United Rocklanders (3) - Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds (3), 9/14/08

The annual trip to Rockland County to face the Haitian United Rocklanders team proved a lot more productive this year, as Thirds were able to get an important point against a team who will surely fight up there this season, as they did last.
The game started with what has to be one of the fastest, if not the fastest, goal in Barnstonworth history, surely the fastest from a rookie player in his first game with the club. Rovers kicked off, moved the ball back and, after a few passes, Garro put the ball out right for González Casares, who assisted Rowley with a through ball. Rowley first-timed it to beat the keeper and put Rovers up 1-0 in 45 seconds of play.
But it was not too last. In less than 20 minutes, Rovers found themselves down 1-2 as two very similar goals were scored by one of their two small and fast forwards, who got the ball between our defense and the goalie to first time it past the latter. The half could have ended in a tie, but Obudulu shot wide after sneaking past two defenders in the box.
The second half started a lot better for the Thirds, who started exploiting Rocklanders’ weaknesses on the flanks and quickly went up 3-2. The second goal came from a fast run from rookie Dirolf down the right side where a defender was able to just get the ball from him but passed it back to the keeper, who picked it up not expecting the call from the very strict referee. Rovers got the free kick in the box. Garro played to Robertson, the kick hit the wall and, after one or two more rebounds, came back to Robertson for the final tap. 2-2. A few minutes later a run from Roberston down the left side produced a similar play, yet he was able to get the shot out, only to be saved by the keeper and see a charging Obudulu stretch as he has never in his life to volley the rebound to the back of the net. 3-2.
United Rocklanders were able to tie the game after a corner kick was cleared and a miss-hit from one of their midfielders managed to sneak in the far post. 3-3. Both teams could have won the game in the last minutes, as Robertson missed an incredible one-on-one and Crane saved one for us on the line …
With many regular starting players missing and many new players, Rovers played a smart and strong game against a tough team to get a good point to start the season.

Rovers Thirds: Artis; Maciunas, Kilfedder, Wine and Crane; Brown, Garro, Robertson and Dirolf; Rowley and González Casares.
Subs (all played): Sholl, Bernfeld and Obudulu.