RECORD-BREAKING ROVERS
Steve Pugliese and the veteran Ron Baskin both shot their way into the Barnstonworth Rovers record book with goals that kept the First Division outfit in contention for both first team and reserve titles in Division One [West].
Pugliese brought his goal tally for the ‘A’ team to 50 in five seasons with the final effort in a 3-0 romp over FC Bulgaria at Ichan Stadium.
“He is the first Barnstonworth player to do that for our first team,” coach Stavros Zomopoulos noted.
The striker is now six goals behind Baskin, who upped his club-high total for both first and second teams to 56 with a brace in the 6-1 destruction of the Bulgaria Reserves. Baskin’s tally has been accumulated over two stints with Rovers going back to 1999. The former first team coach had an 18-month spell in Florida in between.
Andy Abramovits and Colin Marshall were the other marksmen against Bulgaria’s first team as Rovers [10-4-1, 31] stayed a point behind second place CD Iberia with a game in hand.
Alex Schardt, Simon Caton and Austin Harris [two] got the other goals for the Rovers reserves who moved into first place at the expense of idle Pancyprian.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Result: Firsts 5/18/08 vs F.C. Bulgaria
Barnstonworth Rovers 3 F.C. Bulgaria 0
The Rovers strolled past a terrible Bulgarian side, 3-0 leaving them needing a point vs Pancyprians in their make up match to qualify for their first ever playoff appearance.
The Firsts started briskly taking the pace to the Bulgarians, dominating possession. It took 20 minutes for them to open the scoring. Einar and Colin combined the ball came wide right to Jordi. Andy rose highest to meet his swerving far post cross and ruffle the net. It was Andy’s 1st league goal of the season. Rovers 1-0.
Given the quality of the match, almost predictably, the Rovers shut down. They played down to the Bulgarian’s level and failed to kill them off. They almost paid for it, 15 min in the 2nd half. A turnover in the Rover half and the ball went wide and deep to the most dangerous Bulgarian. He put in a very good cross, their #9 got their first forcing Boosh Jr to a finger tip flick save on to the underside of the crossbar. Luckily for him and the Rovers the ball bounced just outside the goal line, also missing – by inches – Boosh Jr back avoiding a certain own goal.
That was the wake up call the Rovers needed. And within 10 minutes the 3 points were secure.
This time it was Colin’s looping header to the far upper 90 from another Jordi feed that found the net. Rovers 2-0.
Just afterwards Pugli made it 3 with a control and finish in the area. Rovers 3-0
This was Pugli’s 50th goal for the 1st team, the first Rover to ever reach this mark.
Team: Matt Borchard, Mark Kushemba, Randi Lee, Sam Wiggin, Colin Marshall, Vidar Ekehaug, Andy Abramovits, Jordan Chirico, Einar Bennediktson, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mahesh Subramanian, Giancarlo Cavallo, Yuri Krym
The Rovers strolled past a terrible Bulgarian side, 3-0 leaving them needing a point vs Pancyprians in their make up match to qualify for their first ever playoff appearance.
The Firsts started briskly taking the pace to the Bulgarians, dominating possession. It took 20 minutes for them to open the scoring. Einar and Colin combined the ball came wide right to Jordi. Andy rose highest to meet his swerving far post cross and ruffle the net. It was Andy’s 1st league goal of the season. Rovers 1-0.
Given the quality of the match, almost predictably, the Rovers shut down. They played down to the Bulgarian’s level and failed to kill them off. They almost paid for it, 15 min in the 2nd half. A turnover in the Rover half and the ball went wide and deep to the most dangerous Bulgarian. He put in a very good cross, their #9 got their first forcing Boosh Jr to a finger tip flick save on to the underside of the crossbar. Luckily for him and the Rovers the ball bounced just outside the goal line, also missing – by inches – Boosh Jr back avoiding a certain own goal.
That was the wake up call the Rovers needed. And within 10 minutes the 3 points were secure.
This time it was Colin’s looping header to the far upper 90 from another Jordi feed that found the net. Rovers 2-0.
Just afterwards Pugli made it 3 with a control and finish in the area. Rovers 3-0
This was Pugli’s 50th goal for the 1st team, the first Rover to ever reach this mark.
Team: Matt Borchard, Mark Kushemba, Randi Lee, Sam Wiggin, Colin Marshall, Vidar Ekehaug, Andy Abramovits, Jordan Chirico, Einar Bennediktson, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mahesh Subramanian, Giancarlo Cavallo, Yuri Krym
Results: Reserves 5/18/08 vs FC Bulgaria Res
Barnstonworth Rovers Res 6 F.C. Bulgaria Res 1
The Reserves did what they had to do to set up the winner take-all encounter with Pancyprians on Tuesday 8:30 pm at Pier 40. There is no commentary necessary on this match.
Lexi got the first, Simon the third. Austin the fourth and 6th.
Only a mental lapse allowed the Bulgarians to get on the scoreboard, briefly believing they could actually compete. The only thing these Bulgars could do on a soccer field was to harass the ref.
Oh, yes, and Baskin got the other 2. The first while trembling from 2 yards out and not a Bulgarian in site! That’s because with these goals – his 55th and 56th – Baskin has become the club’s new and undisputed career top goalscorer erasing a certain Jerome Albertini forever (and his 54 – albeit unconfirmed goals).
Team: Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym, Mahesh Subramanian, Stash Rutkowsky, Stavros Zomopoulos, Alfonzo Nanclares, Ron Baskin, Zach Chandis, Alex Schardt, Simon Caton. Subs (all played) Giancarlo Cavallo, Austin Harris, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Felix D’ambrose
The Reserves did what they had to do to set up the winner take-all encounter with Pancyprians on Tuesday 8:30 pm at Pier 40. There is no commentary necessary on this match.
Lexi got the first, Simon the third. Austin the fourth and 6th.
Only a mental lapse allowed the Bulgarians to get on the scoreboard, briefly believing they could actually compete. The only thing these Bulgars could do on a soccer field was to harass the ref.
Oh, yes, and Baskin got the other 2. The first while trembling from 2 yards out and not a Bulgarian in site! That’s because with these goals – his 55th and 56th – Baskin has become the club’s new and undisputed career top goalscorer erasing a certain Jerome Albertini forever (and his 54 – albeit unconfirmed goals).
Team: Mark Kushemba, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym, Mahesh Subramanian, Stash Rutkowsky, Stavros Zomopoulos, Alfonzo Nanclares, Ron Baskin, Zach Chandis, Alex Schardt, Simon Caton. Subs (all played) Giancarlo Cavallo, Austin Harris, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Felix D’ambrose
Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds (1) - Pythagoras Samos (4), 5/18/08
The Thirds fell to a 4-1 loss to league leaders Pythagoras Samos on Sunday morning in a game a lot tighter than the scoreline suggests.
After a narrow 2-1 defeat on the last meeting, the Thirds were obviously up for revenge as every man and his dog showed up for the 10am kickoff at McCarren
Park. There were just about enough kits for all who turned up and, with possibly the strongest starting 11 we have had all season, the Thirds dominated the opening spell and could have been 3 goals up within 20 minutes. With Donald and Bobby both getting forward down the wings the Thirds were causing real problems for the Greek defense culminating in a free kick 40 yards from goal. Pek moved up to take it and, spotting their keeper off his line, lofted the ball over eveyone and into the net. The ref stopped the celebrations short, however, as he awarded a goal kick due to the free kick being indirect. Despite having close to 20 players, not a single Rover saw him indicate as such before the kick was taken. The fact that he was in conversation with the other team in his native Greek obviously had nothing to do with the decision.
Within 10 minutes the Thirds got a legitimate goal. Mauro got the ball around 30 yards out in the middle with Bobby coming screaming down the right flank. Mauro played it nicely to his feet and Bobby made no mistake after running through on goal to make it 1-0. A few minutes later it could have been two. A similar move down the left side gave Donald a shooting opportunity which their keeper could only parry. Mauro was waiting but the ball bounced up at an awkward height and he could only direct it back into the keeper's hands.
Failure to take more of these early chances were eventually rued as the Greeks got a fortunate equaliser. Zac grabbed a high ball out of the air but somehow dropped it at his feet with their striker rushing in. He could only hit the post but got a further lucky break as it deflected back to him for an easy tap in. And worse was to follow. From a corner kick, Zac misjudged the flight of the cross and watched the ball sail over his head. Luckily enough for the Rovers, Mackers was waiting at the far post to clear the danger. Or so we thought. In his infinite wisdom, Mackers instead chose to rifle it into the gaping net to make it 2-1 to the Greeks.
The remainder of the half was dominated by ugly challenges. The worst was by their number 7 who swiped Pek from behind in what should have been a straight red card. Mackers, on the bench by this point, made no mistake in letting the referee know this. Pek was also pretty miffed at the challenge and threatened to box the offending Greek's ears for him. After a few minutes of handbags the ref yellow carded both players. Things only got uglier for the rest of the match and with the Rovers needing a goal to get back into the game all these fouls only served to disrupt their rhythm.
Midway through the second half they did create a glorious chance to tie the game. A ball from midfield was played through to Mauro who beat their offside trap to be through one-on-one with the keeper. The keeper went down early and Mauro sidestepped him leaving the goal at his mercy. If we didn't realize by that point that it wasn't our day then we certainly did when Mauro put the ball wide of the open net.
Tiring in the sun against a very young and fit opposition the Thirds gave up 2 goals towards the end of the match as they pushed for the equalizer. The first was a lovely finish from all of 25 yards. So it finished 4-1 but we can take credit from giving the league leaders a real run for their money.
Team: Zac; J Moore, Schlatter, Eric, Pek; Bobby, Vincent, Gavin, Donald; Okey, Mauro
Subs (all played): J Brown, J Wine, Derek, Darrell, Mackers, Bernfeld, Cesar.
After a narrow 2-1 defeat on the last meeting, the Thirds were obviously up for revenge as every man and his dog showed up for the 10am kickoff at McCarren
Park. There were just about enough kits for all who turned up and, with possibly the strongest starting 11 we have had all season, the Thirds dominated the opening spell and could have been 3 goals up within 20 minutes. With Donald and Bobby both getting forward down the wings the Thirds were causing real problems for the Greek defense culminating in a free kick 40 yards from goal. Pek moved up to take it and, spotting their keeper off his line, lofted the ball over eveyone and into the net. The ref stopped the celebrations short, however, as he awarded a goal kick due to the free kick being indirect. Despite having close to 20 players, not a single Rover saw him indicate as such before the kick was taken. The fact that he was in conversation with the other team in his native Greek obviously had nothing to do with the decision.
Within 10 minutes the Thirds got a legitimate goal. Mauro got the ball around 30 yards out in the middle with Bobby coming screaming down the right flank. Mauro played it nicely to his feet and Bobby made no mistake after running through on goal to make it 1-0. A few minutes later it could have been two. A similar move down the left side gave Donald a shooting opportunity which their keeper could only parry. Mauro was waiting but the ball bounced up at an awkward height and he could only direct it back into the keeper's hands.
Failure to take more of these early chances were eventually rued as the Greeks got a fortunate equaliser. Zac grabbed a high ball out of the air but somehow dropped it at his feet with their striker rushing in. He could only hit the post but got a further lucky break as it deflected back to him for an easy tap in. And worse was to follow. From a corner kick, Zac misjudged the flight of the cross and watched the ball sail over his head. Luckily enough for the Rovers, Mackers was waiting at the far post to clear the danger. Or so we thought. In his infinite wisdom, Mackers instead chose to rifle it into the gaping net to make it 2-1 to the Greeks.
The remainder of the half was dominated by ugly challenges. The worst was by their number 7 who swiped Pek from behind in what should have been a straight red card. Mackers, on the bench by this point, made no mistake in letting the referee know this. Pek was also pretty miffed at the challenge and threatened to box the offending Greek's ears for him. After a few minutes of handbags the ref yellow carded both players. Things only got uglier for the rest of the match and with the Rovers needing a goal to get back into the game all these fouls only served to disrupt their rhythm.
Midway through the second half they did create a glorious chance to tie the game. A ball from midfield was played through to Mauro who beat their offside trap to be through one-on-one with the keeper. The keeper went down early and Mauro sidestepped him leaving the goal at his mercy. If we didn't realize by that point that it wasn't our day then we certainly did when Mauro put the ball wide of the open net.
Tiring in the sun against a very young and fit opposition the Thirds gave up 2 goals towards the end of the match as they pushed for the equalizer. The first was a lovely finish from all of 25 yards. So it finished 4-1 but we can take credit from giving the league leaders a real run for their money.
Team: Zac; J Moore, Schlatter, Eric, Pek; Bobby, Vincent, Gavin, Donald; Okey, Mauro
Subs (all played): J Brown, J Wine, Derek, Darrell, Mackers, Bernfeld, Cesar.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Results: Firsts 5/11/08 vs Brooklyn Italians
Barnstonworth Rovers 3 Brooklyn Italians 0
The Rovers completed the double over the 2-time defending league champions, scoring 3 times in the second half. Two typical Pugli goals and a powerful Colin strike to the roof of the net, netted their record 9 league victory of the season, reached their record 28 points and with, still 2 matches to play, remained on course for their first Division 1 playoff appearance.
Even without Jon Nessa - still nursing a hamstring injury - and Tom - foot injury, the Rovers core remained concrete. Still, in the first half, the malaise of the last couple of outings was visible. And they feared the worst when midday through the first half they were awarded a dubious penalty (for once) and Jordi horribly muffled it. Clearly flustered, he then went in a very late challenge on the keeper - outside the penalty area - and was lucky to remain on the pitch.
Against an weaker Italian side, they failed to dominate. They did create some changes, the best falling to Pugli inside the area that was meekly finished, and a header from Andy that was well saved. But, the Brooklyn side could have easily been 2 to the good had it not been for 2 superb stops tet-a-tet from Broach, the first with the aid of an excellent Kush challenge.
The Rovers shuffled the deck for the second half, and with the required urgency re-appearing played much better.
Andy thought he had his first league goal of the year when he finished a Pugli pass back, only to be ruled offsides.
They did take the lead in the 65th minute when Colin put a free kick from the left, deep to the far side of the 18, Wiggi headed back across the face of goal to an onrushing Steve, who crushed it in the net.. Rovers 1-0
Mahesh, on first team debut, stole the ball on the left, tore down to goal, but decided to pass it off to Colin further outside instead of finishing it himself.
10 mins later the Rovers doubled their lead. Jordi got to the byline on the right, drilled it across the six and Pugli's diving header finished it. Rovers 2-0.
The icing on the cake came a few minutes from time. Vidar to Yuri, one touch back to Colin. Thunder to the roof of the net. Rovers 3-0.
Now, even if Iberia beat the Italians on Sunday, a Rover victory over Bulgaria and a tie against the already qualified Pancyprians will secure their first ever playoff birth
Team: Dave Borchard, Randi Lee, Vidar Ekehaug, Sam Wiggin, Mark Kushemba, Colin Marshall, Einar Bennediktson, Giancarlo Cavallo, Jordan Chirico, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mahesh Subramanian, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym
The Rovers completed the double over the 2-time defending league champions, scoring 3 times in the second half. Two typical Pugli goals and a powerful Colin strike to the roof of the net, netted their record 9 league victory of the season, reached their record 28 points and with, still 2 matches to play, remained on course for their first Division 1 playoff appearance.
Even without Jon Nessa - still nursing a hamstring injury - and Tom - foot injury, the Rovers core remained concrete. Still, in the first half, the malaise of the last couple of outings was visible. And they feared the worst when midday through the first half they were awarded a dubious penalty (for once) and Jordi horribly muffled it. Clearly flustered, he then went in a very late challenge on the keeper - outside the penalty area - and was lucky to remain on the pitch.
Against an weaker Italian side, they failed to dominate. They did create some changes, the best falling to Pugli inside the area that was meekly finished, and a header from Andy that was well saved. But, the Brooklyn side could have easily been 2 to the good had it not been for 2 superb stops tet-a-tet from Broach, the first with the aid of an excellent Kush challenge.
The Rovers shuffled the deck for the second half, and with the required urgency re-appearing played much better.
Andy thought he had his first league goal of the year when he finished a Pugli pass back, only to be ruled offsides.
They did take the lead in the 65th minute when Colin put a free kick from the left, deep to the far side of the 18, Wiggi headed back across the face of goal to an onrushing Steve, who crushed it in the net.. Rovers 1-0
Mahesh, on first team debut, stole the ball on the left, tore down to goal, but decided to pass it off to Colin further outside instead of finishing it himself.
10 mins later the Rovers doubled their lead. Jordi got to the byline on the right, drilled it across the six and Pugli's diving header finished it. Rovers 2-0.
The icing on the cake came a few minutes from time. Vidar to Yuri, one touch back to Colin. Thunder to the roof of the net. Rovers 3-0.
Now, even if Iberia beat the Italians on Sunday, a Rover victory over Bulgaria and a tie against the already qualified Pancyprians will secure their first ever playoff birth
Team: Dave Borchard, Randi Lee, Vidar Ekehaug, Sam Wiggin, Mark Kushemba, Colin Marshall, Einar Bennediktson, Giancarlo Cavallo, Jordan Chirico, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mahesh Subramanian, Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym
Results: Reserves 5/11/08 vs Brooklyn Italians
Barnstonworth Rovers Res 5
The Reserves continued the road to a showdown with Pancyprians on Tuesday May 20th (Pier 40
And in the second half they did.
Simon headed home with verve after Stavros’ cross from the right to equalize in the 55th min. Rovers 1-1.
Then Hiro, opened his club account, pouncing on a rebound after Baskin did well to direct a ball behind him on goal. Rover 2-1.
Stavros will claim the goalkeepers parry to the net directly from a corner kick. Rovers 3-1
Before Simon got on the scorecard again, racing down the middle after a through ball at the heart of the Italian defense. He collected and place to the bot
Finally, after several matches and untold chances, Lexi got his first of the year in the final minutes, hopefully boosting his ego enough to do it again when it will really matter.
Winless
Club support will be much appreciated as the Reserves attempt to win the first D1 title for the club, and hopefully set the bar for the Firsts.
Drinks afterwards at our sponsor – Bayards !!!!!!!
Team: Mark Kushemba, Mahesh Subramanian, Mike Alexander, Daniel Cardozo,
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Gaels forfeit, Rovers Thirds lead group! 5/11/08
The always loved Astoria Gaels apparently forfeited the game last weekend. I say 'apparently', because nobody, the league, the ref, the opposition, nobody, bothered to tell us and we had a full squad ready to play at 8:30am at far Floyd Bennett.
Probably, having heard that Ironman Pek was planning vengeance on last year's coward attack on our Bobby, the Gaels decided not to risk it and gave us the three points directly.
With that, Rovers Thirds now lead the East group of the Metro 2 Division, though still far from the division points leader Samos, who they'll be facing this weekend at McCarren Park.
Cheers!
JUAN
Probably, having heard that Ironman Pek was planning vengeance on last year's coward attack on our Bobby, the Gaels decided not to risk it and gave us the three points directly.
With that, Rovers Thirds now lead the East group of the Metro 2 Division, though still far from the division points leader Samos, who they'll be facing this weekend at McCarren Park.
Cheers!
JUAN
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Past Award Winners - Rover of the Year
| Season | Rover of the Year |
| 1993/4 | Bryan Wrightson |
| 1994/5 | Jerome Albertini |
| 1995/6 | Colin Reid |
| 1996/7 | Colin Reid |
| 1997/8 | Colin Reid |
| 1998/9 | Paul Grigg |
| 1999/2000 | David Sheeran |
| 2000/1 | Rover's 1st Team |
| 2001/2 | Cathy Ho |
| 2002/3 | Stavros Zomopoulos |
| 2003/4 | Par Holmberg |
| 2004/5 | Jake Cashill |
| 2005/6 | Brian Schmid |
| 2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 | Chivon Thornhill Michael (& Julia) Messmer Nicolas Burniat & Omar Sanchez |
Past Award Winners - Most Valuable Player
| Season | Most Valuable Player |
| 1993/4 | S'el Rey David |
| 1994/5 | Ralph Highnam |
| 1995/6 | Matthias Gustafsson |
| 1996/7 | Donald Schreier |
| 1997/8 1998/9 | Donald Schreier Anto Howard |
| 1999/2000 | Gary Sisto |
| 2000/1 | Patrick Wisnom |
| 2001/2 | Chris Vega |
| 2002/3 | Ron Baskin |
| 2003/4 | Barry O'Driscoll |
| 2004/5 | Steve Pugliese |
| 2005/6 | John Salvucci |
| 2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 | Stephen Pugliese Vidar Ekehaug Colin Marshall |
Past Award Winners - Top Scorer
| Season | Top Scorer |
| 1993/4 | Eamonn Reynolds (5) |
| 1994/5 | Michael Heinkel (9) |
| 1995/6 | Ramin Ghiasy (6) |
| 1996/7 | Sean Horton (14) |
| 1998/9 | David Brooks (12) |
| 1999/2000 | Matthias Gustafsson (13) |
| 2000/1 | Ron Baskin (11) |
| 2001/2 | Chris Vega (12) |
| 2002/3 | Brian "Mackers" McLaughlin (18) |
| 2003/4 | Kenny McIntosh (10) |
| 2004/5 | Steve Pugliese (18) |
| 2005/6 | Musa Shannon (12) |
| 2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 | Stephen Pugliese (14) Stephen Pugliese (14) Stephen Pugliese (13) |
Past Award Winners - Rookie of the Year
| Season | Rookie of the Year |
| 1994/5 | Steve Hutchinson |
| 1995/6 | Diogo Burgos |
| 1996/7 | Scott Moulder |
| 1997/8 | Newley Purnell |
| 1998/9 | Brian Nobie |
| 1999/2000 | Ron Baskin |
| 2000/1 | Marvin Jones |
| 2001/2 | Scott Martino |
| 2002/3 | Barry O'Driscoll |
| 2003/4 | John Salvucci |
| 2004/5 | Tamu Bowen |
| 2005/6 | Vidar Ekehaug |
| 2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 | Sam Wiggins Jordan Chirico Oren Nhaissi |
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