N.Y. Albanians Res 2 Barnstonworth Rovers Res 1

The Reserves lost their perfect start to the season wasting enough chances to win a season’ worth of matches. In contrast, the Albanians scored in 2 of 3 occasions they reached the Rover area. It’s the unwritten rule of football, and the Albanians seem to invoke it, year after year against the Rovers.

It did not help that the Rovers had to wait for 3 hours before kick-off courtesy of the Albanians’ attempt to take the points without playing a match. Thanksfully the Carribean resto on Jerome Ave came to the rescue. Then again, watching Tottenham never helped anyone.

The Rovers had at least 80% of possesion, but were unable to raise the tempo and take advantage of their physical fitness. They did not move the ball quickly enough or sharply enough, allowing the Albanians to contain the play. They lacked urgency until the last 20 minutes. Yet they still created a myriad of chances without putting any of them away.

The Reserves definitely missed the injured Lowe’s ability to break down defenses and finish.

It was left to old timer Jerome to show that certain skills never fade, to coolly slide one home with time from inside the box to put the Rovers back in the match. Rovers 1-2.

Then in the remaining 20 mins, Stash, Sam, Alf, and Lexi repeadedly, among others, failed to stir the ball past the line, on a day that it was just not meant for the Rovers.

Team: Mike Zawada, Dixon Hayes, Brian Schmid, Mike Alexander, Tai Anderson, Alfonzo Nanclares, Stash Rutkowski, Stavros Zomopoulos, Giancarlo Cavallo, Lexi Schardt, Sam Wiggin. Subs (all played) Alex Carabano, Shadi Shahrokhi, Jerome Albertini