke in from the left, his shot landed in the EPA area.
And we still do not know how Mike’s poke did not end in the back of the net. The keeper beaten by the corner, the ball deflected up, him the underside of the bar and ended up on the line before the Kickers were again first to clear it.
Yuri received the ball inside the Kicker 18een but his effort was blocked.
The second half was a Rovers attacking monologue. Kickers defended deep, soaked up the pressure and were content to counter-attack. They might have been dangerous if they could have gotten the ball into the Rover area, which they could not. The Rover defense and holding midfielders had a stellar showing.
Bazza’s clever direct free-kick from a sharp angle was well parried over the top by the Kickers keeper.
Pugliese found himself free in the box, but his one time effort sailed over the top.
Another Salvucci header hit the crossbar and over.
Tamu made a skillful run beating 2 men down the line, another as he cut across and into the area, but his final effort from the penalty spot went hit the barbeque area rather than the net.
And an equalizer was certain when Salvucci headed a corner back, clear across the goal mouth to a waiting Puglie. His glancing header glanced wide.
Nobody can fault the team effort yesterday. The Rovers tried. But trying is not good enough at this level. You need a little luck and certainly more initiative and creativity in the attacking third that the Rovers showed. Kickers had the former and got to a couple of critical lose balls first, that, in the end, all the Rover effort could not balance.
Next week it is bottom of the table Shamrock. And a must win situation for relegation threatened Rovers.
Team:
Partick Duff, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Andy Abramovits, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Tamu Bowen, Lee Williams
Polonia S.C. 2 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1, 04/03/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
The Firsts’ spring season kicked-off in the most ominous of circumstances: early morning kick off, hard old artificial turf, driving rain and fierce winds. They completed the miserable day with a 2-1 loss to Polonia, continuing one of the teams oldest traditions, never having won on an old artificial turf pitch.Polonia went ahead early with a brilliantly buried header from a corner. The Rovers dominated and drew level after Vega poked home a goal mouth scramble, only for Polonia to notch ahead soon afterwards after the Rovers missed an opportunity to clear the area.
The playing conditions did not allow the Rovers to play football of high pedigree. Still, they strung passes as well as possible the treacherous terrain would allow and dominated possession from the 15m mark on. Chances, though, were few, most failing to Puglie who, unfortunately, was on his day off.
Team:
Partick Duff, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Tamu Bowen, Andy Abramovits, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Yuri Krym, John Keogh, Alex Schardt.
Firsts 12/19/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 0 Koha S.C. 2
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Will the real Rovers please stand up ! Unbelievable ! 7 days after the Rovers played their best game ever, they played at their worst, losing everything that was gained the week before. Koha deservedly won 2-0 taking the 3 points and condemning the Rovers to mid-table mediocrity. Worse, the Rovers disappointed the 10’s of Rover faithful that had come out to see them, including the boisterous McKinnon and the now engaged Horan ! The Rovers once again played to the level of the opposition. This time down to it ! And as such, the game hinged on the details and individual mistakes, that all broke against the Rovers. Why a team as talented as the Rovers repeatedly fail to impose their standard against poor teams is a good question for the coach and players to ponder on during the winter hiatus. Things could have been very much different if Tamu had put away the goal scoring opportunity 15 min in. On a breakaway his attempt to dribble around the keeper was foiled where an early side foot placement may have been the better option. Michael Messmer, making his First team debut, was Rover man of the match, keeping the Rovers in the hunt with 2 instinctive reaction saves in the second half. Koha took the lead in the first half when a bizarre cross that hit the crossbar was mishandled and the ensuing goal mouth scramble ended with a Koha poke. The Rovers had the majority of possession, most of it meaningless, rarely dangerous. Lacking intensity, desire and creativity the 2 outstanding Koha center backs stifled the Rovers in the final third. The Rover forwards frustrating ineffective, their defensive too relaxed. Yet, everyone in attendance believed that the equalizer was a matter of time until a careless decision on the ball – a pass back from midfield - gave Koha their 2nd, 10 min from time. A game better forgotten, the Rovers will revert to their better performance in the spring. Team: Michael Messmer, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Bazza O’Driscoll, Yuri Krym, Tamu Bowen, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Andy Abramovits, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Firsts 12/12/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 5 Pancyprian Freedoms 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
This was a game that will remain in Rover folklore. The one time when it all clicked. Amazing is truly the only word that can describe it. Pancyprians, basically a (semi) pro team, 2-time defending Cosmo league champions; 4 Time US Open Cup Winners; Last amateur league team to reach 3rd round of the US Open Cup; Undefeated in Cosmo league play for 2 and half years. And Sunday, in the 46th minute the score read: Barnstonworth 4 Pancyprians 0. And that does not reflect the 2 posts the Rovers had. It could have easily been the same vs Irish Rovers last week. The two being the 2 best amateur league team in the NY State !! That is how good, and smart, the Rovers are playing at them moment. Pugli had what was arguably the best game for a Rover forward ever. A hatrick vs Pancyprians in 46 mins; an incredible dummy that made a pro-stopper look like a life-size dummy and sprung Tamu for the Rovers 3rd goal; a stunning turn, control and volley from 25 meters out, dipping over the keeper that unluckily hit the upright. The defense stifled the Pancyprians for 90 mins. Only, with the result beyond doubt and everyone pushing to get into the score sheet, did Pancyprians breach it. Mike shut down Antoniou (x-APOEL x-Panathinaikos) where Lukovic the Pancyprians coach ( x Yugoslavia WC 78, x-Iraklis, x coach Nikosia) had to substitute him ! Eoin and Kush were brilliant. Vega did not score, so nobody noticed him ! Bazza and Salvo had their best game of the season, completely controlling the midfield and Bazza closing the scoring in the 85th min to keep his consecutive scoring streak alive. Tamu was the difference on the right side. Lee made all the right runs and worked endlessly on the top, Baskin the same on the left. And Kipp, was unbeatable. Especially in the first 10 mins as Rovers fought to find their game and set the tone. Libby and Yuri filled in beautifully in the 2nd half. Libby had the chance to extended the score to astronomical proportions, twice missing late on. Pugli opened the score for the Rovers in the 15th min. A nice build up form the left, he cut inside the box, and fired home. He doubled his and the Rovers’ tally in the 25th min. Bazza and Puglie played an 1-2, the ball came back to Tamu on the right whose clever through ball split the Pancyprian defense and Pugli broke tet-a-tet with the keeper. Even as he stumbled in the baseball base pad, his left foot shin-kick found the back of the net. The coup-de-grace came minutes later. Lee worked with Baskin and Bazza hit a bullet towards the target man – Pugli. He faked with his head, then his hips, committing the defender, and dummied the ball to Tamu making the off flank run. He picked the ball over the left back, dashed into the area, dribbled around the keeper before tucking it in. Pugli could have had his hatrick right away when his control, turn and volley from 25 meters out, knuckled and dipped over the dumbfounded keeper, but struck the left up-right. If Pancyprians had any hopes of a second half come-back (like last year) they were immediately dashed. Seconds after the restart, Pugli got a ball behind their defense, and poked it home. Game over. A Rover fan adequately summed the day: “I never thought I’d see a Rovers’ team play like that.” This week, all the entire club has a chance to see the team play Sunday noon at ERP A vs a strong Koha. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, Tamu Bowen, John Salvucci, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Billy Libby, Yuri Krym, Stavros Zomopoulos, Anders Voigt.
NYS Cup Rd 3 - 12/05/04 - New York Irish Rovers (LISFL) 3 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Football is a funny game. And this is one of the hardest match reports to compose. It is hard to convey the emotional mix: The Rovers had, likely, their finest team performance ever, outplaying the Irish Rovers, dominating the highlight reel, but still being ousted from the NY State Cup by a superior football side, 3-1. And individually, Alexander brilliantly marked their stalwart forward the entire game, but still saw him score the first and create the Irish’s 2 other goals. Salvucci, dominated the midfield for 90 min, but was still nutmeged for the 2nd goal and out jumped (!) for the 3rd. Puglie had his finest game as a Rover, yet his close misses, thrice, tilted the balance away from the Rovers. The Rovers came prepared and ready to play. Bazza was motoring; Kush a live steroid. The effort and desire were evident as they used the first 10 min to measure the opposition before shifting to dictate the tempo. The first chance fell to Puglie inside the area but the Rover defender deflected his effort away. Then a brilliant switch from Yuri (whose contribution was cut short because this ref decided that in & out subs were not allowed) to Bazza on the right edge of the box, his one time header right to Puglie. He attempted a spectacular turn volley, not connecting in full due to the interference from the dying sunlight. The keeper did well to save and hold. The Rovers deserved and should have been one up. Salvucci won a direct free kick right on the edge of the box – Bazza territory. Bazza hit a trade-mark bending shot tagged for the upper 90ty. Keeper had no chance. But, setting the tone for the match, the ball hits the inside of the crossbar, bounces down, hits the heel of the keeper and incredibly, almost physically impossibly, the ball goes to the right and along the line instead of in. The actually should have been 2 to the good. A quick move from the Rover left, Yuri to Baskin to Puglie 1-2 with Bazza and Puglie is sprung between the 2 central Irish defenders free on goal. He, bizarrely after a first touch, elected to slide tackle, attempting to toe-poke the ball, when collecting and slotting it home would have sufficed. His attempt, weak, easily saved by the astounded keeper. The Rovers, listless in front of goal, fell to the unwritten rule of football in the last minute of the half. Bazza lost an attempt to keep the ball in the Irish area when the Rovers’ midfielders were pushing to supprt, the long clearance found a large gap between the Rover lines and was controlled by an Irish midfielder. Suddenly, they were countering 3 on 3. The ball was played to the left wing, and he bared into the Rover box. Vega, and after a momentary pause for a denied off-side shout, closed him down and blocked his cross. The danger seemed averted. But failing to clear, the ball bounced back into the Irish’s path, who thundered a shot to the far post from 10 out. Kipp got both hands to it but could not parry it away from the nets. Rovers 0-1. The only other Irish chance of the half, initiated by a horrific give away in the Rover third, was forcefully ended by a stirring Vega tackle. The 2nd half was a more even affair. Still, the Rovers seemed to be about to draw level on several occasions. Libby found Baskin cutting in the middle, who found Bazza. His shot was dropped by the keeper. Lee and Puglie both followed up, the ball sitting a yard out, but a sliding tackle from and Irish defender somehow blocked the final effort. Then a cross from the right and Lee controlled a bouncing ball inside the six. Surely 1-1. But an awkward bounce, force Lee away from the goal and his shot was blocked. In the final 20, the Rovers, having dictated the pace and pushing for the equalizer, unable to refresh with their extra subs due to the sudden change of rules, tired and left gaps in the defense. The Irish #2 punished. A player of unquestionable class, collected a long ball, brought it back from the area, nutmegged and dribbled 3 Rovers, pushed to the end line, and somehow, chipped a cross over the reach of Kipp from very close range to another Irishman standing on the goal-line. Rovers 0-2. Again, the Rovers had a chance, almost immediately to get one back. But Puglie getting the rebound 2 meters out shot wide. And as the Rovers risked with only 2 back in the final minutes, the Irish closed the game. Again a skillful run by #2, he forged into the Rover area, Vega whacked him, forcing him to his knee. He got up, continued, and crossed the ball to the far post from the byline. A tired Salvucci could not cut it off before their forward headed home. Rover 0-3. The Rovers’ got their deserved consolation in the final minute. Lee shot, Bazza and Puglie poked the keeper who again had trouble holding on. With his attempt to gather it, the keeper palmed the ball past the line. Own goal. Rovers 1-3 As one Rover noted at the pub: “if you saw the entire match on tape, the Irish were a higher level football team, but if we are talking just about a highlight reel, then the Rovers would clearly stand out as the deserving side.” There is no doubt the Rovers played against the State Cup finalist. There is no doubt the Rovers deserved better from their semi-pro opponents. And if the Rovers can consistently play at that level of performance regardless of the opposition and their capacities, then only good things will follow. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Ron Baskin, Bazza O’Driscoll, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Billy Libby, John Keogh, Andy Abramovits, Tamu Bowen.
NYS Cup Rd 2 - 11/21/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 4 UNISOC (CBSL) 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Rovers booked their ticket to the 3rd round of the State Cup scoring 3 times in the second half. 2 strikes from Pugli from 25 meters and a nice finish by Libby gave a comfortable cushion to the Rovers before UNISOC reverted to unsportmanlike football that eventually reduced them to 9 men. During the first 55 min, the Rovers played down to the level of the opposition, allowing UNISOC to believe, play, as they belonged on the same pitch as the Rover first team. They did not. At home vs an inferior side, it all looked to simple for the Rovers when Baskin earned a penalty within the first 10 mins. Mika’s cross from deep eventually deflected to Baskin on the far edge of the box. Baskin collected and as he looked up, a clumsy – foolish – lunge at his shins by a UNISOC defender and the ref had no choice. Bazza stepped up and buried it. Rovers 1-0. The Rovers’ best day, though, it was not. Their play was markedly rugged, nervous and without flow. They gave away the ball when keeping possession was infinitesimally easier. They missed easy chances. Pugli free from 10 meters out, sliced the ball wide. And then Musa, free one vs one a bad first touch kept the score from rising. UNISOC started to probe forward. Lacking firepower but possessing raw talent, they displayed it in some nifty dribbling and powerful shots. The most dangerous came from a 30 meter direct free kick. An amazing strike tagged for the upper right 90 brought one of the saves of the season from Kipp. He flew to his left and tipped the ball on to the bar before carrying for a corner. The writing was on the wall as Rover play did not improve in the beginning of the second half. The opposition feeding confidence from the inept Rover play looked ever more dangerous. And finally luck contrived to drew them level. An attacker on the right flank tried to cross the ball. He shanked it, towards the near post. Kipp leaning to cover the cross on the far post was unable to make up the ground, crashing to the post as the ball sneaked in. Rovers 1-1. But despite the listless Rover play, they were still a class above. And a moment of class turned the game in their favor. A flick from Baskin released Pugli. He controlled, looked up and shot from 25 out. The keeper (in this case a very lose description for a person standing under the goal posts ) could not get to it. Rovers 2-1 And within minutes the outcome was beyond doubt. Libby fed Pugli, who gave a live replay of the 2nd goal. Rovers 3-1. Libby opened his account a few minutes later from close range. Rovers 4-1. UNISOC realizing the game was over reverted to “lively” 2 footed tackles. One almost broke through Libby’s shinguards. Musa limped off soon afterwards. And Aanders’ got a rough introduction to first team play. The Rovers relieved to get to the final whistle with the entry to the 3rd round and not the emergency room. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Yuri Krym, Mika Tapio, Musa Shannon, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Lee Williams, Stavros Zomopoulos, Billy Libby, Andy Abramovits, Anders Voigt
Firsts 11/7/04 - Manhattan Kickers 2 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Old football idiom: A team that des not convert their domination and chances gets punished. The Rovers had all the possession, all the chances but the Kickers scored twice with 1 opportunity to take the points; their second was a Rover gift. That’s what happens when you are on top of the league. If performance, not results, dictated league standings, the Rovers may well be there instead of the Kickers. The first 20 min were a scrappy affair with both teams conservatively probing the opponent. The Rovers, with Lee and Baskin settling in their new wide roles, Musa and Puglie challenging the weak Kicker backs early, and Bazza taking control of the distribution, looked ready to dictate the tempo. It was the Kickers, though, that got the first break. The Rovers failed to clear a speculative ball to the right side of the area. A second attempt at blocking the Kicker’s striker fell short and a well taken shot beat Duff to the far post. Rovers 0-1. Still, the Rovers had the play and applied the pressure. An early chance to equalize fell to Baskin but he could not pull the trigger. And Musa’s skillful chip form 25 yards went just over the bar. As Bazza hit a long range shot wide, the writing was on the wall. An orchestrated move down the middle got the ball to Lee on the left. He tried to feed Baskin but an unforgiving first touch allowed the ball to run to Bazza. He brilliantly controlled it, turned and volleyed to the far side netting and Rovers level. Rovers 1-1. The Rovers kept dominating. Now with Pugli isolating a very week right back, the Rovers started to get behind the Kicker defense. The could have been ahead when Pugli broke into the area and curled a side foot around the keeper but just on the wrong side of the far post. The second half commenced in similar fashion. Mike, Kush and Vega without any problems containing a rather tame Kickers front line. And with Eoin and Salvo keeping the Kicker midfield from being involved in their attacks the Rovers controlled the middle of the pitch, and attacked through their spine. It was from there that they created their best chance to go ahead. Bazza receiving the ball with his back to the goal, one-touched an incredible ball curving away between 2 defenders and right into Musa’s stride. Musa tet-a-tet with the keeper powered his shot at him, the keeper parried for a corner. Then, Baskin got deep on the right and placed a cross on Musa’s path at the near post. Surely the Rover’s on top ! Not to be - Musa’s with the ball coming across his body side volleyed straight to the keeper. A couple of rushed substitutions quelled the Rover momentum and broke their flow. Then, a bad defensive lapse from a Rover’s - own - thrown in deep in the Rover half spelled disaster. A weak pass back to the thrower and a desperately feeble attempt to get to it, allowed a lurking Kicker forward to nick the ball, turn the corner at the flag race into the area at the byline. A bad touch as he was about to shoot and the Rovers seemed to have been reprieved as the ball reached Duff. But it spilled out and the Rover’s were second to it. Another Kicker forward shot from point blank, hitting Duff in the face and sending the ball to the roof of the net. Farcically, if the ball does had not hit Duff, Kush - right behind him - would have likely cleared it at the line ! Rovers 1-2. The goal came diametrically opposed to the run of play. Libby in no state to play from the night before surrendered his place and Mika took the reigns on the right as the Rovers pushed for the equalizer. The Rovers had the chances. Pugliese rushed a strike wide from a good position inside the area. And again looped a header in the box where a more powerful one would have certainly tied the score. Baskin got into a good position his shot was blocked on the way to the goal by Puglie’s hand. Then from a corner, the ball bounced in front of him, but a Kicker blocked the final attempt as it seemed certain to be the equalizer. The Rovers leaving only 2 defenders back in the last 15 min, the Kickers never left their half. Their best chance fell to Bazza. After a long effort over the top of the bar, the Rovers collected the restart and fed Mika on the right. His far post cross eluded everyone to reach Bazza on the far edge of the six. With an impressive first touch he brought the ball down and unmarked, from a similar position as his first strike, the Rovers’ chances looked good. The shot was powerful but straight at the keeper. Kicker’s must still be wondering how the got 3 points – and their first win over the Rovers in more than 4 years – in this match. And the Rovers can ponder the reverse, as they look at the Kickers clear on top of the Division as they sit uncomfortably near the relegation places. Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, John Salvucci, Eoin Quane, Lee Williams, Ron Baskin, Bazza O’Driscoll, Musa Shannon, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Yuri Krym, Billy Libby, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Firsts 10/31/04 - N. Y Albanians 2 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 4
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
A piece of history for the Rovers on Sunday, they defeated perennial powerhouse N.Y Albanians 4 – 2 for the first time. Aberrantly, the Rovers benefited from a couple decisions from the officials. The first – an offside not called in the first quarter hour – produced Bazza’s first strike of the season and, due to the ensuing fracas, reduced Albanians to 10 men. The second, a much more ambiguous offside request not given, gave Bazza his second and the Rovers a comfortable 2 goal lead. In between, the Albanians equalized with what has to be – easily – the goal of the season, an unstoppable 30 yard thunder-volley to the top left hand corner. And Baskin opened his league account nodding in a fabulously taken Libby free kick (before conceding his place on the pitch at halftime so Puglie could perform for his guest). Musa secured the victory with a delicate chip in the dying minutes and just after Albanians had reduced their deficit to 3-2. Kushemba won the ball in the Rover half with a gutsy tackle, carried up the line and released Andy (on debut) down the right flank who then found Musa unmarked in the area. Glancing glimpses of past last minute Rover collapses vs Albanians were vanished. The Rovers were in greater fear for their physical safety from the crazed Albanian fans behind the bench than dropping any point in the match. Vega, literally, survived a wild elbow to his throat and a – one of many - very late tackle early in the first half. Pugliese showed amazing, uncharacteristic, restraint and did not retaliate when “the Albanian bitch” spat on his face behind the ref’s back and right after “the Albanian bitch” had – in cold blood after the play – kicked him and pushed the Rover coach on the sidelines. It was Puglie who earlier had broken down – although he appeared off-side – the Albanian trap before unselfishly feeding Bazza for the Rovers opening strike. The defensive middle of the pitch – Vega, Kush, Alexander, Eoin, Salvucci looked as composed and dominating as any the Rovers have ever fielded. A well deserved first league victory for the Rovers, a tonic for the epic clash with Kickers this weekend. Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Mika Tapio, Billy Libby, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese, Bazza O’Driscoll Subs: (all played) Lee Williams, Yuri Krym, Musa Shannon, Andy Abramovits.
Firsts 10/24/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1 Shamrocks S.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Rover First team went looking for its first victory of the year against bottom of the table Rocks at Forest Hills HS. They drew again bringing them to 3 points on three games, yet still undefeated (for what its worth.) The first half seemed very familiar as B'worth started slow and struggled to win tackles and connect passes. The game settled into a midfield battle after about 15min. The hardhitting Shamrocks found the net first when a turnover and a lucky ball sent straight up the middle caught the Rover defense out of position. Vega's last ditch reach for the ball failed and the opposing forward nicked it by the on-rushing Duffaluffagus for a 1-0 lead. The Rovers carried much of the game from there. Baskin narrowly missed a one time volley off a corner and Libby was stopped by the keeper after a giveaway in the Shamrock box. Halftime score 1-0 badguys. Tactical substitutions saw Eoin, Keough, and Mika enter the game after the half. The Rovers dominated play as the backline proved tough to beat and the midfield moved the ball around with ease. Further subs saw Stavros on to energize the midfield and Stash to solidify the defense. The equalizer finally game very late in the game when a fine give-and-go near the endline resulted in a low cross from Mika, flicked in by Steve-O. The Rovers pressed on but couldn't take the lead. A very strong 2nd half, but not enough. A wasted opportunity against a struggling team. If you have a sister, go kiss her again this week. Much credit goes to Keough, Mika, Stav, Duff, and Stash who carried their winning attitudes over from the Reserve match. The Rovers have played 2 games less than most of the league and find themselves second from the bottom of the division. Team – Patrick Duff, Mike Alexander, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese, Lee Williams, Bazza O’Driscoll, Bily Libby, Xavier Egurbide, Yuri Krym, Mark Kushemba, Chris Vega Subs: (all played) Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Mika Tapio, Eoin Quane, John Keogh
NYS Cup Rd 1 - 10/17/04 - EDSL Juventus 1 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 4
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
A Pugli hat-trick, the first for the Rover’s 1sts since 2002 and Baskin’s first strike for the team in more than a year sent the Rovers through to the State Cup 2nd round. It also made the 3 hour journey back to the city a little more bearable. The opposition, a mid-table Eastern District side – Juventus, should not have worried the Rovers. Yet, at halftime they were trailing 0-1. They could have been 2 down after 30 min, if not for a fantastic Duff reaction save low down. It was possibly the worst half the Rovers have played in 2004. The Rovers did not panic and did not bicker, a sure sign of a maturing side. They adjusted for the 2nd half, as much as possible given the limited options of only 12 players, took advantage of the modified substitutions rule, and quickly turned and finished the contest. Pugliese run onto a Stavros’ bouncing through ball just on the 18teen, and with a thunderous volley on the turn leveled the score. The keeper never saw it. Strike of the Year candidate. Rovers 1-1 Then Lee broke down the middle. His effort to feed the right wing was fortuitously deflected by an opposing defender falling squarely in the middle of the area to an unmarked Pugli. He accepted the gift drilling it past the keeper and thrusting the Rovers on top. Rovers 2-1 Duff was again on call, valiantly tipping over a powerful short range volley that would have been the Juve equalizer. The third was a flash from the past. Stavros perfect through pass over the defense to a breaking Baskin. Baskin arrogantly chips the keeper even though he was standing firm on his line. Rovers 3-1 At this point the opposition started to get flustered, resorting often to lunging and fouling. It did not take long even for the home ref to flash his first red card for a second bookable offense after the Juventus defenders’ attempt to break Keogh’s leg failed. And he made up for the card by calling one of the worst penalty decisions in memory. He did not count on Duff. Duff dove to the left saved the penalty and quickly smothered the rebound. The Rovers went in the opposite direction and finished the match. Stavros found Baskin behind the defense. Baskin burst into the area but this time his shot was parried. Bazza stood by allowing Puglie to slot it home for his hat-trick. Mike’s screaming reaction to an elbow in his mouth saw the opposition finish with 9. Rovers finished with 11 as Kushemba was dropped off at Newburg International Airport ! Round 2 should be a more interesting affair, and hopefully a lot closer by. Team: Patrick Duff, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym, John Salvucci, John Keogh, Barry O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Musa Shannon, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Sub: (All played) Stavros Zomopoulos
Firsts 10/7/04 - Manhattan Kickers 2 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Old football idiom: A team that des not convert their domination and chances gets punished. The Rovers had all the possession, all the chances but the Kickers scored twice with 1 opportunity to take the points; their second was a Rover gift. That’s what happens when you are on top of the league. If performance, not results, dictated league standings, the Rovers may well be there instead of the Kickers. The first 20 min were a scrappy affair with both teams conservatively probing the opponent. The Rovers, with Lee and Baskin settling in their new wide roles, Musa and Puglie challenging the weak Kicker backs early, and Bazza taking control of the distribution, looked ready to dictate the tempo. It was the Kickers, though, that got the first break. The Rovers failed to clear a speculative ball to the right side of the area. A second attempt at blocking the Kicker’s striker fell short and a well taken shot beat Duff to the far post. Rovers 0-1. Still, the Rovers had the play and applied the pressure. An early chance to equalize fell to Baskin but he could not pull the trigger. And Musa’s skillful chip form 25 yards went just over the bar. As Bazza hit a long range shot wide, the writing was on the wall. An orchestrated move down the middle got the ball to Lee on the left. He tried to feed Baskin but an unforgiving first touch allowed the ball to run to Bazza. He brilliantly controlled it, turned and volleyed to the far side netting and Rovers level. Rovers 1-1. The Rovers kept dominating. Now with Pugli isolating a very week right back, the Rovers started to get behind the Kicker defense. The could have been ahead when Pugli broke into the area and curled a side foot around the keeper but just on the wrong side of the far post. The second half commenced in similar fashion. Mike, Kush and Vega without any problems containing a rather tame Kickers front line. And with Eoin and Salvo keeping the Kicker midfield from being involved in their attacks the Rovers controlled the middle of the pitch, and attacked through their spine. It was from there that they created their best chance to go ahead. Bazza receiving the ball with his back to the goal, one-touched an incredible ball curving away between 2 defenders and right into Musa’s stride. Musa tet-a-tet with the keeper powered his shot at him, the keeper parried for a corner. Then, Baskin got deep on the right and placed a cross on Musa’s path at the near post. Surely the Rover’s on top ! Not to be - Musa’s with the ball coming across his body side volleyed straight to the keeper. A couple of rushed substitutions quelled the Rover momentum and broke their flow. Then, a bad defensive lapse from a Rover’s - own - thrown in deep in the Rover half spelled disaster. A weak pass back to the thrower and a desperately feeble attempt to get to it, allowed a lurking Kicker forward to nick the ball, turn the corner at the flag race into the area at the byline. A bad touch as he was about to shoot and the Rovers seemed to have been reprieved as the ball reached Duff. But it spilled out and the Rover’s were second to it. Another Kicker forward shot from point blank, hitting Duff in the face and sending the ball to the roof of the net. Farcically, if the ball does had not hit Duff, Kush - right behind him - would have likely cleared it at the line ! Rovers 1-2. The goal came diametrically opposed to the run of play. Libby in no state to play from the night before surrendered his place and Mika took the reigns on the right as the Rovers pushed for the equalizer. The Rovers had the chances. Pugliese rushed a strike wide from a good position inside the area. And again looped a header in the box where a more powerful one would have certainly tied the score. Baskin got into a good position his shot was blocked on the way to the goal by Puglie’s hand. Then from a corner, the ball bounced in front of him, but a Kicker blocked the final attempt as it seemed certain to be the equalizer. The Rovers leaving only 2 defenders back in the last 15 min, the Kickers never left their half. Their best chance fell to Bazza. After a long effort over the top of the bar, the Rovers collected the restart and fed Mika on the right. His far post cross eluded everyone to reach Bazza on the far edge of the six. With an impressive first touch he brought the ball down and unmarked, from a similar position as his first strike, the Rovers’ chances looked good. The shot was powerful but straight at the keeper. Kicker’s must still be wondering how the got 3 points – and their first win over the Rovers in more than 4 years – in this match. And the Rovers can ponder the reverse, as they look at the Kickers clear on top of the Division as they sit uncomfortably near the relegation places. Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, John Salvucci, Eoin Quane, Lee Williams, Ron Baskin, Bazza O’Driscoll, Musa Shannon, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Yuri Krym, Billy Libby, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Firsts 9/26/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 3 Greek-American Atlas 3
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Sunday saw one of the proudest performances of Barnstonworth history. Facing a star-studded Greek-American Atlas team that included Giovanni Savarese, Christian Turizio (and at least one more recent MLS player), a team that was the last amateur team eliminated in the 2004 US Open Cup, the Rovers put in a terrier-like performance, clawing back from an early 2-0 deficit only to again fall behind 3-2 with the last kick of the 1st half. The Rovers responded with a deserved equalizer 15 min from time, and then relied on their tenacious, defiant defense to hold the invaluable point. The Rovers again proved they can play with any team. They have now achieved a result versus every and all Div I teams. Respecting the opposition, the Rovers started with a defensive 5-4-1 formation, their objective to frustrate Atlas and secure a half time clean sheet. The best laid plans of mice and men; 20 mins into the match the Rovers were 2-0 down. Xavier failed to clear the ball past the Atlas’ forward by the right sideline. The rebound found the winger behind the Rover defense, a simple cross in the six to the waiting striker and Kipp, who had to play both games after Duff failed a late fitness test, was left with no chance. Rovers 0-1. Before the Rovers could settle, a lighting counter attack when a Rover midfielder was caught in possession doubled the deficit. The finish, clinical from 6 meters, left Kipp again with no chance. The game could have been beyond the Rovers but for Kipp’s fantastic top hand save minutes later. A powerful strike tagged for the opposite top corner was acrobatically parried for a corner. Then, Yuri collected a long ball, cut inside the centre circle and delivered a perfect diagonal pass switching the filed behind the Atlas defense. Libby took the ball on stride, strove into the area and unselfishly found Puglie in the six. Puglie made no mistake, slipping the ball to the far corner and the Rovers back into the game. Rovers 1-2 Chasing the score the Rovers mutated into the more familiar 3-5-2 and their fortune, confidence and play improved considerably. And within minutes they drew level. Baskin did the hard work, won the ball from the Atlas left back, forged into the box and pushed the ball to an unmarked Puglie. He did not refuse his double, sliding to meet ball and slot it past the sprawling keeper. Rovers 2-2 Greek-Americans stunned were left to argue with the ref. The momentum had turned with the Rovers. But, Rover concentration strayed and Atlas seized the initiative. Another bad clearance, Kipp hesitated in collecting a high bouncing ball in the six and with, literally, the last kick of the half from their forward, Atlas were again to the good. Rovers 2-3. Keogh was introduced at half time to support the Rover front two. And with Eoin taking the reigns in the middle the Rovers kept in the hunt. They could have scored when Pugliese fired wide inside the area. Atlas responded with full field pressure, and with orchestrated off the ball runs disturbed the Rovers’ defensive balance and probed the tiring Rover wing-backs. The Rovers did not waver. They did not lose sight of the goal. Not fearing a larger score defeat they pushed bodies forward instead, going to a flat 2 in the back. And fifteen minutes from time they again surprised and drew level. A quickly taken free-kick in midfield resulted in a Rover corner. Closely challenged by an Atlas defender, Salvo met the inward curling corner, the ball bounced in-front of the goal where Vega popped up and flicked it over the keeper and into the net. Rovers 3-3. The last 15 min, the match opened further. Spaces increased, and so did the pressure on the Rover defense. Atlas immediately broke 2 on 2 and Kipp did well to turn away a fierce low drive to the right corner from inside the 18teen. And a goal line clearance saved the Rovers after another numerous Atlas incursion in the Rover area forced Kipp off his line to prevent an easy conversion. The final whistle come after a final Atlas attack was foiled. Although the Firsts did not play the fluid football they displayed vs CPR, they proved that they are becoming an experienced, resilient, side that can scratch out results when necessary. It will bode them well in this year’s demanding division. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Eoin Quane, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym, Barry O'Driscoll, John Salvucci, Xavier Egurbide, Billy Libby, Stephen Pugliese, Ron Baskin. Subs: (all played) John Keogh, Mika Tapio, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos
September 19, 2004
Central Park Rangers 1 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
The last time the Rovers opened a season at the Metropolitan Oval it was 1998, the pitch was made of sand, the Rovers were in the 2nd div, and a star-burdened Rover side that was the favorite to win its division lost 1-0 to Eintracht before imploding the rest of the season.
Yesterday, it was all different. The Oval has been returfed with the beautiful “real grass,” the stands remodeled and even the sign outside the stadium refashioned. So were the Rovers.
It was one of the best – if not the best – football performance from a Rovers side. Skillful, poised, and tenacious the Rovers fought back and arguably deserved more than the 1 point they got. They certainly had the chances.
The Rovers started assertively and moved the ball better than anytime in the past. Their confidence in each other evident, they equaled anything the division runners-up had to offer. A Bazza long ball behind the CPR defense found Libby making a decisive run. His shot from inside the area over the bar was an unworthy end to the promising build-up.
Next, Yuri, Keogh and Pugliese combined in the right side, Yuri chose to drive to the end line when a direct cut inside may have been more promising, Lee met the swerving deep cross but could not direct it for the final touch at goal.
Then, against the run of play, CPR struck. A dazzling run from a CPR midfielder opened up the Rover defense and a un-defendable pass found him on stride inside the Rover 18. One touch to collect and a stunning right foot strike across the goal and the Rovers were down 0-1.
Unfazed the Rovers pushed for an equalizer that looked ever more likely to come as time wore on. Lee and Pugliese were making all the right runs upfront and with Libby and Yuri combining to attack the flanks action concentrated almost entirely in the CPR half. The only shortcoming was the monotone approach of the Rover central midfielders, overusing the long pass at the back of the CPR defenders. CPR’s best player, their sweeper, automatically dropped 15 yards as the Rover midfielders collected the ball and was able to extinguish Rover threats before the materialized.
But as CPR was tiring, and with Eoin’s additional forward emphasis, a Rover insurgence was only a matter of time. After a dribbling run on the right flank he found Libby in the middle. Libby avoided the first CPR defender and burst into the area where a second CPR defender cut him down from behind. After consultation with his assistant who was pointing towards the penalty spot, the ref somehow concluded that no contact had taken place, and if it had, ” it was outside the box anyways !! “
Mika, on debut, got to the by line and fired a cross, but neither Salvucci, first, nor Pugliese after, were able to stir it into the net.
A long Pugliese effort was well saved and held by the keeper.
And in the one CPR counter attack, Duff was off his line in a flash snaffing the ball before the CPR breaking forward.
The Rovers drew level with 20 to go. A first Rover attack was repelled by the CPR central defenders only for Libby to get the ball 30 yards out. Pugliese, open on the far post, headed a perfectly weighted ball only for the keeper to parry on to the crossbar, where the surging Vega was first to the rebound heading the ball in the back of the net. Rovers 1-1.
The Rovers were all over CPR from then on. The overwhelmed CPR defense stopped coping with the Rover penetrating long balls. The CPR keeper made an amazing finger tip save on a Libby shot, and Pugliese was denied from close range. Bazza’s direct free kick hit the wall. Then Libby somehow overrun Pugliese through pass on stride ahead of clear run to the goal !
Salvucci could have won it in spectacular fashion when his acrobatic volley from 15 yards went just wide.
In the end the Rovers settled for a good performance and the point. If they keep playing at this level the potential of the team is limitless.
Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Keogh, Barry O’Driscoll, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Billy Libby, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Mika Tapio, Brian Schmidt, Luis Rodriguez.
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Nate Kipp’s last appearance for the Rovers - playing at forward !! - and marked by his first goal of the club, was the only thing of note this Sunday. Except, Xavi’s fight with the red card. He really slammed it to the ground, twice for a double TKO in the round, and if he had stomped on it while on the ground, he would certainly have won the fight. He did not, so he had to take an early shower on the sideline.
Shadi made his comeback after a broken shoulder.
And, oh yes – we had our first women ball girl too, thanks to Macker’s girlfriend.
On a rainy day, far away at Verazzano, the Rovers playing only for pride, were just not interested. They developed well enough through the first 2/3 of the field, but without desire and determination often stalled there. The Albanians, still in the hunt for the Reserve title, became the only team to beat the Reserves twice. They were the Rovers exact opposite. Having only 10 in the first half, they did not play much football, but were lethal with desire in the final third. 2 chances, 2 goals that did everything to determine the result. The Rovers wanted to fight – some, most tried - but having all 11 players, individually, in one of their worst performances of the year, you can imagine the overall team showing. Lacking motivation, and luck, it was just not happening.
Great goal Kipp !
Team:
Patrick Duff, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Xavier Egurbide, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos, Nate Kipp, Mackers Mclaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt, Shadi Shahrohki.
Greek American Atlas 1 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 2, 05/15/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
The Firsts proved, in front of the State Federation officials, that they should be considered one of the strongest amateur teams in the state beating the league leading GA 2-1. The firsts this year demolished Pancyprians, beat and tied GA, and will beat Albanians twice. To highlight the achievement, GA last Sunday, on the same pitch, beat the USISL Bridgeport 3-2 to advance to the 2nd round proper of the the US Open Cup!And, maybe most importantly, they avenged the earlier loss by the Reserves that ended the club’s first D1 title hunt.
With Salvucci absent due to the late match arrangements, Colin unavailable due to work commitment and Musa still unable to make the game, and only 9 fresh players, Stash and Mika were included in the starting 11 and with their outstanding performances – Mika’s run and cross set up the winning goal – and enacted their own revenge.
Even another goal in the first minute did not deter the Rovers. Pugli pulled them even in the first half after following up on his own rebound on a tet-a-tet, and then he gave the Rovers the points tucking in Mika’s beautifully weighted cross in the second. The Rovers staunch defending assured the win, and obviously, D1 football for next year.
If the tables remain, and Koha with Shamrock are relegated, the Rovers will have the 3th longest current uninterrupted presence after Albanians, NYAC along with Pancyprians. The other 3 have all been crowed champions in the last 4 years.
The Rovers gave up the customary goal to match the Reserves, within 1 minute. GA attacked from the left, Yuri failed to deal with the wingers speed, who got to the ball by the by-line first, pulled it back to Savarese and he buried it past Kipp. Rovers 0-1.
Moment later, and with the Rovers psyche still fragile, likely saved the match. One on one with the talented GA forward, he sprawled closing the angle and kick saved. The Rovers settled and started to dominate. Bazza – who had his best showing of the year working for 90 min (maybe he is taking the same vitamins as Lee) – hit a free kick with the outside of his right foot and around the wall forcing a good stop by the GA keep.
Then Tamu’s – he had his best game as a Rover - long ball, beat the off-side trap and Pugli raced free his finishing effort was stopped.
Pugli’s second breakaway thankfully ended in the back of the net, even though a second effort was needed. He followed up his first attempt that was meakly parried by the keeper, beat the rushing defender to the ball and tucked it home. Rovers 1-1.
In the second half the Rovers started with appetite for more. They could have taken the lead when Puglie fed Eoin, he streamed in the area, but his effort – just better than last weeks – was saved for a corner.
Pugli could have had the second when he received the ball streaked in the area, but a GA defender made a timely slide tackle to block the shot.
Then the best move of the match. Lee – again with a fantastic showing – played Bazza, on to Tamu and a through ball to Mika deep in the wing. Mika carried to the end line beating his man, and unleased a cross when it seemed impossible. The perfect parabola just eluded Lee and a GA defender, arriving at the back post where Pugli made no mistake. Rovers 2-1.
The Rovers wasted several chances to secure the score. Pugli should have had his hat trick but another breakaway went begging, and Tamu with a better final ball could have released either Pugli or Eoin on goal. More, Pugli beat his man and took the ball far, deep in the area.
Attacking the goal from a narrow angle, the GA keeper committed, he unselfishly decided to feed Andy arriving alone on the goal line. Stunningly, a GA defender also running towards the goal intervened and sliced the ball to safety.
The final 20 mins, with GA seeing their divisional lead slipping, the Rovers retreated and soaked up the pressure without major incident. Kipp was master of his box, and Vega, Mike stellar.
A great win for the Rovers. They can finish in the top half of the table, over 500 for the first time with a win vs Albanians next week.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Stash Rutkowski, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, Bazza O’Driscoll, Tamu Bowen, Mika Tapio, Yuri Krym, Stephen Pugliese, Lee Williams. Subs (all played) Jim Miller, Andy Abramovits, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Barnstonworth Rovers 2 - Polonia S.C. 2, 05/08/01
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Thursday, 12 May 2005
A last gasp equalizer - a Pugli header from a set piece - gave Rovers a deserved share of the points and elevated them to almost assured safety. Andy's first, First team goal had given the Rovers the lead midway in the first half; a lead that for most of the game appeared enough for a Rover victory and mathematical D1 survival. But 2 moments of bizarreness late in the match completely changed the complexion of the match.First, a corner to the far post was headed back across the 6 mtr box, arrived untouched to the original taker. Attempting a volley, he kneed the ball to the ground. He - as all - watched in amazement as the ball bounced off the Octagon floor, over a mistimed Kipp leap, and squeezed in the barely ball wide gap between Vega's hair and under the crossbar. Rovers 1-1.
Then, after a clearance in the box, a Polonia midfielder struck a volley, as perfectly and hard as anyone had ever seen. The ball whistled past Scmidtie's head, hit Anders on the shoulder hard enough to buckle him but it barely changed course, arriving at a sprawling Kipp with enough pace to pour out. A Polonia forward following in, undisturbed tucked the rebound under him. Rovers 1-2.
To their credit, the Rover's did not despair as the Rover faithful on the bleachers surely feared the worst. They braved forward. A first corner was cleared just in front of an arriving Salvo. The second was perfectly placed for Pugli to power it home and earn the Rovers the invaluable point. Rovers 2-2.
Earlier Andy become the first person to score for the Firsts and Reserves on the same weekend since Baskin vs Albanians on a very wet and cold Bronx Saturday night in Dec 2001. Andy did brilliantly to time, follow and leap to a deep Vega free kick. His downward header to the far post eluded the Polonia keeper and thrusted the Rovers in the lead. Rovers 1-0. The Rovers deserved the point. Maybe more. They started with 3 forwards, and later Anders did his best Jallu impersonation as the main target main up top. The Octagon field - the great equalizer - Sunday hindered the best Polonia line up in memory. The Rovers, staunch in defense, dominated the chances throughout the first 60 mins, before they visibly tired. Andy or Pugli could have doubled the Rover tally, as they both moved to meet Mika's cross. Interfering with each other, the ball rose above the crossbar. Still, it was great to see 2 Rover forwards fighting to a ball in the opposition box. And Pugli could have scored when he broke into the area, beating his defender, but his shot went array.
Still, the best chance to put the game away fell to Eoin in the beginning of the 2nd half. Salvo, Lee and Yuri combined releasing and finding Pugli 9 mtrs out. He could have easily slotted the ball home, but unselfishly decided to feed Eoin arriving alone in the back post at the 6. He delayed pulling the trigger, the staggering, allowing the Polinia defense to recover and block his final effort. Lee - man of the match selection - worked tirelessly up front having his best ever performance for the Rovers.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Mika Tapio, Yuri Krym, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese, Lee Williams. Subs (all played): Anders Voigt, Jim Miller, Stavros Zomopoulos, Brian Schmidt. New York Athletic Club 0 - Barnstonworth Rovers 0, 05/01/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 02 May 2005
The good: the Rovers’ proved that if they are not the best – yet - they are the deepest team in the league, as the Reserves played the mighty NYAC to a scoreless draw. And they deserved better, missing several un-missable chances in the beginning of the second half, and having the only goal of the match disallowed for off-sides well after the ball rested in the back of the NYAC goal late in the first.
The bad: a not-communicated change in kick off times, led to a debacle depriving a game from many Rovers, and – pending the Rover’s league protest – threatening the Reserve’s title hunt.And a whimsical referee crew, at NYAC nagging, reneged on the agreed substitutions during the second half forcing an undeserving meek sideline ending to Baskin’s flamboyant Rover career.
The Rovers started the match with understandable apprehension. The weekend’s reserve team though had something to prove to themselves and to the club. They weathered the first nervous minutes without a significant incident and slowly began to confidently take the game to NYAC. A little better timing or earlier releases would have seen the Rovers take the lead on several occasions. And if Andy chosen to take on the last NYAC defender in the 30th instead of hesitating, the Rovers may have still taken the lead. When Alex finally powered his shot past the NYAC near post, the goal was belatedly not given. As the pace of the game wore the Rovers, NYAC became increasingly dangerous.
First a NYAC forward won the race to a near post corner, his header stopping at the crossbar and then cleared. Then, as the Rovers asked for an off-side that never came, the NYAC forward burst into the area but as his first touch failed him, the Rovers recovered and slide-tackled for a corner.
The save of the game – or that save the game – undoubtedly one of the season’s best came in the 40th. A NYAC forward stole the ball and strove inside the arear. He glided, seemingly, past the on rushing Kipp, veering to his right. The goal wide starring at his mercy, he must have already started the celebration in his mind. Kipp, somehow, pushed up, recovered and dove backward to block – with both hands – the shot. NYAC’s day was over.
The Rovers on-slaughter started with the beginning of the 2nd half. Whether it was the confidence gained from the first, or the knowledge that reinforcements were about to arrive, it is debatable. The results are not.
The half was bearily 3 min old when Mika drove a ball to Alex, he crossed it from the six yard box across to Andy, standing 3 yards out. His attempted volley volleyed air the game scoreless.
2 minutes lates, Alex rose to meet a long free kick, and perfectly directed the ball (and yelled his name) to Andy’s path in the six. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Andy placed it against his falling body, failing to open the score.
Pugli, and Salvo‘s– the only 2 late arrivals that were allowed to join the fray – arrival on the pitch signaled complete Rover dominance. And with NYAC reduced to 10 men due to an injury, it seemed only a matter of time for the Rovers to notch their first ever win against the preppies. But, Pugli went wide of the target 3 times when he should have done better, and slipped inside the area after he had collected a long ball and cut behind the defense.
It was Salvo though that came within closest to breaking the deadlock in the late stages. His herculean jump to meet a driven free kick inside the dumbfounded defender went clear across the goal line and past the far post instead.
Still a point against NYAC away for the Rovers and the Reserves is an outcome the Rovers would have accepted in the beginning of the season. Yesterday, maybe not.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Jim Miller, Xavier Egurbide, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Mackers McLaughlin, Mika Tapio, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt. Sub: (player) Steve Tronzano, Ben Weiner, Mark Kushemba, John Salvucci, Stephen Pugliese. Not allowed to play: Tamu Bowen, Ron Baskin, Colin Marshall, Yuri Krym
Barnstonworth Rovers 5 - Central Park Rangers 2, 04/24/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 25 April 2005
Local derby that may well settle relegation. Wild fans, Messmer and Mckinnon creating an electric atmosphere. An eager Reserve team, top of the table in the league. What more can you ask for to motivate a team?For a fleeting moment, it did not seem enough. And an incredibly lackadaisical start to the match saw the Rovers down 1-0 to CPR within – literally – 15 seconds. A Rover record.
From the kick off the ball works its way back to Alexander who squares it in the area to Vega, he passes it straight to the CPR forward at the 18n and he places it beyond Kipp’s reach.
For the next 10 minutes the Rovers looked on their way down to D2. Thanfully something snapped. The team started to communicate on the field, and with it came the intensity. The Rovers needed nothing more, already possessing superior skill.
Colin, on debut, dominated the center, his quickness provided the spark in the middle. He could have leveled for the Rovers after playing a tidy one-two with Puglie and bearing down on the CPR keeper 6-out. His left footed strike swerved to the side netting.
Salvo, all day, was the catalyst for the Rovers. Winning a long Kipp clearance his flick pressured the CPR right back to a dreadful header. Puglie pounced, strode in the area and tied it. Rovers 1-1. The Rovers had awakened.
And there was not stopping them now. A move from the right, Eoin’s throw in the area, Salvo flickes it goalwards where Pugli with lightning anticipation slides and pokes it home. Rovers 2-1 to the good.
Salvucci would have made it 3 right away. But his header from Bazza’s corner angled over the bar. He, instead, got on the score sheet after Bazza’s explosive free kick hit the crossbar and bounced down. In games past the opposition where always first to these balls and the opportunities went begging. On Sunday 3 Rovers got there, Salvo commanded the possession and nodded for the Rovers 3-1.
In the second half Bazza was not to be denied his first of the spring. He provided the necessary cushion after running into a Colin's timely thru ball before beating the keeper. Rovers 4-1.
CPR were gifted a ray of hope when Kushemba in a moment of heedlessness clumsily – and unnecessarily – fouled a CPR forward just inside the Rovers area. Kipp guessed wrong and Rovers 4-2.
Andy could have had his first goal for the Firsts, but his header hit the post after beating the keeper. As consolation, Andy with that effort, set a new Rover record – 4 posts in a day, 0 goals.
Eoin was more clinical and secured the points. He notched the Rovers’ 5th in the 85th min. After receiving the ball with his back to the goal, he turned his defender, created an inch of space and spanked it to the far inside netting. Rovers 5-2.
The First welcomed their first win in the spring, completing a 6 point day vs old nemesis CPR, and a reprieve in the standings. Team:
Nate Kipp, Mike Alexander, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, Colin Marshall, John Salvucci, Tamu Bowen, Yuri Krym, Bazza O’Driscoll, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Xavier Egurbide, Andy Abramovits, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Shamrock S.C. 2 - Barnstonworth Rovers 2, 04/17/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 25 April 2005
An extremely disappointing day for the, now, relegation threatened Rovers.A brilliant start versus the division’s bottom-dwellers saw the Rovers take a comfortable 2-nil lead on a pair of clinical Musa finishes in as many chances. Then, after a slew of missed opportunities that would have finished the match, and against one of the weakest opponent the Rover’s have ever faced in D1, the Rovers did not have the character to withstand the typical – but sterile – Shamrock battling.
Not even a magnificent Kipp double save on a penalty keeping the score line at 2-nil at the start of the 2nd half, could spring the lethargic Rovers to action.
Shamrock got one back when a miscommunication in the Rover box allowed the ball to bounce free in an unattended goal 2 yards from the goal. Still, the Shamrock forward did his best to miss it, but it was too difficult. The ball just creeped under the bar.
The debacle was complete in injury time, as a last gasp long range effort from a Shamrock striker who could not have hit the goal if nobody else was on the pitch, shot in Vega’s direction and Vega deflected it to the opposite corner. Kipp having already committed lunged the other way, but could only parry it inside the side netting.
Shamrock’s both points this year have come curtsey of the Rovers. Lee could have made all this pointless had his lst half lob of the keeper that seemed to be on its way to a Rover 3-0 lead had not strangely bounced in an angle away from the goal-line. Or had he been able to keep his slidding node from 2 yards out on target after Andy’s pinpoint cross, with 3 mins to play.
The embarrassment may have also been averted had Musa’s shoes not given him blisters.
Or, or ...
In reality there was no excuse; the difference in quality of the teams was gigantic. So was the spirit and the hunger to fight for the result. Unfortunately the later in Shamrock’s favor.
Shockingly, no Rover stepped up to steady the team and guide it to victory. I guess too few remember what it is like in D2, and maybe a few more such indifferent displays and they will find out.
Team:
Nate Kipp, Mark Kushemba, Chris Vega. Mike Alexander, Tamu Bowen, Barry O’Driscoll, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Lee Williams, Musa Shannon. Subs: (all played) Ron Baskin, Andy Abramovits, Xavier Egurbide.
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 0 - Manhattan Kickers 1, 04/10/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Thursday, 21 April 2005
A beautiful sunny spring afternoon, a bitter disappointing result. The Rovers fell for the second time this year to Kickers by one goal. A first minute goal sealed the Rovers fate, who now, despite all of their talent, are looking into another spring relegation straggle. The Rovers had plenty of chances to level the score, even to win it, but, yesterday, the ball was magnetically charged opposite to hit the Kickers net.
The Rovers started by unnecessarily giving Kickers a free kick dangerously close to the box. The shot deflected on the way to Duff who failed to hold the shot. Kickers were first to the rebound and to the 3 points. After seeing Dudek, Caroll making similar plays last month, one can hardly be too critical.
The treacherous and now unfamiliar Octagon pitch did its best to stifle what little creativity the Rovers could muster. Yet, there were numerous chances:
Salvucci hit the post with a driving header.
Puglie thought he had equalized when he outsprinted the keeper to a long through ball, heading the bounce over and past him. As Puglie was upended, the chasing Kicker defender slid on the line and cleared the ball. The advantage gone, the ref awarded the free kick at the 18een but Bazza’s effort was disappointing.
Andy broke in from the left, his shot landed in the EPA area.
And we still do not know how Mike’s poke did not end in the back of the net. The keeper beaten by the corner, the ball deflected up, him the underside of the bar and ended up on the line before the Kickers were again first to clear it.
Yuri received the ball inside the Kicker 18een but his effort was blocked.
The second half was a Rovers attacking monologue. Kickers defended deep, soaked up the pressure and were content to counter-attack. They might have been dangerous if they could have gotten the ball into the Rover area, which they could not. The Rover defense and holding midfielders had a stellar showing.
Bazza’s clever direct free-kick from a sharp angle was well parried over the top by the Kickers keeper.
Pugliese found himself free in the box, but his one time effort sailed over the top.
Another Salvucci header hit the crossbar and over.
Tamu made a skillful run beating 2 men down the line, another as he cut across and into the area, but his final effort from the penalty spot went hit the barbeque area rather than the net.
And an equalizer was certain when Salvucci headed a corner back, clear across the goal mouth to a waiting Puglie. His glancing header glanced wide.
Nobody can fault the team effort yesterday. The Rovers tried. But trying is not good enough at this level. You need a little luck and certainly more initiative and creativity in the attacking third that the Rovers showed. Kickers had the former and got to a couple of critical lose balls first, that, in the end, all the Rover effort could not balance.
Next week it is bottom of the table Shamrock. And a must win situation for relegation threatened Rovers.
Team:
Partick Duff, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Andy Abramovits, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Tamu Bowen, Lee Williams
Polonia S.C. 2 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1, 04/03/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
The Firsts’ spring season kicked-off in the most ominous of circumstances: early morning kick off, hard old artificial turf, driving rain and fierce winds. They completed the miserable day with a 2-1 loss to Polonia, continuing one of the teams oldest traditions, never having won on an old artificial turf pitch.Polonia went ahead early with a brilliantly buried header from a corner. The Rovers dominated and drew level after Vega poked home a goal mouth scramble, only for Polonia to notch ahead soon afterwards after the Rovers missed an opportunity to clear the area.
The playing conditions did not allow the Rovers to play football of high pedigree. Still, they strung passes as well as possible the treacherous terrain would allow and dominated possession from the 15m mark on. Chances, though, were few, most failing to Puglie who, unfortunately, was on his day off.
Team:
Partick Duff, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Tamu Bowen, Andy Abramovits, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Yuri Krym, John Keogh, Alex Schardt.
Firsts 12/19/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 0 Koha S.C. 2
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Will the real Rovers please stand up ! Unbelievable ! 7 days after the Rovers played their best game ever, they played at their worst, losing everything that was gained the week before. Koha deservedly won 2-0 taking the 3 points and condemning the Rovers to mid-table mediocrity. Worse, the Rovers disappointed the 10’s of Rover faithful that had come out to see them, including the boisterous McKinnon and the now engaged Horan ! The Rovers once again played to the level of the opposition. This time down to it ! And as such, the game hinged on the details and individual mistakes, that all broke against the Rovers. Why a team as talented as the Rovers repeatedly fail to impose their standard against poor teams is a good question for the coach and players to ponder on during the winter hiatus. Things could have been very much different if Tamu had put away the goal scoring opportunity 15 min in. On a breakaway his attempt to dribble around the keeper was foiled where an early side foot placement may have been the better option. Michael Messmer, making his First team debut, was Rover man of the match, keeping the Rovers in the hunt with 2 instinctive reaction saves in the second half. Koha took the lead in the first half when a bizarre cross that hit the crossbar was mishandled and the ensuing goal mouth scramble ended with a Koha poke. The Rovers had the majority of possession, most of it meaningless, rarely dangerous. Lacking intensity, desire and creativity the 2 outstanding Koha center backs stifled the Rovers in the final third. The Rover forwards frustrating ineffective, their defensive too relaxed. Yet, everyone in attendance believed that the equalizer was a matter of time until a careless decision on the ball – a pass back from midfield - gave Koha their 2nd, 10 min from time. A game better forgotten, the Rovers will revert to their better performance in the spring. Team: Michael Messmer, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Bazza O’Driscoll, Yuri Krym, Tamu Bowen, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Andy Abramovits, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Firsts 12/12/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 5 Pancyprian Freedoms 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
This was a game that will remain in Rover folklore. The one time when it all clicked. Amazing is truly the only word that can describe it. Pancyprians, basically a (semi) pro team, 2-time defending Cosmo league champions; 4 Time US Open Cup Winners; Last amateur league team to reach 3rd round of the US Open Cup; Undefeated in Cosmo league play for 2 and half years. And Sunday, in the 46th minute the score read: Barnstonworth 4 Pancyprians 0. And that does not reflect the 2 posts the Rovers had. It could have easily been the same vs Irish Rovers last week. The two being the 2 best amateur league team in the NY State !! That is how good, and smart, the Rovers are playing at them moment. Pugli had what was arguably the best game for a Rover forward ever. A hatrick vs Pancyprians in 46 mins; an incredible dummy that made a pro-stopper look like a life-size dummy and sprung Tamu for the Rovers 3rd goal; a stunning turn, control and volley from 25 meters out, dipping over the keeper that unluckily hit the upright. The defense stifled the Pancyprians for 90 mins. Only, with the result beyond doubt and everyone pushing to get into the score sheet, did Pancyprians breach it. Mike shut down Antoniou (x-APOEL x-Panathinaikos) where Lukovic the Pancyprians coach ( x Yugoslavia WC 78, x-Iraklis, x coach Nikosia) had to substitute him ! Eoin and Kush were brilliant. Vega did not score, so nobody noticed him ! Bazza and Salvo had their best game of the season, completely controlling the midfield and Bazza closing the scoring in the 85th min to keep his consecutive scoring streak alive. Tamu was the difference on the right side. Lee made all the right runs and worked endlessly on the top, Baskin the same on the left. And Kipp, was unbeatable. Especially in the first 10 mins as Rovers fought to find their game and set the tone. Libby and Yuri filled in beautifully in the 2nd half. Libby had the chance to extended the score to astronomical proportions, twice missing late on. Pugli opened the score for the Rovers in the 15th min. A nice build up form the left, he cut inside the box, and fired home. He doubled his and the Rovers’ tally in the 25th min. Bazza and Puglie played an 1-2, the ball came back to Tamu on the right whose clever through ball split the Pancyprian defense and Pugli broke tet-a-tet with the keeper. Even as he stumbled in the baseball base pad, his left foot shin-kick found the back of the net. The coup-de-grace came minutes later. Lee worked with Baskin and Bazza hit a bullet towards the target man – Pugli. He faked with his head, then his hips, committing the defender, and dummied the ball to Tamu making the off flank run. He picked the ball over the left back, dashed into the area, dribbled around the keeper before tucking it in. Pugli could have had his hatrick right away when his control, turn and volley from 25 meters out, knuckled and dipped over the dumbfounded keeper, but struck the left up-right. If Pancyprians had any hopes of a second half come-back (like last year) they were immediately dashed. Seconds after the restart, Pugli got a ball behind their defense, and poked it home. Game over. A Rover fan adequately summed the day: “I never thought I’d see a Rovers’ team play like that.” This week, all the entire club has a chance to see the team play Sunday noon at ERP A vs a strong Koha. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, Tamu Bowen, John Salvucci, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Billy Libby, Yuri Krym, Stavros Zomopoulos, Anders Voigt.
NYS Cup Rd 3 - 12/05/04 - New York Irish Rovers (LISFL) 3 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Football is a funny game. And this is one of the hardest match reports to compose. It is hard to convey the emotional mix: The Rovers had, likely, their finest team performance ever, outplaying the Irish Rovers, dominating the highlight reel, but still being ousted from the NY State Cup by a superior football side, 3-1. And individually, Alexander brilliantly marked their stalwart forward the entire game, but still saw him score the first and create the Irish’s 2 other goals. Salvucci, dominated the midfield for 90 min, but was still nutmeged for the 2nd goal and out jumped (!) for the 3rd. Puglie had his finest game as a Rover, yet his close misses, thrice, tilted the balance away from the Rovers. The Rovers came prepared and ready to play. Bazza was motoring; Kush a live steroid. The effort and desire were evident as they used the first 10 min to measure the opposition before shifting to dictate the tempo. The first chance fell to Puglie inside the area but the Rover defender deflected his effort away. Then a brilliant switch from Yuri (whose contribution was cut short because this ref decided that in & out subs were not allowed) to Bazza on the right edge of the box, his one time header right to Puglie. He attempted a spectacular turn volley, not connecting in full due to the interference from the dying sunlight. The keeper did well to save and hold. The Rovers deserved and should have been one up. Salvucci won a direct free kick right on the edge of the box – Bazza territory. Bazza hit a trade-mark bending shot tagged for the upper 90ty. Keeper had no chance. But, setting the tone for the match, the ball hits the inside of the crossbar, bounces down, hits the heel of the keeper and incredibly, almost physically impossibly, the ball goes to the right and along the line instead of in. The actually should have been 2 to the good. A quick move from the Rover left, Yuri to Baskin to Puglie 1-2 with Bazza and Puglie is sprung between the 2 central Irish defenders free on goal. He, bizarrely after a first touch, elected to slide tackle, attempting to toe-poke the ball, when collecting and slotting it home would have sufficed. His attempt, weak, easily saved by the astounded keeper. The Rovers, listless in front of goal, fell to the unwritten rule of football in the last minute of the half. Bazza lost an attempt to keep the ball in the Irish area when the Rovers’ midfielders were pushing to supprt, the long clearance found a large gap between the Rover lines and was controlled by an Irish midfielder. Suddenly, they were countering 3 on 3. The ball was played to the left wing, and he bared into the Rover box. Vega, and after a momentary pause for a denied off-side shout, closed him down and blocked his cross. The danger seemed averted. But failing to clear, the ball bounced back into the Irish’s path, who thundered a shot to the far post from 10 out. Kipp got both hands to it but could not parry it away from the nets. Rovers 0-1. The only other Irish chance of the half, initiated by a horrific give away in the Rover third, was forcefully ended by a stirring Vega tackle. The 2nd half was a more even affair. Still, the Rovers seemed to be about to draw level on several occasions. Libby found Baskin cutting in the middle, who found Bazza. His shot was dropped by the keeper. Lee and Puglie both followed up, the ball sitting a yard out, but a sliding tackle from and Irish defender somehow blocked the final effort. Then a cross from the right and Lee controlled a bouncing ball inside the six. Surely 1-1. But an awkward bounce, force Lee away from the goal and his shot was blocked. In the final 20, the Rovers, having dictated the pace and pushing for the equalizer, unable to refresh with their extra subs due to the sudden change of rules, tired and left gaps in the defense. The Irish #2 punished. A player of unquestionable class, collected a long ball, brought it back from the area, nutmegged and dribbled 3 Rovers, pushed to the end line, and somehow, chipped a cross over the reach of Kipp from very close range to another Irishman standing on the goal-line. Rovers 0-2. Again, the Rovers had a chance, almost immediately to get one back. But Puglie getting the rebound 2 meters out shot wide. And as the Rovers risked with only 2 back in the final minutes, the Irish closed the game. Again a skillful run by #2, he forged into the Rover area, Vega whacked him, forcing him to his knee. He got up, continued, and crossed the ball to the far post from the byline. A tired Salvucci could not cut it off before their forward headed home. Rover 0-3. The Rovers’ got their deserved consolation in the final minute. Lee shot, Bazza and Puglie poked the keeper who again had trouble holding on. With his attempt to gather it, the keeper palmed the ball past the line. Own goal. Rovers 1-3 As one Rover noted at the pub: “if you saw the entire match on tape, the Irish were a higher level football team, but if we are talking just about a highlight reel, then the Rovers would clearly stand out as the deserving side.” There is no doubt the Rovers played against the State Cup finalist. There is no doubt the Rovers deserved better from their semi-pro opponents. And if the Rovers can consistently play at that level of performance regardless of the opposition and their capacities, then only good things will follow. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Ron Baskin, Bazza O’Driscoll, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Billy Libby, John Keogh, Andy Abramovits, Tamu Bowen.
NYS Cup Rd 2 - 11/21/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 4 UNISOC (CBSL) 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Rovers booked their ticket to the 3rd round of the State Cup scoring 3 times in the second half. 2 strikes from Pugli from 25 meters and a nice finish by Libby gave a comfortable cushion to the Rovers before UNISOC reverted to unsportmanlike football that eventually reduced them to 9 men. During the first 55 min, the Rovers played down to the level of the opposition, allowing UNISOC to believe, play, as they belonged on the same pitch as the Rover first team. They did not. At home vs an inferior side, it all looked to simple for the Rovers when Baskin earned a penalty within the first 10 mins. Mika’s cross from deep eventually deflected to Baskin on the far edge of the box. Baskin collected and as he looked up, a clumsy – foolish – lunge at his shins by a UNISOC defender and the ref had no choice. Bazza stepped up and buried it. Rovers 1-0. The Rovers’ best day, though, it was not. Their play was markedly rugged, nervous and without flow. They gave away the ball when keeping possession was infinitesimally easier. They missed easy chances. Pugli free from 10 meters out, sliced the ball wide. And then Musa, free one vs one a bad first touch kept the score from rising. UNISOC started to probe forward. Lacking firepower but possessing raw talent, they displayed it in some nifty dribbling and powerful shots. The most dangerous came from a 30 meter direct free kick. An amazing strike tagged for the upper right 90 brought one of the saves of the season from Kipp. He flew to his left and tipped the ball on to the bar before carrying for a corner. The writing was on the wall as Rover play did not improve in the beginning of the second half. The opposition feeding confidence from the inept Rover play looked ever more dangerous. And finally luck contrived to drew them level. An attacker on the right flank tried to cross the ball. He shanked it, towards the near post. Kipp leaning to cover the cross on the far post was unable to make up the ground, crashing to the post as the ball sneaked in. Rovers 1-1. But despite the listless Rover play, they were still a class above. And a moment of class turned the game in their favor. A flick from Baskin released Pugli. He controlled, looked up and shot from 25 out. The keeper (in this case a very lose description for a person standing under the goal posts ) could not get to it. Rovers 2-1 And within minutes the outcome was beyond doubt. Libby fed Pugli, who gave a live replay of the 2nd goal. Rovers 3-1. Libby opened his account a few minutes later from close range. Rovers 4-1. UNISOC realizing the game was over reverted to “lively” 2 footed tackles. One almost broke through Libby’s shinguards. Musa limped off soon afterwards. And Aanders’ got a rough introduction to first team play. The Rovers relieved to get to the final whistle with the entry to the 3rd round and not the emergency room. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Mark Kushemba, Eoin Quane, Bazza O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Yuri Krym, Mika Tapio, Musa Shannon, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Lee Williams, Stavros Zomopoulos, Billy Libby, Andy Abramovits, Anders Voigt
Firsts 11/7/04 - Manhattan Kickers 2 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Old football idiom: A team that des not convert their domination and chances gets punished. The Rovers had all the possession, all the chances but the Kickers scored twice with 1 opportunity to take the points; their second was a Rover gift. That’s what happens when you are on top of the league. If performance, not results, dictated league standings, the Rovers may well be there instead of the Kickers. The first 20 min were a scrappy affair with both teams conservatively probing the opponent. The Rovers, with Lee and Baskin settling in their new wide roles, Musa and Puglie challenging the weak Kicker backs early, and Bazza taking control of the distribution, looked ready to dictate the tempo. It was the Kickers, though, that got the first break. The Rovers failed to clear a speculative ball to the right side of the area. A second attempt at blocking the Kicker’s striker fell short and a well taken shot beat Duff to the far post. Rovers 0-1. Still, the Rovers had the play and applied the pressure. An early chance to equalize fell to Baskin but he could not pull the trigger. And Musa’s skillful chip form 25 yards went just over the bar. As Bazza hit a long range shot wide, the writing was on the wall. An orchestrated move down the middle got the ball to Lee on the left. He tried to feed Baskin but an unforgiving first touch allowed the ball to run to Bazza. He brilliantly controlled it, turned and volleyed to the far side netting and Rovers level. Rovers 1-1. The Rovers kept dominating. Now with Pugli isolating a very week right back, the Rovers started to get behind the Kicker defense. The could have been ahead when Pugli broke into the area and curled a side foot around the keeper but just on the wrong side of the far post. The second half commenced in similar fashion. Mike, Kush and Vega without any problems containing a rather tame Kickers front line. And with Eoin and Salvo keeping the Kicker midfield from being involved in their attacks the Rovers controlled the middle of the pitch, and attacked through their spine. It was from there that they created their best chance to go ahead. Bazza receiving the ball with his back to the goal, one-touched an incredible ball curving away between 2 defenders and right into Musa’s stride. Musa tet-a-tet with the keeper powered his shot at him, the keeper parried for a corner. Then, Baskin got deep on the right and placed a cross on Musa’s path at the near post. Surely the Rover’s on top ! Not to be - Musa’s with the ball coming across his body side volleyed straight to the keeper. A couple of rushed substitutions quelled the Rover momentum and broke their flow. Then, a bad defensive lapse from a Rover’s - own - thrown in deep in the Rover half spelled disaster. A weak pass back to the thrower and a desperately feeble attempt to get to it, allowed a lurking Kicker forward to nick the ball, turn the corner at the flag race into the area at the byline. A bad touch as he was about to shoot and the Rovers seemed to have been reprieved as the ball reached Duff. But it spilled out and the Rover’s were second to it. Another Kicker forward shot from point blank, hitting Duff in the face and sending the ball to the roof of the net. Farcically, if the ball does had not hit Duff, Kush - right behind him - would have likely cleared it at the line ! Rovers 1-2. The goal came diametrically opposed to the run of play. Libby in no state to play from the night before surrendered his place and Mika took the reigns on the right as the Rovers pushed for the equalizer. The Rovers had the chances. Pugliese rushed a strike wide from a good position inside the area. And again looped a header in the box where a more powerful one would have certainly tied the score. Baskin got into a good position his shot was blocked on the way to the goal by Puglie’s hand. Then from a corner, the ball bounced in front of him, but a Kicker blocked the final attempt as it seemed certain to be the equalizer. The Rovers leaving only 2 defenders back in the last 15 min, the Kickers never left their half. Their best chance fell to Bazza. After a long effort over the top of the bar, the Rovers collected the restart and fed Mika on the right. His far post cross eluded everyone to reach Bazza on the far edge of the six. With an impressive first touch he brought the ball down and unmarked, from a similar position as his first strike, the Rovers’ chances looked good. The shot was powerful but straight at the keeper. Kicker’s must still be wondering how the got 3 points – and their first win over the Rovers in more than 4 years – in this match. And the Rovers can ponder the reverse, as they look at the Kickers clear on top of the Division as they sit uncomfortably near the relegation places. Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, John Salvucci, Eoin Quane, Lee Williams, Ron Baskin, Bazza O’Driscoll, Musa Shannon, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Yuri Krym, Billy Libby, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Firsts 10/31/04 - N. Y Albanians 2 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 4
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
A piece of history for the Rovers on Sunday, they defeated perennial powerhouse N.Y Albanians 4 – 2 for the first time. Aberrantly, the Rovers benefited from a couple decisions from the officials. The first – an offside not called in the first quarter hour – produced Bazza’s first strike of the season and, due to the ensuing fracas, reduced Albanians to 10 men. The second, a much more ambiguous offside request not given, gave Bazza his second and the Rovers a comfortable 2 goal lead. In between, the Albanians equalized with what has to be – easily – the goal of the season, an unstoppable 30 yard thunder-volley to the top left hand corner. And Baskin opened his league account nodding in a fabulously taken Libby free kick (before conceding his place on the pitch at halftime so Puglie could perform for his guest). Musa secured the victory with a delicate chip in the dying minutes and just after Albanians had reduced their deficit to 3-2. Kushemba won the ball in the Rover half with a gutsy tackle, carried up the line and released Andy (on debut) down the right flank who then found Musa unmarked in the area. Glancing glimpses of past last minute Rover collapses vs Albanians were vanished. The Rovers were in greater fear for their physical safety from the crazed Albanian fans behind the bench than dropping any point in the match. Vega, literally, survived a wild elbow to his throat and a – one of many - very late tackle early in the first half. Pugliese showed amazing, uncharacteristic, restraint and did not retaliate when “the Albanian bitch” spat on his face behind the ref’s back and right after “the Albanian bitch” had – in cold blood after the play – kicked him and pushed the Rover coach on the sidelines. It was Puglie who earlier had broken down – although he appeared off-side – the Albanian trap before unselfishly feeding Bazza for the Rovers opening strike. The defensive middle of the pitch – Vega, Kush, Alexander, Eoin, Salvucci looked as composed and dominating as any the Rovers have ever fielded. A well deserved first league victory for the Rovers, a tonic for the epic clash with Kickers this weekend. Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Salvucci, Mika Tapio, Billy Libby, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese, Bazza O’Driscoll Subs: (all played) Lee Williams, Yuri Krym, Musa Shannon, Andy Abramovits.
Firsts 10/24/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1 Shamrocks S.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Rover First team went looking for its first victory of the year against bottom of the table Rocks at Forest Hills HS. They drew again bringing them to 3 points on three games, yet still undefeated (for what its worth.) The first half seemed very familiar as B'worth started slow and struggled to win tackles and connect passes. The game settled into a midfield battle after about 15min. The hardhitting Shamrocks found the net first when a turnover and a lucky ball sent straight up the middle caught the Rover defense out of position. Vega's last ditch reach for the ball failed and the opposing forward nicked it by the on-rushing Duffaluffagus for a 1-0 lead. The Rovers carried much of the game from there. Baskin narrowly missed a one time volley off a corner and Libby was stopped by the keeper after a giveaway in the Shamrock box. Halftime score 1-0 badguys. Tactical substitutions saw Eoin, Keough, and Mika enter the game after the half. The Rovers dominated play as the backline proved tough to beat and the midfield moved the ball around with ease. Further subs saw Stavros on to energize the midfield and Stash to solidify the defense. The equalizer finally game very late in the game when a fine give-and-go near the endline resulted in a low cross from Mika, flicked in by Steve-O. The Rovers pressed on but couldn't take the lead. A very strong 2nd half, but not enough. A wasted opportunity against a struggling team. If you have a sister, go kiss her again this week. Much credit goes to Keough, Mika, Stav, Duff, and Stash who carried their winning attitudes over from the Reserve match. The Rovers have played 2 games less than most of the league and find themselves second from the bottom of the division. Team – Patrick Duff, Mike Alexander, Ron Baskin, Stephen Pugliese, Lee Williams, Bazza O’Driscoll, Bily Libby, Xavier Egurbide, Yuri Krym, Mark Kushemba, Chris Vega Subs: (all played) Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Mika Tapio, Eoin Quane, John Keogh
NYS Cup Rd 1 - 10/17/04 - EDSL Juventus 1 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 4
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
A Pugli hat-trick, the first for the Rover’s 1sts since 2002 and Baskin’s first strike for the team in more than a year sent the Rovers through to the State Cup 2nd round. It also made the 3 hour journey back to the city a little more bearable. The opposition, a mid-table Eastern District side – Juventus, should not have worried the Rovers. Yet, at halftime they were trailing 0-1. They could have been 2 down after 30 min, if not for a fantastic Duff reaction save low down. It was possibly the worst half the Rovers have played in 2004. The Rovers did not panic and did not bicker, a sure sign of a maturing side. They adjusted for the 2nd half, as much as possible given the limited options of only 12 players, took advantage of the modified substitutions rule, and quickly turned and finished the contest. Pugliese run onto a Stavros’ bouncing through ball just on the 18teen, and with a thunderous volley on the turn leveled the score. The keeper never saw it. Strike of the Year candidate. Rovers 1-1 Then Lee broke down the middle. His effort to feed the right wing was fortuitously deflected by an opposing defender falling squarely in the middle of the area to an unmarked Pugli. He accepted the gift drilling it past the keeper and thrusting the Rovers on top. Rovers 2-1 Duff was again on call, valiantly tipping over a powerful short range volley that would have been the Juve equalizer. The third was a flash from the past. Stavros perfect through pass over the defense to a breaking Baskin. Baskin arrogantly chips the keeper even though he was standing firm on his line. Rovers 3-1 At this point the opposition started to get flustered, resorting often to lunging and fouling. It did not take long even for the home ref to flash his first red card for a second bookable offense after the Juventus defenders’ attempt to break Keogh’s leg failed. And he made up for the card by calling one of the worst penalty decisions in memory. He did not count on Duff. Duff dove to the left saved the penalty and quickly smothered the rebound. The Rovers went in the opposite direction and finished the match. Stavros found Baskin behind the defense. Baskin burst into the area but this time his shot was parried. Bazza stood by allowing Puglie to slot it home for his hat-trick. Mike’s screaming reaction to an elbow in his mouth saw the opposition finish with 9. Rovers finished with 11 as Kushemba was dropped off at Newburg International Airport ! Round 2 should be a more interesting affair, and hopefully a lot closer by. Team: Patrick Duff, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym, John Salvucci, John Keogh, Barry O’Driscoll, Ron Baskin, Musa Shannon, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Sub: (All played) Stavros Zomopoulos
Firsts 10/7/04 - Manhattan Kickers 2 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Old football idiom: A team that des not convert their domination and chances gets punished. The Rovers had all the possession, all the chances but the Kickers scored twice with 1 opportunity to take the points; their second was a Rover gift. That’s what happens when you are on top of the league. If performance, not results, dictated league standings, the Rovers may well be there instead of the Kickers. The first 20 min were a scrappy affair with both teams conservatively probing the opponent. The Rovers, with Lee and Baskin settling in their new wide roles, Musa and Puglie challenging the weak Kicker backs early, and Bazza taking control of the distribution, looked ready to dictate the tempo. It was the Kickers, though, that got the first break. The Rovers failed to clear a speculative ball to the right side of the area. A second attempt at blocking the Kicker’s striker fell short and a well taken shot beat Duff to the far post. Rovers 0-1. Still, the Rovers had the play and applied the pressure. An early chance to equalize fell to Baskin but he could not pull the trigger. And Musa’s skillful chip form 25 yards went just over the bar. As Bazza hit a long range shot wide, the writing was on the wall. An orchestrated move down the middle got the ball to Lee on the left. He tried to feed Baskin but an unforgiving first touch allowed the ball to run to Bazza. He brilliantly controlled it, turned and volleyed to the far side netting and Rovers level. Rovers 1-1. The Rovers kept dominating. Now with Pugli isolating a very week right back, the Rovers started to get behind the Kicker defense. The could have been ahead when Pugli broke into the area and curled a side foot around the keeper but just on the wrong side of the far post. The second half commenced in similar fashion. Mike, Kush and Vega without any problems containing a rather tame Kickers front line. And with Eoin and Salvo keeping the Kicker midfield from being involved in their attacks the Rovers controlled the middle of the pitch, and attacked through their spine. It was from there that they created their best chance to go ahead. Bazza receiving the ball with his back to the goal, one-touched an incredible ball curving away between 2 defenders and right into Musa’s stride. Musa tet-a-tet with the keeper powered his shot at him, the keeper parried for a corner. Then, Baskin got deep on the right and placed a cross on Musa’s path at the near post. Surely the Rover’s on top ! Not to be - Musa’s with the ball coming across his body side volleyed straight to the keeper. A couple of rushed substitutions quelled the Rover momentum and broke their flow. Then, a bad defensive lapse from a Rover’s - own - thrown in deep in the Rover half spelled disaster. A weak pass back to the thrower and a desperately feeble attempt to get to it, allowed a lurking Kicker forward to nick the ball, turn the corner at the flag race into the area at the byline. A bad touch as he was about to shoot and the Rovers seemed to have been reprieved as the ball reached Duff. But it spilled out and the Rover’s were second to it. Another Kicker forward shot from point blank, hitting Duff in the face and sending the ball to the roof of the net. Farcically, if the ball does had not hit Duff, Kush - right behind him - would have likely cleared it at the line ! Rovers 1-2. The goal came diametrically opposed to the run of play. Libby in no state to play from the night before surrendered his place and Mika took the reigns on the right as the Rovers pushed for the equalizer. The Rovers had the chances. Pugliese rushed a strike wide from a good position inside the area. And again looped a header in the box where a more powerful one would have certainly tied the score. Baskin got into a good position his shot was blocked on the way to the goal by Puglie’s hand. Then from a corner, the ball bounced in front of him, but a Kicker blocked the final attempt as it seemed certain to be the equalizer. The Rovers leaving only 2 defenders back in the last 15 min, the Kickers never left their half. Their best chance fell to Bazza. After a long effort over the top of the bar, the Rovers collected the restart and fed Mika on the right. His far post cross eluded everyone to reach Bazza on the far edge of the six. With an impressive first touch he brought the ball down and unmarked, from a similar position as his first strike, the Rovers’ chances looked good. The shot was powerful but straight at the keeper. Kicker’s must still be wondering how the got 3 points – and their first win over the Rovers in more than 4 years – in this match. And the Rovers can ponder the reverse, as they look at the Kickers clear on top of the Division as they sit uncomfortably near the relegation places. Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, John Salvucci, Eoin Quane, Lee Williams, Ron Baskin, Bazza O’Driscoll, Musa Shannon, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Yuri Krym, Billy Libby, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos.
Firsts 9/26/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 3 Greek-American Atlas 3
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Sunday saw one of the proudest performances of Barnstonworth history. Facing a star-studded Greek-American Atlas team that included Giovanni Savarese, Christian Turizio (and at least one more recent MLS player), a team that was the last amateur team eliminated in the 2004 US Open Cup, the Rovers put in a terrier-like performance, clawing back from an early 2-0 deficit only to again fall behind 3-2 with the last kick of the 1st half. The Rovers responded with a deserved equalizer 15 min from time, and then relied on their tenacious, defiant defense to hold the invaluable point. The Rovers again proved they can play with any team. They have now achieved a result versus every and all Div I teams. Respecting the opposition, the Rovers started with a defensive 5-4-1 formation, their objective to frustrate Atlas and secure a half time clean sheet. The best laid plans of mice and men; 20 mins into the match the Rovers were 2-0 down. Xavier failed to clear the ball past the Atlas’ forward by the right sideline. The rebound found the winger behind the Rover defense, a simple cross in the six to the waiting striker and Kipp, who had to play both games after Duff failed a late fitness test, was left with no chance. Rovers 0-1. Before the Rovers could settle, a lighting counter attack when a Rover midfielder was caught in possession doubled the deficit. The finish, clinical from 6 meters, left Kipp again with no chance. The game could have been beyond the Rovers but for Kipp’s fantastic top hand save minutes later. A powerful strike tagged for the opposite top corner was acrobatically parried for a corner. Then, Yuri collected a long ball, cut inside the centre circle and delivered a perfect diagonal pass switching the filed behind the Atlas defense. Libby took the ball on stride, strove into the area and unselfishly found Puglie in the six. Puglie made no mistake, slipping the ball to the far corner and the Rovers back into the game. Rovers 1-2 Chasing the score the Rovers mutated into the more familiar 3-5-2 and their fortune, confidence and play improved considerably. And within minutes they drew level. Baskin did the hard work, won the ball from the Atlas left back, forged into the box and pushed the ball to an unmarked Puglie. He did not refuse his double, sliding to meet ball and slot it past the sprawling keeper. Rovers 2-2 Greek-Americans stunned were left to argue with the ref. The momentum had turned with the Rovers. But, Rover concentration strayed and Atlas seized the initiative. Another bad clearance, Kipp hesitated in collecting a high bouncing ball in the six and with, literally, the last kick of the half from their forward, Atlas were again to the good. Rovers 2-3. Keogh was introduced at half time to support the Rover front two. And with Eoin taking the reigns in the middle the Rovers kept in the hunt. They could have scored when Pugliese fired wide inside the area. Atlas responded with full field pressure, and with orchestrated off the ball runs disturbed the Rovers’ defensive balance and probed the tiring Rover wing-backs. The Rovers did not waver. They did not lose sight of the goal. Not fearing a larger score defeat they pushed bodies forward instead, going to a flat 2 in the back. And fifteen minutes from time they again surprised and drew level. A quickly taken free-kick in midfield resulted in a Rover corner. Closely challenged by an Atlas defender, Salvo met the inward curling corner, the ball bounced in-front of the goal where Vega popped up and flicked it over the keeper and into the net. Rovers 3-3. The last 15 min, the match opened further. Spaces increased, and so did the pressure on the Rover defense. Atlas immediately broke 2 on 2 and Kipp did well to turn away a fierce low drive to the right corner from inside the 18teen. And a goal line clearance saved the Rovers after another numerous Atlas incursion in the Rover area forced Kipp off his line to prevent an easy conversion. The final whistle come after a final Atlas attack was foiled. Although the Firsts did not play the fluid football they displayed vs CPR, they proved that they are becoming an experienced, resilient, side that can scratch out results when necessary. It will bode them well in this year’s demanding division. Team: Nate Kipp, Chris Vega, Eoin Quane, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym, Barry O'Driscoll, John Salvucci, Xavier Egurbide, Billy Libby, Stephen Pugliese, Ron Baskin. Subs: (all played) John Keogh, Mika Tapio, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos
September 19, 2004
Central Park Rangers 1 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
The last time the Rovers opened a season at the Metropolitan Oval it was 1998, the pitch was made of sand, the Rovers were in the 2nd div, and a star-burdened Rover side that was the favorite to win its division lost 1-0 to Eintracht before imploding the rest of the season.
Yesterday, it was all different. The Oval has been returfed with the beautiful “real grass,” the stands remodeled and even the sign outside the stadium refashioned. So were the Rovers.
It was one of the best – if not the best – football performance from a Rovers side. Skillful, poised, and tenacious the Rovers fought back and arguably deserved more than the 1 point they got. They certainly had the chances.
The Rovers started assertively and moved the ball better than anytime in the past. Their confidence in each other evident, they equaled anything the division runners-up had to offer. A Bazza long ball behind the CPR defense found Libby making a decisive run. His shot from inside the area over the bar was an unworthy end to the promising build-up.
Next, Yuri, Keogh and Pugliese combined in the right side, Yuri chose to drive to the end line when a direct cut inside may have been more promising, Lee met the swerving deep cross but could not direct it for the final touch at goal.
Then, against the run of play, CPR struck. A dazzling run from a CPR midfielder opened up the Rover defense and a un-defendable pass found him on stride inside the Rover 18. One touch to collect and a stunning right foot strike across the goal and the Rovers were down 0-1.
Unfazed the Rovers pushed for an equalizer that looked ever more likely to come as time wore on. Lee and Pugliese were making all the right runs upfront and with Libby and Yuri combining to attack the flanks action concentrated almost entirely in the CPR half. The only shortcoming was the monotone approach of the Rover central midfielders, overusing the long pass at the back of the CPR defenders. CPR’s best player, their sweeper, automatically dropped 15 yards as the Rover midfielders collected the ball and was able to extinguish Rover threats before the materialized.
But as CPR was tiring, and with Eoin’s additional forward emphasis, a Rover insurgence was only a matter of time. After a dribbling run on the right flank he found Libby in the middle. Libby avoided the first CPR defender and burst into the area where a second CPR defender cut him down from behind. After consultation with his assistant who was pointing towards the penalty spot, the ref somehow concluded that no contact had taken place, and if it had, ” it was outside the box anyways !! “
Mika, on debut, got to the by line and fired a cross, but neither Salvucci, first, nor Pugliese after, were able to stir it into the net.
A long Pugliese effort was well saved and held by the keeper.
And in the one CPR counter attack, Duff was off his line in a flash snaffing the ball before the CPR breaking forward.
The Rovers drew level with 20 to go. A first Rover attack was repelled by the CPR central defenders only for Libby to get the ball 30 yards out. Pugliese, open on the far post, headed a perfectly weighted ball only for the keeper to parry on to the crossbar, where the surging Vega was first to the rebound heading the ball in the back of the net. Rovers 1-1.
The Rovers were all over CPR from then on. The overwhelmed CPR defense stopped coping with the Rover penetrating long balls. The CPR keeper made an amazing finger tip save on a Libby shot, and Pugliese was denied from close range. Bazza’s direct free kick hit the wall. Then Libby somehow overrun Pugliese through pass on stride ahead of clear run to the goal !
Salvucci could have won it in spectacular fashion when his acrobatic volley from 15 yards went just wide.
In the end the Rovers settled for a good performance and the point. If they keep playing at this level the potential of the team is limitless.
Team: Patrick Duff, Chris Vega, Mike Alexander, Eoin Quane, John Keogh, Barry O’Driscoll, John Salvucci, Yuri Krym, Billy Libby, Lee Williams, Stephen Pugliese. Subs: (all played) Mika Tapio, Brian Schmidt, Luis Rodriguez.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
2004-2005 Match Reports - Reserves
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. Reserves 2 - N.Y. Albanians 0, 05/22/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 23 May 2005
Albanians, having stacked their Reserve side, and apparently 'stuck' in their vehicles afraid of the rain – or the Rovers – decided they'd rather have a 0-2 scoreline rather than continue w/the Firsts fixture that had little meaning.
So, Puglie may have lost a chance at the scoring title. Then again, I gave him the 2 goals on the forfeit, so who knows.
Even with the league decisions going against us at Iberia and NYAC, this was the first .500 or better season for the club.
Next year, we aim to win it.
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. Reserves 1 - N.Y. Albanians 5, 05/22/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 23 May 2005
Nate Kipp’s last appearance for the Rovers - playing at forward !! - and marked by his first goal of the club, was the only thing of note this Sunday. Except, Xavi’s fight with the red card. He really slammed it to the ground, twice for a double TKO in the round, and if he had stomped on it while on the ground, he would certainly have won the fight. He did not, so he had to take an early shower on the sideline.
Shadi made his comeback after a broken shoulder.
And, oh yes – we had our first women ball girl too, thanks to Macker’s girlfriend.
On a rainy day, far away at Verazzano, the Rovers playing only for pride, were just not interested. They developed well enough through the first 2/3 of the field, but without desire and determination often stalled there. The Albanians, still in the hunt for the Reserve title, became the only team to beat the Reserves twice. They were the Rovers exact opposite. Having only 10 in the first half, they did not play much football, but were lethal with desire in the final third. 2 chances, 2 goals that did everything to determine the result. The Rovers wanted to fight – some, most tried - but having all 11 players, individually, in one of their worst performances of the year, you can imagine the overall team showing. Lacking motivation, and luck, it was just not happening.
Great goal Kipp !
Team:
Patrick Duff, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Xavier Egurbide, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos, Nate Kipp, Mackers Mclaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt, Shadi Shahrohki.
Greak American Atlas 2 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. Reserves 1, 05/15/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 16 May 2005
The division title dream came to an abrupt end Sunday for the Reserves. Absurdly, GA played 4-5 First team players in the reserve game even though their First team is, marginally, leading in their championship. Worse, the Reserves imploded and did not do themselves justice, neither in the approach to the match, nor in their performance. Whether it was the inexperience, occasion, or over excitement of playing for the division lead, the Reserves (and I in particular) did not respond well.
It did not help that a key member of a 13 man squad did not arrive on time, or that the Reserves conceded on the first GA attack in the first minute. Nor that they missed a breakaway in the first 10 mins, or that one of their forwards, breaking free and one on one with the keeper amazingly decided to stop playing without a refs whistle !!!
Even after stabilizing and dominating the match in the final half of the 2nd half, and having the intermission to re-adjust, they let the match slip away allowing a second goal and uselessly being reduced to 10 men.
Man of the match, Duff, playing one of his best games in memory after a indifferent start, kept the Reserves in the game making several outstanding, if not impossible saves, to keep the score line within reach.
And funnily, despite an appearance of having accepted their destiny, and inner bickering of Roversque proportions, Andy still managed to hustle a goal back and even create a chance or two to level.
GA were the best team on the day, maybe the best “Reserve” team seen in years, and won deservingly. Of course, the Rover’s Firsts duly pummeled them right afterwards to give the hated Kickers a late year present.
Still, had the Reserves had handled the day differently, used a bit more of their head for thinking, and used their energy more creatively, they would have adapted to the situation’s needs and, I believe, won the match.
Mika, Schmidtie, and Stash, other than Duff, were the sole others that salvaged a performance for the Rovers.
The Rovers learned a lot yesterday about winning a title. Hopefully they will be able to use this knowledge and complete the task next year.
Team:
Patrick Duff, Jim Miller, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, John Keogh, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos, Mika Tapio, Mackers Mclaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt. Subs(all played, some came late and got sent off): Ben Weiner, Anders Voigt.
Reserves 12/19/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers Res 5 Koha S.C. Res 3
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Reserves taking the lead from the Firsts the week before played with desire and skill thrashing their weaker opponents 4-0 at halftime. Only because they decided to turn the game into a celebration in the 2nd half – until it became too scary – does the final score give a different picture. Leading 4-0, scoring at will, and dominating the match, the Reserves played the 2nd half with a perverse line up. Koha fearing a blow out, put in their first team attacking trio catching the Rovers completely off-balance. Koha managed to narrow the score to 4-3 before the Rovers reverted to their starting setup and secured the game with a brilliant Jallu header. The Reserves now 3rd in the table with a game in hand, still have a chance at a run to the top in the spring. The Rovers opened the scoring early. Stavros cleverly chipped the ball to Andy crossing in front of the Koha central defense, and he skillfully placed it to the bottom right corner. Keeper no chance, Rovers 1-0. They doubled their tally a few minutes later. The Reserves executed a training ground corner routine, the ball was hit to the far post, Andy rose and headed it to the back of the net. Rovers 2-0 With Jallu’s first touch the Rovers were 3 to the good. Andy did brilliantly to get to the by-line he hit a low cross to the near post and Jallu with one side foot touch of finishing class – carbon copy of the Rovers 4th goal last week - put the Rover up 3-0. The Rovers were not done. Much superior and completely dominating, they pressed on. Stash made a run in the right flank, and was fed the ball in the edge of the box. He burst in and shot beating the keeper to the far post. As the ball was crossing the line Andy helped it in, inflating Koha off-side appeals, but the ref correctly ruled that the ball had already crossed the line. Rovers 4-0. Half time found the Rovers in the Holiday spirit, so Schmidtie (who missed his chance to get on the score sheet the other day with the o30s) and Tronz started up front, Mika left back, Rocco and Anders attacking midfield, Alex on right back, Xavi behind the strikers, Stash sweeping etc… Koha on the other hand, decided to bring in their First team forwards and centre mid to balance the game. With the Rovers vulnerable to counter attacks, Koha found their way back into the scoreline. 10 min from time a confusion inside the Rover box and Koha pulls back to 4-3. The Rover immediately revert back to the starting 11. And start to re-impose their domination. Messmer makes a very important double save from close range to keep the Rovers in front. Then, Mika get a ball on the right flank and strikes a trademark cross to the far post. Jallu rises above everyone else and heads the Rovers home. Rovers 5-3. The Reserves are a better team than their position in the standings indicate. It is up to them to: A) their individual players to push for the starting spots in the Firsts; B) introduce consistency in their performance and challenge for the division title. Team: Michael Messmer, Anders Voigt, Rocco Rochester, Brian Schmidt, Steve Tronzano, Stash Rutkowski, Xavier Egurbide, Stavros Zomopoulos, Mika Tapio, Alex Schardt, Andy Abramovits, Subs: (all played) Jallu Rantanen, Mackers McLaughlin, Donald Robertson
Reserves 10/31/04 - N.Y. Albanians Res 3 Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Reserves continued their seesaw season playing down to the opposition and forfeited the chance to top the league table. A smart finish from the 10 yards by Abro gave the Rovers a deserved early lead that should have been a prelude to a Sunday afternoon stroll on the new “real grass.” But, their inconsistency surfacing again as in the matches vs CPR and Bosjniac, the Reserves could not keep their concentration and focus. Instead of finishing their weaker opponent, and despite an excellent showing by Rocco and the markers, the Reserves allowed 2 soft goals in the last 15 of the first half. They never drew even. The Reserves dominated possession. Their solid build up should have allowed Stash and Stavros to dictate the pace from the central midfield but for the sub-par performance. One lacked his notorious tenacity to win balls and lethal finish, the other was repeatedly deceived in playing the difficult option turning the ball over instead, starving the wings of useful service and failing to get Jallu into the flow. With the final pass lacking still the Rovers created chances. They did not show the necessary composure to finish. With Brucia reinjuring his hamstring in the first half, Tronzano took charge on the left flank. He got deep and fired a beautifully weighted cross that neither Jallu nor Abro could reach. Donald beat the Albanian defense but an uncertain last touch evaporated the opportunity. Ben’s strike just outside the box was blocked by a diving Albanian. Stash’s decisive run behind the Albanian defense unended unceremoniously after a weak shot. Still, to begin the second half, the Rovers were the best bet for the points. The game opened up with the Rovers throwing men forward. Duff made several superb saves keeping the score line. But the Rovers could not seize the moment. A late Albanian goal sealed their fate. Even an injury time effort from 2 yards out to pull one back went wide for the Reserves. A just summary of the day. It’s a shame - this team should be 5-0 and easily on top of the table. A chance to prove it vs Kickers next week. Team: Patrick Duff, Rocco Rochester, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Gio Brucia, Mackers Mclaughlin, Donald Robertson, Jallu Rantanen, Abro Abramovits. Subs:(all played) Steve Tronzano, George Box, Ben Weiner, Gary Lingard.
Reserves 10/24/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 6 Shamrock S.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Rovers dominated and created as a team to overwhelm Shamrock. Goals from Andy – before receiving 12 stitches from Alex no less – Alex after a beautifully worked move, and Mika gave the Reserves a 3-0 halftime lead. It should have been 4 as the best team goal of the season was disallowed after Stavros was wrongly judged offside by a ref who did not know the rules.
After Shamrock got 1 back after a controversial corner, Stash put the game beyond doubt. Stavros and Alex added the last 2. Alex had his hat-trick taken away by another terrible off-sides decision.
Team: Patrick Duff, Aanders Voigt, Vince Hamilton, George Box, Stash Rutkowski, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos, Alex Schardt, Brian McLaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Luis Rodriguez Subs: (all played) Donald Robertson, John Keogh
Reserves 9/26/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 8 Greek-American Atlas Res 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
2 weeks, a couple of practices and a few games together do make a difference. The 8-1 score line attests to it. The Reserves ignoring the fact that GA Atlas started with 9, imposed their will and turned the game into fun run midway through the 1st half and after the score was 3-0. Playing even better against a full Atlas 11 in the second half, they inflated the score to 8 before consciously turning off the tap. Atlas was given a consolation goal by the ref, on a penalty that only he could fathom. No doubt the Reserves played good, patient, passing football for the first 20 mins that it took to break down the Greek American 9 men defensive wall. There was no panic, no straying from the game plan. No other real commentary necessary on this match, as it should be, and as it should have been 2 weeks ago. Stash, got a true hat-trick in the first half. Abramovits netted a second half hat-trick sandwiched between a wonder strike from Ben. Stavros scored (a goal of the season candidate, may I add) on a RIGHT foot volley to the opposite side netting. Kipp never touched the ball with his hands. (and Aanders did not score – which explains why we won so easily) Team: Nate Kipp, Aanders Voigt, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmid, Steve Tronzano, Stash Rutkowski, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos, Ben Weiner, Brian McLaughlin, Andy Abramovits. Subs: (all played) George Box, James Fetters
Result: Reserves 9/19 vs CPR
Written by Stavros
Saturday, 25 September 2004
Central Park Rangers 4 Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 1
Perfect field, perfect weather, and your local derby opponent with only 9 men ! Sure 3 points to start the season.
First mistake was when – your’s truly – foolishly offered CPR a forfeit of 2-0 and 2 players to play 11 on 11.
The beginning of the match did not reveal what was to follow. The Reserves started confidently and with poise passed the ball from side to side attacking the well organized CPR defensive wall with purpose. Though, they were rarely dangerous, they were effective in keeping the play in one half of the pitch. Their only lacking was the absence of chances in front of goal.
Then Anders took the situation on his own hands. Starting from his sweeper position, he collected a pass in the middle of the pitch, pushed on against an advancing CPR defense, lobbed it over the last line to himself, and out-muscled their sweeper to the bouncing ball inside their area before thumping it to the upper left corner. A brilliant individual strike against his old club.
The scenario remained the same for the next 10 minutes. The Rovers thought the game was over and only a matter of time for the floodgates to open as the 9 men CPR would now have to open and chase the score !
Their marking relaxed, the effort whined. And with their first foray into the Rovers end of the pitch CPR equalized. A shot to the far post.
A few minutes later, CPR’s second excursion into the Rover end and it was 2-1. And before the Rovers knew what happened another CRP attack and it was 3-1. Unbelievable as it may sound, it was true. An admittedly very talented CPR 9 with 3 attempts had scored 3 times in 15 min.
For the Reserves it was their first outing with many new faces, and frustration – disbelief of losing to the CPR 9 – affected some of the older members – ie me – on the team. And although an effort to regroup was evident in the 2nd half, 2 – 3 close range misses to cut into the score, one after the CPR keeper spilled a powerful shot literally at point blank range, sealed the Reserves fate.
The Reserves have a lot of talent but will need playing time together to gel into the effective team that the Reserves had become in the spring last year.
Team: Eric Butte, Anders Voigt, Steve Tronzano, Brian Schmidt, Mika Tapio, Gio Bruscia, Gary Lingard, Stavros Zomopoulos, Alex Schardt, Jallu Rantanen, Luis Rodriguez. Subs: (all played) Andry Abramovits, Mackers, Takamichi, George Box, Vince Hamilton
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 23 May 2005
Albanians, having stacked their Reserve side, and apparently 'stuck' in their vehicles afraid of the rain – or the Rovers – decided they'd rather have a 0-2 scoreline rather than continue w/the Firsts fixture that had little meaning.
So, Puglie may have lost a chance at the scoring title. Then again, I gave him the 2 goals on the forfeit, so who knows.
Even with the league decisions going against us at Iberia and NYAC, this was the first .500 or better season for the club.
Next year, we aim to win it.
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. Reserves 1 - N.Y. Albanians 5, 05/22/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 23 May 2005
Nate Kipp’s last appearance for the Rovers - playing at forward !! - and marked by his first goal of the club, was the only thing of note this Sunday. Except, Xavi’s fight with the red card. He really slammed it to the ground, twice for a double TKO in the round, and if he had stomped on it while on the ground, he would certainly have won the fight. He did not, so he had to take an early shower on the sideline.
Shadi made his comeback after a broken shoulder.
And, oh yes – we had our first women ball girl too, thanks to Macker’s girlfriend.
On a rainy day, far away at Verazzano, the Rovers playing only for pride, were just not interested. They developed well enough through the first 2/3 of the field, but without desire and determination often stalled there. The Albanians, still in the hunt for the Reserve title, became the only team to beat the Reserves twice. They were the Rovers exact opposite. Having only 10 in the first half, they did not play much football, but were lethal with desire in the final third. 2 chances, 2 goals that did everything to determine the result. The Rovers wanted to fight – some, most tried - but having all 11 players, individually, in one of their worst performances of the year, you can imagine the overall team showing. Lacking motivation, and luck, it was just not happening.
Great goal Kipp !
Team:
Patrick Duff, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Xavier Egurbide, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos, Nate Kipp, Mackers Mclaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt, Shadi Shahrohki.
Greak American Atlas 2 - Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. Reserves 1, 05/15/05
Written by Stavros Zomopoulos
Monday, 16 May 2005
The division title dream came to an abrupt end Sunday for the Reserves. Absurdly, GA played 4-5 First team players in the reserve game even though their First team is, marginally, leading in their championship. Worse, the Reserves imploded and did not do themselves justice, neither in the approach to the match, nor in their performance. Whether it was the inexperience, occasion, or over excitement of playing for the division lead, the Reserves (and I in particular) did not respond well.
It did not help that a key member of a 13 man squad did not arrive on time, or that the Reserves conceded on the first GA attack in the first minute. Nor that they missed a breakaway in the first 10 mins, or that one of their forwards, breaking free and one on one with the keeper amazingly decided to stop playing without a refs whistle !!!
Even after stabilizing and dominating the match in the final half of the 2nd half, and having the intermission to re-adjust, they let the match slip away allowing a second goal and uselessly being reduced to 10 men.
Man of the match, Duff, playing one of his best games in memory after a indifferent start, kept the Reserves in the game making several outstanding, if not impossible saves, to keep the score line within reach.
And funnily, despite an appearance of having accepted their destiny, and inner bickering of Roversque proportions, Andy still managed to hustle a goal back and even create a chance or two to level.
GA were the best team on the day, maybe the best “Reserve” team seen in years, and won deservingly. Of course, the Rover’s Firsts duly pummeled them right afterwards to give the hated Kickers a late year present.
Still, had the Reserves had handled the day differently, used a bit more of their head for thinking, and used their energy more creatively, they would have adapted to the situation’s needs and, I believe, won the match.
Mika, Schmidtie, and Stash, other than Duff, were the sole others that salvaged a performance for the Rovers.
The Rovers learned a lot yesterday about winning a title. Hopefully they will be able to use this knowledge and complete the task next year.
Team:
Patrick Duff, Jim Miller, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, John Keogh, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos, Mika Tapio, Mackers Mclaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Alex Schardt. Subs(all played, some came late and got sent off): Ben Weiner, Anders Voigt.
Reserves 12/19/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers Res 5 Koha S.C. Res 3
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Reserves taking the lead from the Firsts the week before played with desire and skill thrashing their weaker opponents 4-0 at halftime. Only because they decided to turn the game into a celebration in the 2nd half – until it became too scary – does the final score give a different picture. Leading 4-0, scoring at will, and dominating the match, the Reserves played the 2nd half with a perverse line up. Koha fearing a blow out, put in their first team attacking trio catching the Rovers completely off-balance. Koha managed to narrow the score to 4-3 before the Rovers reverted to their starting setup and secured the game with a brilliant Jallu header. The Reserves now 3rd in the table with a game in hand, still have a chance at a run to the top in the spring. The Rovers opened the scoring early. Stavros cleverly chipped the ball to Andy crossing in front of the Koha central defense, and he skillfully placed it to the bottom right corner. Keeper no chance, Rovers 1-0. They doubled their tally a few minutes later. The Reserves executed a training ground corner routine, the ball was hit to the far post, Andy rose and headed it to the back of the net. Rovers 2-0 With Jallu’s first touch the Rovers were 3 to the good. Andy did brilliantly to get to the by-line he hit a low cross to the near post and Jallu with one side foot touch of finishing class – carbon copy of the Rovers 4th goal last week - put the Rover up 3-0. The Rovers were not done. Much superior and completely dominating, they pressed on. Stash made a run in the right flank, and was fed the ball in the edge of the box. He burst in and shot beating the keeper to the far post. As the ball was crossing the line Andy helped it in, inflating Koha off-side appeals, but the ref correctly ruled that the ball had already crossed the line. Rovers 4-0. Half time found the Rovers in the Holiday spirit, so Schmidtie (who missed his chance to get on the score sheet the other day with the o30s) and Tronz started up front, Mika left back, Rocco and Anders attacking midfield, Alex on right back, Xavi behind the strikers, Stash sweeping etc… Koha on the other hand, decided to bring in their First team forwards and centre mid to balance the game. With the Rovers vulnerable to counter attacks, Koha found their way back into the scoreline. 10 min from time a confusion inside the Rover box and Koha pulls back to 4-3. The Rover immediately revert back to the starting 11. And start to re-impose their domination. Messmer makes a very important double save from close range to keep the Rovers in front. Then, Mika get a ball on the right flank and strikes a trademark cross to the far post. Jallu rises above everyone else and heads the Rovers home. Rovers 5-3. The Reserves are a better team than their position in the standings indicate. It is up to them to: A) their individual players to push for the starting spots in the Firsts; B) introduce consistency in their performance and challenge for the division title. Team: Michael Messmer, Anders Voigt, Rocco Rochester, Brian Schmidt, Steve Tronzano, Stash Rutkowski, Xavier Egurbide, Stavros Zomopoulos, Mika Tapio, Alex Schardt, Andy Abramovits, Subs: (all played) Jallu Rantanen, Mackers McLaughlin, Donald Robertson
Reserves 10/31/04 - N.Y. Albanians Res 3 Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
The Reserves continued their seesaw season playing down to the opposition and forfeited the chance to top the league table. A smart finish from the 10 yards by Abro gave the Rovers a deserved early lead that should have been a prelude to a Sunday afternoon stroll on the new “real grass.” But, their inconsistency surfacing again as in the matches vs CPR and Bosjniac, the Reserves could not keep their concentration and focus. Instead of finishing their weaker opponent, and despite an excellent showing by Rocco and the markers, the Reserves allowed 2 soft goals in the last 15 of the first half. They never drew even. The Reserves dominated possession. Their solid build up should have allowed Stash and Stavros to dictate the pace from the central midfield but for the sub-par performance. One lacked his notorious tenacity to win balls and lethal finish, the other was repeatedly deceived in playing the difficult option turning the ball over instead, starving the wings of useful service and failing to get Jallu into the flow. With the final pass lacking still the Rovers created chances. They did not show the necessary composure to finish. With Brucia reinjuring his hamstring in the first half, Tronzano took charge on the left flank. He got deep and fired a beautifully weighted cross that neither Jallu nor Abro could reach. Donald beat the Albanian defense but an uncertain last touch evaporated the opportunity. Ben’s strike just outside the box was blocked by a diving Albanian. Stash’s decisive run behind the Albanian defense unended unceremoniously after a weak shot. Still, to begin the second half, the Rovers were the best bet for the points. The game opened up with the Rovers throwing men forward. Duff made several superb saves keeping the score line. But the Rovers could not seize the moment. A late Albanian goal sealed their fate. Even an injury time effort from 2 yards out to pull one back went wide for the Reserves. A just summary of the day. It’s a shame - this team should be 5-0 and easily on top of the table. A chance to prove it vs Kickers next week. Team: Patrick Duff, Rocco Rochester, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmidt, Stavros Zomopoulos, Stash Rutkowski, Gio Brucia, Mackers Mclaughlin, Donald Robertson, Jallu Rantanen, Abro Abramovits. Subs:(all played) Steve Tronzano, George Box, Ben Weiner, Gary Lingard.
Reserves 10/24/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 6 Shamrock S.C. 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
Rovers dominated and created as a team to overwhelm Shamrock. Goals from Andy – before receiving 12 stitches from Alex no less – Alex after a beautifully worked move, and Mika gave the Reserves a 3-0 halftime lead. It should have been 4 as the best team goal of the season was disallowed after Stavros was wrongly judged offside by a ref who did not know the rules.
After Shamrock got 1 back after a controversial corner, Stash put the game beyond doubt. Stavros and Alex added the last 2. Alex had his hat-trick taken away by another terrible off-sides decision.
Team: Patrick Duff, Aanders Voigt, Vince Hamilton, George Box, Stash Rutkowski, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos, Alex Schardt, Brian McLaughlin, Andy Abramovits, Luis Rodriguez Subs: (all played) Donald Robertson, John Keogh
Reserves 9/26/04 - Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 8 Greek-American Atlas Res 1
Contributed by Stavros Zomopoulos
Friday, 28 January 2005
2 weeks, a couple of practices and a few games together do make a difference. The 8-1 score line attests to it. The Reserves ignoring the fact that GA Atlas started with 9, imposed their will and turned the game into fun run midway through the 1st half and after the score was 3-0. Playing even better against a full Atlas 11 in the second half, they inflated the score to 8 before consciously turning off the tap. Atlas was given a consolation goal by the ref, on a penalty that only he could fathom. No doubt the Reserves played good, patient, passing football for the first 20 mins that it took to break down the Greek American 9 men defensive wall. There was no panic, no straying from the game plan. No other real commentary necessary on this match, as it should be, and as it should have been 2 weeks ago. Stash, got a true hat-trick in the first half. Abramovits netted a second half hat-trick sandwiched between a wonder strike from Ben. Stavros scored (a goal of the season candidate, may I add) on a RIGHT foot volley to the opposite side netting. Kipp never touched the ball with his hands. (and Aanders did not score – which explains why we won so easily) Team: Nate Kipp, Aanders Voigt, Vince Hamilton, Brian Schmid, Steve Tronzano, Stash Rutkowski, Mika Tapio, Stavros Zomopoulos, Ben Weiner, Brian McLaughlin, Andy Abramovits. Subs: (all played) George Box, James Fetters
Result: Reserves 9/19 vs CPR
Written by Stavros
Saturday, 25 September 2004
Central Park Rangers 4 Barnstonworth Rovers Reserves 1
Perfect field, perfect weather, and your local derby opponent with only 9 men ! Sure 3 points to start the season.
First mistake was when – your’s truly – foolishly offered CPR a forfeit of 2-0 and 2 players to play 11 on 11.
The beginning of the match did not reveal what was to follow. The Reserves started confidently and with poise passed the ball from side to side attacking the well organized CPR defensive wall with purpose. Though, they were rarely dangerous, they were effective in keeping the play in one half of the pitch. Their only lacking was the absence of chances in front of goal.
Then Anders took the situation on his own hands. Starting from his sweeper position, he collected a pass in the middle of the pitch, pushed on against an advancing CPR defense, lobbed it over the last line to himself, and out-muscled their sweeper to the bouncing ball inside their area before thumping it to the upper left corner. A brilliant individual strike against his old club.
The scenario remained the same for the next 10 minutes. The Rovers thought the game was over and only a matter of time for the floodgates to open as the 9 men CPR would now have to open and chase the score !
Their marking relaxed, the effort whined. And with their first foray into the Rovers end of the pitch CPR equalized. A shot to the far post.
A few minutes later, CPR’s second excursion into the Rover end and it was 2-1. And before the Rovers knew what happened another CRP attack and it was 3-1. Unbelievable as it may sound, it was true. An admittedly very talented CPR 9 with 3 attempts had scored 3 times in 15 min.
For the Reserves it was their first outing with many new faces, and frustration – disbelief of losing to the CPR 9 – affected some of the older members – ie me – on the team. And although an effort to regroup was evident in the 2nd half, 2 – 3 close range misses to cut into the score, one after the CPR keeper spilled a powerful shot literally at point blank range, sealed the Reserves fate.
The Reserves have a lot of talent but will need playing time together to gel into the effective team that the Reserves had become in the spring last year.
Team: Eric Butte, Anders Voigt, Steve Tronzano, Brian Schmidt, Mika Tapio, Gio Bruscia, Gary Lingard, Stavros Zomopoulos, Alex Schardt, Jallu Rantanen, Luis Rodriguez. Subs: (all played) Andry Abramovits, Mackers, Takamichi, George Box, Vince Hamilton
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Season 2004-2005 Match Reports – Women
Lady Rovers2 1 vs. Thunder 2, 05/01/05
Written by Mary Lawton
Tuesday, 03 May 2005
This is a sad day for lady rovers!!! Although our competition did have a solid squad put together, they ONLY HAD 9 players!! We had 12 and somehow we walk away 1-2.
However, this was not without a good fight! We were knocking at their door all day and had some great shots up front, from Kelly, Camilla, Lara, and others. Over Half time we decided to tell the whole team a secret, which surprisingly enough not many had figured out yet ... BIG SHOCKER HERE ... THEY HAD 9 PLAYERS!!! Now despite their annoying screaming midget of a coach we really wanted to punish them for showing up with 9. So during the middle of the second half Camilla finishes a beauty of a goal from a cross by Kelly, I think. I have the memory of a 5 year old, what do you want? I know Camilla scored!
Then you would think that we could just play a good round of ‘kick the piss out of the ball’, however those lucky nine manage to punch one in. So no big deal tie game and we could still run them rampant and put another in ... however with our fabulous R2D2 luck we got robbed and the annoying 9 bagged one more with a shot just outside the eighteen!!
However, all was not lost after their goal we had a whole 3 plays then the whistle blew and the drink fest began!!! Most of the lady rovers went to the bar to drink away this BS.
Lady Rovers 2 Spring Season recap
Written by Rachel Cole
Monday, 25 April 2005
Rovers 2 are in second to last place in the B division (9 teams total). Over the last 3 games, we've played some teams we could have/should have beaten. Let's just hope it's a slow start after the winter, and that with good turnout at practice, things can pick up for our team soon ...
Lady Rovers2 0 - Appletown 0, 04/24/05
Appletown are just one place above us, just 3 points ahead. Earlier in the season, they beat us 4 -0. Today, we were looking much better than that poor performance in the fall, but couldn't capitalize on the chance to overtake them in the table. A reasonable number of shots from the Rovers, including two that hit the post, but the draw was fair to both teams.
R2 squad of 13 players.
Lady Rovers2 3 - Phoenix 3, 04/17/05
We should have been all over Pheonix, who are bottom of the table with just 2 points and a goal difference of minus 41! When we played them in the fall, we smashed them 6-0.
But last Sunday, we had a horrible game where neither team couldn't string two passes together. We couldn't tell the teams apart due to the near identical colors of the uniforms/strips. It was bad enough just standing around in the bright sunlight trying to tell the teams apart, but in play, it became impossible. Both teams played comedy football as they tackled their own teams and passed to the wrong team in error. Despite lots of whining to the ref, no change was made. Phoenix were away and even they were insisting on a change, until the realized they had nothing else to wear.
Phoenix were 2-0 up at halftime. Rovers2 came back, then took the lead. With 30 seconds of the game left, should have been using up the clock, but instead Phoenix got a free kick and equalized. It was the second last kick of the game. Very disappointing.
R2 squad of 13 players. New players Camila and Shawn joined. Shawn is is field player, but played very well in goal; R2 keeper was lent to R1 for a key game.
Rovers2 goals from Rachel, Lara and Camila.
Lady Rovers2 1 - Gingers 2, 04/10/05 Gingers are totally beatable. In the fall, we beat them 4-0. But for this first game in our spring season, which was played out at Verrazano, we could only muster a mere 8 players.
Even with 3 men short of a full squad, we were leading 1-0 at halftime. That's how beatable Gingers are!!! But a game of 8 vs 11 plus subs is an ugly thing to watch, and in the second half, it felt inevitable that Ginger's would be able to use their many open players to conjur up the necessary goals to take the game.
Needless to say, this unnecesary loss was really frustrating, all the more so while Rovers1 had about 15 players at their game. The league rules don't allow for same-day transfers, and R2 suffered from several people out of town, some non-responders, and some flakes.
Rovers2 goal from Kristen.
R2D2 vs. NYAC 9/26/04
Contributed by Mary Lawton (da biatch)
Monday, 27 September 2004
In R2D2 play, Roverette "B" team tumbled to NYAC "B" in a respectable 1-nil loss. Mary Lawton's brother lent the ladies his piece of garbage van to get to the game, and they ended up having to jumpstart it... TWICE! Here's what Rookie Mary Lawton had to say about the day...
By Rookie Mary Lawton
Well, Rovers 2 Sunday game started with the usual: total confusion. As Jenny, Amanda and I rolled up in our child molester van, we came upon a scene in which no one knew what had happened to our coach. "Who is your coach?" you ask. Well we don't really know, but Gavin (our coach of the day) had lost his cell phone (a move that seems to be my trademark, so well done Gav) ;-) and skipped the rendezvous spot at 96th Street to head straight for the Game. After much debate the Rovers squad said screw it and headed straight for the game ourselves.
Now, you would think the rest is simple, but we had the van from hell. After we ditched the caravan to refill the gas, the stupid f***ing van wouldn't start. So the really happy gas man jumped the van, and once again we were on our way... nice and late. As soon as we arrived at the field we jumped out and straight onto the field.
From the get-go the NYAC bitches were clawing. Not only were there the obvious aggressive wenches, but we had the 'sneaky ones' as well. Like the one Melissa and Amanda had to guard, who would attempt to hold hands with them as they countered with a shove to the chest. We also had to deal with the brutal tackle of Marlene, which sent her to the Hospital. (Don't worry Marlene we plan on jumping that girl in the next match with NYAC.)
Then as usual 'The Bitch' (as the team has so kindly nicknamed me), took down some squirrelly wench OUTSIDE THE BOX, which resulted in a well-place free kick and a goal.
As usual, we pulled it together in the second half and played outstanding soccer: keeping possession and even getting a few shots from Katie and Laura. I think everyone would agree that we've finally sorted out our positions and started to feel comfortable with each other. You know what that means.... We will whoop some ass next week!
All-in-all, Rovers 2 is giving a big middle finger to our VAN, the Ref, the crap face who took Marlene out, and everything else that takes the blame off us! :-)
Highlights: Mullet girl swimming in the mud :-) Franchesca's tongue lashing "you f***ing stupid b***, I will kick your ass, you whore........) :-) :-)
First bar night where us girls sat in the corner eating our pizza and SALAD
Roverettes D1 vs. Lansdowne 9/26/04
Contributed by Scareyburd
Monday, 27 September 2004
Rovers (8) - Landsdowne (0)
With 16 Roverettes standing on the sideline at 11:00 a.m., we outnumbered rival Landsdowne 2-1. It was already hot on the turf, and getting hotter by the minute under the strong September sun. They knew they were about to be run all over the place for 90 minutes, but they came out fighting hard anyway.
The Rovers went up early when Rookie Rosie Rosenbaum ran out of the back of the I formation and straight up the middle to receive the handoff from veteran QB Nacho Natchez for the first 6 points of the game. Despite some tremendous blocking from the offensive line of Mergs Merganthaler, LB Benek, Cookie Krom-hout and Rainycakes Toner, rookie Whig-n-Tory Munroe cracked under the pressure of the open goalposts and shanked the ball wide on the extrapoint.
There was a brief moment of excitement when veteran freesafety "Swish" Trish Fontecchio fanned on an interception, allowing one of the Landsdowne offense in for an attempt to score... But tried-and-true Alice-in-Wonderland came to the rescue and tackled the player on the breakaway, stripping her of the ball and any chance for glory.
The score was rounded out when Blisterin' Kristin and Cookie Krom-hout went in for the kill and secured another 2 on a safety.
But seriously folks, this game saw some of the best passing of the Fall season thus far. And why shouldn't it?... we were 3 players up for the entirety of the game. The situation presented just the opportunity for the Roverettes to settle down and get familiar with one another, work on maintaining possession and finding the open pass. Having sufficiently tired out Lansdowne's 8 players during the first half, the Rovers effortlessly moved the ball around the field throughout much of the second half.
Tory Munroe led off the scoring with two goals, but was unable to convert for the hattrick after having beaten the keeper one-on-one. Kristin Albert rounded out the scoring with two of her own, one a lovely half-volley from in front of the net, and the second a shot reminiscent of the one fired on her college team by a certain NC State player who is now her teammate. Somewhere in between, Nacho slotted one; Rosie slotted one AND tumbled over the keeper for effect; Rainy joined in the scoring fun; and newcomer Cookie Kromhout (so named for the fabulous chocolate chip cookies she presented for post-game consumption at the pub) headed one in off a looping cross. It should also be noted that Cookie Krom baked in the goal for the entire second half of the game, although that's hard to believe considering the exhibitionist routine she was doing with the goalie kit (lookout Brandy Chastain... photos to be published on the Rovers website)!
ladies teams match reports
Written by MJ Bushey
Saturday, 25 September 2004
Lady Rovers Firsts (1) - KICKERS1 (0)
R2D2 (0) - KICKERS2 (2)
In Division I play. The Lady Rovers Firsts team toppled rival club Kickers(1) by a
score of 1-nil.
In a happy change of pace, Lady Rovers showed evidence of shaking a habitual issue,
low attendance. Buffered by a thrust in summer recruitment, seventeen energetic, shiny
faces presented themselves at yesterday’s 11:00 a.m. game, six of whom prepared their
muscles against the crisp autumn morn from the sideline as the game kicked off,
anxiously awaiting their opportunity to strut their stuff on East 6th Street’s covetous turf.
Kudos to the fair and skilled Sarah Mergenthaler (and her killer bridesmaid’s ‘do) for
making the 6-hour drive from her best friend’s wedding in Virginia in the wee hours of the
morn!
The Ladies, in only their second full-field appearance together since beefing up their
credentials with a slew of new recruits, tightened up their passing and runs, and began to exhibit evidence of solid team cohesiveness and intuition.
The goal came late in the first half off a Rovers throw-in. Trish Fonteccio received the throw-in on a well-timed run toward the end line. She turned and drove it into the area on a low, hard trajectory, where Janelle DeLosSantos one timed it from the near corner of the goal box. The keeper jumped and deflected the shot out of the upper corner to the far side of the goal box, where it landed at the feet of Sarah Merganthalar, who, blonde curls still intact, slotted it into the net to secure the Rovers lead.
In Division II play. On the flip side, the Lady Rovers Reserves, R2D2, did a fantastic job despite having fallen prey to an unfortunate mishap… Jake’s call for "volunteers" to skip the game due to an expected over attendance backfired in that Rovers 2 played with only ten players. And bum subway directions to the New Utrecht field diverted at least one player’s attempt to remedy the situation.
Once again, newcomer Jessie Salpeter played a major role in keeping the score from being lopsided. She even stopped a penalty kick resulted from a hard tackle by Mary Lawton in the area. Mary claims the PK was unjustified, having been awarded on a 50/50 ball and largely on the basis of the K2 player’s theatrics, which were greatly aided by her pre-game weigh-in at a feathery 75 pounds. Roverettes beware: Salpeter’s fees for such services rendered are going up… of her hero’s status, she had this to say, “All I know is that Mary owes me a forty (i changed the price). But to be fair, it totally was a bogus call.”
And thanks to Coach Chris for showing up and taking the reigns away from a well-lubricated (and overworked) Coach Jake as he drowned his sorrows in a forty and a pack of ciggies.
Women's results - 9/14/04
Written by Rachel Cole
Saturday, 25 September 2004
The Lady Rovers started their season on Sunday.
Lady Rovers (1) 1: CP Rangers 2. Our goal by Tricia Fontecchio.
Lady Rovers (2) 1: Renegades 4. Our goal by Melissa Blum.
Despite dual losses, our grand experiment in two Lady Rover teams shows signs of a bright future.
Jake reckons the soccer played by Rovers 1 was some of the sweetest stuff he's seen us or any team in the league play. Fantastic passing, and possession for about 85% of the play. Great teamwork for a team that has only just come together. We got a good turnout of 14 players, 9 of whom were new to the Rovers thanks to the recruitment drive throughout the summer.
We just couldn't score but we'll work on that. Goalkeeping was fantastic. Kudos to new Rover goalie Alice.
Rovers 1 players: Lorraine Toner, Sarah Natchez,Hannah Stark, Janelle de los Santos, Julie Park, Tricia Fontecchio, Meghan Kelley,Tory Munro, Lissa Green-Stark, Molly Kromhout, Alice Lehne, Lauren Benek, Kristin Albert, Sarah Rosenbaum
As for Rovers 2, we are a brand new team and for several players, it had been a good while since they'd played on a full size field. We got a good turnout of 15 players, 14 of whom were new to the Rovers. We had a short period of time to learn names and start asking for the first time who played where. and then the whistle blew on our inaugural game.
It was a rocky start smoothed out in the second half once we got some positioning wrinkles ironed out. Possession was limited, and passing is to be worked on. Not too many Rovers shots in the first half. But second half was better, with more possession and several attacks by the Rovers. Second half score was 1-1. And once again, fantabulous goalkeeping, this time by newcomer, Jessie.
Rovers 2 players: Samantha Solomon, Sharon Schlesinger, Sara Brandwein, Kelli Lee, Marlane Wingo, Amanda Sinclair, Mary Lawton, Jenny Weirich, Jessie Salpeter, Danielle Gentille, Lisa Wood, Melissa Blum, Lara Hall, Rachel Cole, Allison Levy
Lots of new Lady Rovers have joined the club this first weeks play, we had 23 newcomers to the club. We are looking forward to being well integrated in the club and no doubt once the Rovers bar Mundial opens and the mens seasons begin, we'll have a chance to hang out.
Written by Mary Lawton
Tuesday, 03 May 2005
This is a sad day for lady rovers!!! Although our competition did have a solid squad put together, they ONLY HAD 9 players!! We had 12 and somehow we walk away 1-2.
However, this was not without a good fight! We were knocking at their door all day and had some great shots up front, from Kelly, Camilla, Lara, and others. Over Half time we decided to tell the whole team a secret, which surprisingly enough not many had figured out yet ... BIG SHOCKER HERE ... THEY HAD 9 PLAYERS!!! Now despite their annoying screaming midget of a coach we really wanted to punish them for showing up with 9. So during the middle of the second half Camilla finishes a beauty of a goal from a cross by Kelly, I think. I have the memory of a 5 year old, what do you want? I know Camilla scored!
Then you would think that we could just play a good round of ‘kick the piss out of the ball’, however those lucky nine manage to punch one in. So no big deal tie game and we could still run them rampant and put another in ... however with our fabulous R2D2 luck we got robbed and the annoying 9 bagged one more with a shot just outside the eighteen!!
However, all was not lost after their goal we had a whole 3 plays then the whistle blew and the drink fest began!!! Most of the lady rovers went to the bar to drink away this BS.
Lady Rovers 2 Spring Season recap
Written by Rachel Cole
Monday, 25 April 2005
Rovers 2 are in second to last place in the B division (9 teams total). Over the last 3 games, we've played some teams we could have/should have beaten. Let's just hope it's a slow start after the winter, and that with good turnout at practice, things can pick up for our team soon ...
Lady Rovers2 0 - Appletown 0, 04/24/05
Appletown are just one place above us, just 3 points ahead. Earlier in the season, they beat us 4 -0. Today, we were looking much better than that poor performance in the fall, but couldn't capitalize on the chance to overtake them in the table. A reasonable number of shots from the Rovers, including two that hit the post, but the draw was fair to both teams.
R2 squad of 13 players.
Lady Rovers2 3 - Phoenix 3, 04/17/05
We should have been all over Pheonix, who are bottom of the table with just 2 points and a goal difference of minus 41! When we played them in the fall, we smashed them 6-0.
But last Sunday, we had a horrible game where neither team couldn't string two passes together. We couldn't tell the teams apart due to the near identical colors of the uniforms/strips. It was bad enough just standing around in the bright sunlight trying to tell the teams apart, but in play, it became impossible. Both teams played comedy football as they tackled their own teams and passed to the wrong team in error. Despite lots of whining to the ref, no change was made. Phoenix were away and even they were insisting on a change, until the realized they had nothing else to wear.
Phoenix were 2-0 up at halftime. Rovers2 came back, then took the lead. With 30 seconds of the game left, should have been using up the clock, but instead Phoenix got a free kick and equalized. It was the second last kick of the game. Very disappointing.
R2 squad of 13 players. New players Camila and Shawn joined. Shawn is is field player, but played very well in goal; R2 keeper was lent to R1 for a key game.
Rovers2 goals from Rachel, Lara and Camila.
Lady Rovers2 1 - Gingers 2, 04/10/05 Gingers are totally beatable. In the fall, we beat them 4-0. But for this first game in our spring season, which was played out at Verrazano, we could only muster a mere 8 players.
Even with 3 men short of a full squad, we were leading 1-0 at halftime. That's how beatable Gingers are!!! But a game of 8 vs 11 plus subs is an ugly thing to watch, and in the second half, it felt inevitable that Ginger's would be able to use their many open players to conjur up the necessary goals to take the game.
Needless to say, this unnecesary loss was really frustrating, all the more so while Rovers1 had about 15 players at their game. The league rules don't allow for same-day transfers, and R2 suffered from several people out of town, some non-responders, and some flakes.
Rovers2 goal from Kristen.
R2D2 vs. NYAC 9/26/04
Contributed by Mary Lawton (da biatch)
Monday, 27 September 2004
In R2D2 play, Roverette "B" team tumbled to NYAC "B" in a respectable 1-nil loss. Mary Lawton's brother lent the ladies his piece of garbage van to get to the game, and they ended up having to jumpstart it... TWICE! Here's what Rookie Mary Lawton had to say about the day...
By Rookie Mary Lawton
Well, Rovers 2 Sunday game started with the usual: total confusion. As Jenny, Amanda and I rolled up in our child molester van, we came upon a scene in which no one knew what had happened to our coach. "Who is your coach?" you ask. Well we don't really know, but Gavin (our coach of the day) had lost his cell phone (a move that seems to be my trademark, so well done Gav) ;-) and skipped the rendezvous spot at 96th Street to head straight for the Game. After much debate the Rovers squad said screw it and headed straight for the game ourselves.
Now, you would think the rest is simple, but we had the van from hell. After we ditched the caravan to refill the gas, the stupid f***ing van wouldn't start. So the really happy gas man jumped the van, and once again we were on our way... nice and late. As soon as we arrived at the field we jumped out and straight onto the field.
From the get-go the NYAC bitches were clawing. Not only were there the obvious aggressive wenches, but we had the 'sneaky ones' as well. Like the one Melissa and Amanda had to guard, who would attempt to hold hands with them as they countered with a shove to the chest. We also had to deal with the brutal tackle of Marlene, which sent her to the Hospital. (Don't worry Marlene we plan on jumping that girl in the next match with NYAC.)
Then as usual 'The Bitch' (as the team has so kindly nicknamed me), took down some squirrelly wench OUTSIDE THE BOX, which resulted in a well-place free kick and a goal.
As usual, we pulled it together in the second half and played outstanding soccer: keeping possession and even getting a few shots from Katie and Laura. I think everyone would agree that we've finally sorted out our positions and started to feel comfortable with each other. You know what that means.... We will whoop some ass next week!
All-in-all, Rovers 2 is giving a big middle finger to our VAN, the Ref, the crap face who took Marlene out, and everything else that takes the blame off us! :-)
Highlights: Mullet girl swimming in the mud :-) Franchesca's tongue lashing "you f***ing stupid b***, I will kick your ass, you whore........) :-) :-)
First bar night where us girls sat in the corner eating our pizza and SALAD
Roverettes D1 vs. Lansdowne 9/26/04
Contributed by Scareyburd
Monday, 27 September 2004
Rovers (8) - Landsdowne (0)
With 16 Roverettes standing on the sideline at 11:00 a.m., we outnumbered rival Landsdowne 2-1. It was already hot on the turf, and getting hotter by the minute under the strong September sun. They knew they were about to be run all over the place for 90 minutes, but they came out fighting hard anyway.
The Rovers went up early when Rookie Rosie Rosenbaum ran out of the back of the I formation and straight up the middle to receive the handoff from veteran QB Nacho Natchez for the first 6 points of the game. Despite some tremendous blocking from the offensive line of Mergs Merganthaler, LB Benek, Cookie Krom-hout and Rainycakes Toner, rookie Whig-n-Tory Munroe cracked under the pressure of the open goalposts and shanked the ball wide on the extrapoint.
There was a brief moment of excitement when veteran freesafety "Swish" Trish Fontecchio fanned on an interception, allowing one of the Landsdowne offense in for an attempt to score... But tried-and-true Alice-in-Wonderland came to the rescue and tackled the player on the breakaway, stripping her of the ball and any chance for glory.
The score was rounded out when Blisterin' Kristin and Cookie Krom-hout went in for the kill and secured another 2 on a safety.
But seriously folks, this game saw some of the best passing of the Fall season thus far. And why shouldn't it?... we were 3 players up for the entirety of the game. The situation presented just the opportunity for the Roverettes to settle down and get familiar with one another, work on maintaining possession and finding the open pass. Having sufficiently tired out Lansdowne's 8 players during the first half, the Rovers effortlessly moved the ball around the field throughout much of the second half.
Tory Munroe led off the scoring with two goals, but was unable to convert for the hattrick after having beaten the keeper one-on-one. Kristin Albert rounded out the scoring with two of her own, one a lovely half-volley from in front of the net, and the second a shot reminiscent of the one fired on her college team by a certain NC State player who is now her teammate. Somewhere in between, Nacho slotted one; Rosie slotted one AND tumbled over the keeper for effect; Rainy joined in the scoring fun; and newcomer Cookie Kromhout (so named for the fabulous chocolate chip cookies she presented for post-game consumption at the pub) headed one in off a looping cross. It should also be noted that Cookie Krom baked in the goal for the entire second half of the game, although that's hard to believe considering the exhibitionist routine she was doing with the goalie kit (lookout Brandy Chastain... photos to be published on the Rovers website)!
ladies teams match reports
Written by MJ Bushey
Saturday, 25 September 2004
Lady Rovers Firsts (1) - KICKERS1 (0)
R2D2 (0) - KICKERS2 (2)
In Division I play. The Lady Rovers Firsts team toppled rival club Kickers(1) by a
score of 1-nil.
In a happy change of pace, Lady Rovers showed evidence of shaking a habitual issue,
low attendance. Buffered by a thrust in summer recruitment, seventeen energetic, shiny
faces presented themselves at yesterday’s 11:00 a.m. game, six of whom prepared their
muscles against the crisp autumn morn from the sideline as the game kicked off,
anxiously awaiting their opportunity to strut their stuff on East 6th Street’s covetous turf.
Kudos to the fair and skilled Sarah Mergenthaler (and her killer bridesmaid’s ‘do) for
making the 6-hour drive from her best friend’s wedding in Virginia in the wee hours of the
morn!
The Ladies, in only their second full-field appearance together since beefing up their
credentials with a slew of new recruits, tightened up their passing and runs, and began to exhibit evidence of solid team cohesiveness and intuition.
The goal came late in the first half off a Rovers throw-in. Trish Fonteccio received the throw-in on a well-timed run toward the end line. She turned and drove it into the area on a low, hard trajectory, where Janelle DeLosSantos one timed it from the near corner of the goal box. The keeper jumped and deflected the shot out of the upper corner to the far side of the goal box, where it landed at the feet of Sarah Merganthalar, who, blonde curls still intact, slotted it into the net to secure the Rovers lead.
In Division II play. On the flip side, the Lady Rovers Reserves, R2D2, did a fantastic job despite having fallen prey to an unfortunate mishap… Jake’s call for "volunteers" to skip the game due to an expected over attendance backfired in that Rovers 2 played with only ten players. And bum subway directions to the New Utrecht field diverted at least one player’s attempt to remedy the situation.
Once again, newcomer Jessie Salpeter played a major role in keeping the score from being lopsided. She even stopped a penalty kick resulted from a hard tackle by Mary Lawton in the area. Mary claims the PK was unjustified, having been awarded on a 50/50 ball and largely on the basis of the K2 player’s theatrics, which were greatly aided by her pre-game weigh-in at a feathery 75 pounds. Roverettes beware: Salpeter’s fees for such services rendered are going up… of her hero’s status, she had this to say, “All I know is that Mary owes me a forty (i changed the price). But to be fair, it totally was a bogus call.”
And thanks to Coach Chris for showing up and taking the reigns away from a well-lubricated (and overworked) Coach Jake as he drowned his sorrows in a forty and a pack of ciggies.
Women's results - 9/14/04
Written by Rachel Cole
Saturday, 25 September 2004
The Lady Rovers started their season on Sunday.
Lady Rovers (1) 1: CP Rangers 2. Our goal by Tricia Fontecchio.
Lady Rovers (2) 1: Renegades 4. Our goal by Melissa Blum.
Despite dual losses, our grand experiment in two Lady Rover teams shows signs of a bright future.
Jake reckons the soccer played by Rovers 1 was some of the sweetest stuff he's seen us or any team in the league play. Fantastic passing, and possession for about 85% of the play. Great teamwork for a team that has only just come together. We got a good turnout of 14 players, 9 of whom were new to the Rovers thanks to the recruitment drive throughout the summer.
We just couldn't score but we'll work on that. Goalkeeping was fantastic. Kudos to new Rover goalie Alice.
Rovers 1 players: Lorraine Toner, Sarah Natchez,Hannah Stark, Janelle de los Santos, Julie Park, Tricia Fontecchio, Meghan Kelley,Tory Munro, Lissa Green-Stark, Molly Kromhout, Alice Lehne, Lauren Benek, Kristin Albert, Sarah Rosenbaum
As for Rovers 2, we are a brand new team and for several players, it had been a good while since they'd played on a full size field. We got a good turnout of 15 players, 14 of whom were new to the Rovers. We had a short period of time to learn names and start asking for the first time who played where. and then the whistle blew on our inaugural game.
It was a rocky start smoothed out in the second half once we got some positioning wrinkles ironed out. Possession was limited, and passing is to be worked on. Not too many Rovers shots in the first half. But second half was better, with more possession and several attacks by the Rovers. Second half score was 1-1. And once again, fantabulous goalkeeping, this time by newcomer, Jessie.
Rovers 2 players: Samantha Solomon, Sharon Schlesinger, Sara Brandwein, Kelli Lee, Marlane Wingo, Amanda Sinclair, Mary Lawton, Jenny Weirich, Jessie Salpeter, Danielle Gentille, Lisa Wood, Melissa Blum, Lara Hall, Rachel Cole, Allison Levy
Lots of new Lady Rovers have joined the club this first weeks play, we had 23 newcomers to the club. We are looking forward to being well integrated in the club and no doubt once the Rovers bar Mundial opens and the mens seasons begin, we'll have a chance to hang out.
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