Results: Firsts 11/09/08 vs NYAC (a)

New York Athletic Club 5 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1

Figure, the Rovers started the weekend on top of the league table. More, it has been since May of 2006 that the Rovers 1/Res lost both league matches on a Sunday, coincidentally, also the last time the played at Travers Island vs NYAC. It has been just as long - April 2007 - since the Rovers 1st team dropped a league decision with more than a single goal, and its been since May 2006 vs Pancyprians – before the arrival for many of the 1sts players - that they were beaten by more than 2. All that changed on Sunday when the Rovers, unlucky not to go up early in the contest, uncharacteristically capitulated. Seeing the uncompetitive Reserves earlier being thrashed 8-0 – the worst result for the team ever ! - could not have helped.
The Rovers did have a chance to get back into the match and fight for a result when they were awarded a penalty at 1-4, but missed it.
The Firsts started brightly and controlled the pace and the match. They got deep in the flanks and created opportunities, but without the injured Pugli, failed to finish. And when NYAC buried their first chance, Rover heads dropped, played uninspired, and the unit lost its cohesion. NYAC again took advantage just before the half. Rovers 0-2.
In the second half, NYAC pressed their advantage and scored early twice on as many chances. Rover 0-4.
The run of play was much different than the score indicated, BRFC pressing all the time but unable to put the ball away. Then, Einar latched on a clearance and volleyed home to spark a mini-revival. Rovers 1-2.
Minutes later, Baskin received a pass in the area and as he turned to beat his marker, he was clobbered for a clear penalty. Einar ready to convert for his second, inexplicably succumbed to letting the foulee take the spot kick. Unwritten law of football states that he who is fouled does not take the penalty. Baskin proved why and ended the Rover chances.
NYAC iced it in the last minutes. Roves 1-5.
Overall the most lopsided result for 3 years and the worse showing on a weekend for the Rovers in memory.
Hopefully the team will rebound for its US Open Cup match on Thursday and the NY State Cup on Sunday.
Team: Dave Borchard, Sam Wiggin, Mark Kushemba, Vidar Ekehaug, Randi Lee, Oren Nhaissi, Sam Minaya, Einar Benedktsson, Andy Abramovits, Jordan Chirico, Alex Cruz. Subs (all played) Ron Baskin, Austin Harris