TITLE SHOT
In a noon game at Cardoza High School, Mike Mellis pulled off a huge save during a penalty shoot-out to lead the Atlas first team into the CSL championship game at Barnstonworth Rovers’ expense. The Greeks won 5-4 after a 1-1 regulation tie.
“Even they will admit that they were lucky and that BRFC was the better side on the day. We hit the post twice and should have finished the match in regulation,” rued Rovers coach Stavros Zomopoulos. “If it was not 100 degrees out there, we would have won in regulation.”
Indeed, Rovers were in the driving seat early with Andy Abramovits pouncing on a miscommunication between Mellis and defender Joe Afful to head in the opener [20th].
Atlas needed a bit of magic to equalize, and that’s exactly what they got from Hemir Niebles. He smashed in a direct free kick from some 35 yards [75th] to tie the game.
The goal was reminiscent of his long range winner against Boston club Fidjos Terra SC in Atlas’ 2-1 US Amateur Cup quarterfinal triumph three weeks ago.
“It was so far off we only had a one-man wall,” Zomopoulos said of Niebles’ leveler. “The guy hit it, I believe, as hard as he could for the far post area and the ball went to the upper 90. They would never have scored from open play.”
At any rate, the playoff went to penalties and after being beaten by Rovers’ Sam Wiggin, Colin Marshall, Stephen Pugliese and Vidar Ekehaug, Mellis, whose teammates were also perfect from the spot, made a big save to win it for Atlas.
“Really gutting as our team is good enough to compete for the championship, but we will come back stronger next year,” Zomopoulos vowed.
Atlas, in pursuit of a fifth championship, now await the winner of the delayed Pancyprian-Central Park Rangers playoff in the title decider.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Results: Firsts D1 Playoffs 6/8/08
D1 Playoffs: Greek American Atlas 1 (pen 5) Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1 (pen 4)
The season ended Sunday in heartbreak for the Rovers in the sweltering summer heat. And it looked as they would be rejoicing for the longest time. After surviving a nervous start - Broach coming up big after a meek back pass in the box, and the Greeks missing from close range after a blown offsides decision - the Rovers took the lead in the 20th minute. It came from a “Dixonesque” throw-in by Jordi. Andy made a brilliant darting run to the near post, got to the ball first and head-flicked it to the near post. Rovers 1-0 !
The 100+ degrees heat and humidity reduced the pace of the match to nil, and the football quality maybe below that. The Rovers defense was superb stifling everything the lack-luster Greeks could conceive. Contrarily, the Rovers looked threatening every time down, especially when they managed to string a few passes together through the middle and deep on the flanks.
With the second half, the Rovers should have double their lead. Nessa rose highest to meet Colin’s curling corner only for his powerful headed to hit the crossbar. Then from the next set play, Wiggi was the one to get his seemingly unstoppable header, just over it. The match should have been over when Pugli beat the Greek back duo to a through ball, muscled his way one v one with the keeper, and placed his shot to the near post. The Greek keeper made a super-parry to keep them in the hunt.
The Greeks never seemed capable of scoring from open play. Their equalizer came from an incredible set piece in the 75th min. A dubious foul was given 30+ yards out 10 meters in from the touch line. The Rovers matched up on the 18th for the cross, and had a one man only on the “wall.” The Atlas forward, instead, struck a true thunderbolt to the far upper 90 and into the upper side netting, taking everybody including Broach by surprise. If you are to give up a goal, this one deserved it. Rovers 1-1.
The Rovers responded and again should have won it in regulation. A Vidi steal fed Colin behind a wondering centre back in the opposite centre circle, he collected turned and all of a sudden the Rovers were 2 v 1 with Randi streaking on the left for 3 v 1. Pugli stuttered to stay even with the only defender as Colin played him into open space, but the linesman decided to halt the action. Certainly a questionable decision, it deprived the Rovers the certain match winning opportunity.
Thankfully the league had ruled ahead of the match that no overtime will be played, thus the match went to penalties. Traditionally, the Rovers have not done well in these Russian roulettes. The Roves won the toss and chose to shoot first. The score fluctuation went: Rovers 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 3-3, 4-3, 4-4, miss, 4-5.
The last kick of the match was the only time the Rovers trailed, and unfortunately it was the only time that mattered.
Congratulation to everyone on the 1/Res for the tremendous successes this season, and lets wish for trophies next season.
Also thanks to the three players who due to the circumstance did not get into the match on Sunday: Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym and Austin Harris.
Team: Dave Borchard, Mark Kushemba, Jon Nessa, Sam Wiggin, Mahesh Subramanian, Vidar Ekehaug, Colin Marshall, Jordan Chirico, Andy Abramovits, Einar Bennediktsson, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (played) Randi Lee, Bobby Hanifin.
The season ended Sunday in heartbreak for the Rovers in the sweltering summer heat. And it looked as they would be rejoicing for the longest time. After surviving a nervous start - Broach coming up big after a meek back pass in the box, and the Greeks missing from close range after a blown offsides decision - the Rovers took the lead in the 20th minute. It came from a “Dixonesque” throw-in by Jordi. Andy made a brilliant darting run to the near post, got to the ball first and head-flicked it to the near post. Rovers 1-0 !
The 100+ degrees heat and humidity reduced the pace of the match to nil, and the football quality maybe below that. The Rovers defense was superb stifling everything the lack-luster Greeks could conceive. Contrarily, the Rovers looked threatening every time down, especially when they managed to string a few passes together through the middle and deep on the flanks.
With the second half, the Rovers should have double their lead. Nessa rose highest to meet Colin’s curling corner only for his powerful headed to hit the crossbar. Then from the next set play, Wiggi was the one to get his seemingly unstoppable header, just over it. The match should have been over when Pugli beat the Greek back duo to a through ball, muscled his way one v one with the keeper, and placed his shot to the near post. The Greek keeper made a super-parry to keep them in the hunt.
The Greeks never seemed capable of scoring from open play. Their equalizer came from an incredible set piece in the 75th min. A dubious foul was given 30+ yards out 10 meters in from the touch line. The Rovers matched up on the 18th for the cross, and had a one man only on the “wall.” The Atlas forward, instead, struck a true thunderbolt to the far upper 90 and into the upper side netting, taking everybody including Broach by surprise. If you are to give up a goal, this one deserved it. Rovers 1-1.
The Rovers responded and again should have won it in regulation. A Vidi steal fed Colin behind a wondering centre back in the opposite centre circle, he collected turned and all of a sudden the Rovers were 2 v 1 with Randi streaking on the left for 3 v 1. Pugli stuttered to stay even with the only defender as Colin played him into open space, but the linesman decided to halt the action. Certainly a questionable decision, it deprived the Rovers the certain match winning opportunity.
Thankfully the league had ruled ahead of the match that no overtime will be played, thus the match went to penalties. Traditionally, the Rovers have not done well in these Russian roulettes. The Roves won the toss and chose to shoot first. The score fluctuation went: Rovers 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 3-3, 4-3, 4-4, miss, 4-5.
The last kick of the match was the only time the Rovers trailed, and unfortunately it was the only time that mattered.
Congratulation to everyone on the 1/Res for the tremendous successes this season, and lets wish for trophies next season.
Also thanks to the three players who due to the circumstance did not get into the match on Sunday: Mike Alexander, Yuri Krym and Austin Harris.
Team: Dave Borchard, Mark Kushemba, Jon Nessa, Sam Wiggin, Mahesh Subramanian, Vidar Ekehaug, Colin Marshall, Jordan Chirico, Andy Abramovits, Einar Bennediktsson, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (played) Randi Lee, Bobby Hanifin.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
BRFC D1 - Final League Standings
1st Division
East GP W L T PTS GF GA
NY Pancyprian 16 11 3 2 35 47 27
Barnstownworth Rovers FC 10 4 2 32 43 19
CD Iberia 16 10 4 2 32 39 24
Brooklyn Italians 16 6 7 3 21 26 28
FC Bulgaria 16 3 12 1 10 28 55
NY Albanians 16 1 15 0 3 9 49
West GP W L T PTS GF GA
NY Pancyprian Res 16 11 1 4 37 54 20
Barnstownworth Res 16 10 3 3 33 47 26
CD Iberia Res 16 8 7 1 25 29 26
Brooklyn Itlns Res 16 5 8 3 18 26 34
FC Bulgaria Res 16 1 14 1 4 15 70
NY Albanians Res 16 1 15 0 3 9 55
East GP W L T PTS GF GA
NY Pancyprian 16 11 3 2 35 47 27
Barnstownworth Rovers FC 10 4 2 32 43 19
CD Iberia 16 10 4 2 32 39 24
Brooklyn Italians 16 6 7 3 21 26 28
FC Bulgaria 16 3 12 1 10 28 55
NY Albanians 16 1 15 0 3 9 49
West GP W L T PTS GF GA
NY Pancyprian Res 16 11 1 4 37 54 20
Barnstownworth Res 16 10 3 3 33 47 26
CD Iberia Res 16 8 7 1 25 29 26
Brooklyn Itlns Res 16 5 8 3 18 26 34
FC Bulgaria Res 16 1 14 1 4 15 70
NY Albanians Res 16 1 15 0 3 9 55
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Result: First 6/1/08 - BRFC in CSL D1 Playoffs for the First Time
Barnstonworth Rovers 3 N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms 3
A depleted Rovers side encountered an even more depleted Pancyprians (preparing for the 2nd round in the US Open Cup on Tuesday), with each team needing and being satisfied with a point to further their season objectives.
Still, the Rovers, imitating the Reserves last Tuesday, started lethargically and went to the halftime break 2-0 down.
An overly defensive lineup, and a couple of horrendous defensive lapses allowed the young Cypriots two easy finishes. Rovers 0-2.
It could have been worse, but Broach came off his line to snuff a close range effort.
Several changes saw the Rovers more aggressive with the start of the 2nd half. Coupled with Pancyprians making changes to rest the few first team players, it allowed the Rovers to begin dominating.
Wiggin, playing up top, run into a through ball, fend off the last defender, cut to his right and put the Rovers back into it. Rovers 1-2.
Minutes later, and Andy receive a ball on the left wing, went to the byline, hit it across the 18een for Wiggin to run in from close range, tie the score and relieve the Rovers 2-2.
The Rovers pushed on and Bobby this time latched on to another long ball, beat the defender on the left, crossed in to Alexander making a late run to the far post. His defender’s touch camouflaged with a forwards finish, and he buried it ! Rovers 3-2.
Now the playoffs were in view. The Rovers, favoring a tie, slipped back and the young Pancyprians found a way through to tie the score in the 85th min. Rovers 3-3
The Rovers did what had to be done ensuring their first playoff appearance.
Apologies to Martin, Jules & Messmer that the entertainment value was not there.
The Rovers promise it will be in the play-off match vs Greek Americans !!
Team: Dave Borcahrd, Mahesh Subramanian, Jon Nessa, Sam Wiggin, Mark Kushemba, Zach Chandis, Randi Lee, Ron Baskin, Vidar Ekehaug, Andy Abramovits, Stavros Zomopoulos. Subs (all used) Bobby Hanifin, Mike Alexander
A depleted Rovers side encountered an even more depleted Pancyprians (preparing for the 2nd round in the US Open Cup on Tuesday), with each team needing and being satisfied with a point to further their season objectives.
Still, the Rovers, imitating the Reserves last Tuesday, started lethargically and went to the halftime break 2-0 down.
An overly defensive lineup, and a couple of horrendous defensive lapses allowed the young Cypriots two easy finishes. Rovers 0-2.
It could have been worse, but Broach came off his line to snuff a close range effort.
Several changes saw the Rovers more aggressive with the start of the 2nd half. Coupled with Pancyprians making changes to rest the few first team players, it allowed the Rovers to begin dominating.
Wiggin, playing up top, run into a through ball, fend off the last defender, cut to his right and put the Rovers back into it. Rovers 1-2.
Minutes later, and Andy receive a ball on the left wing, went to the byline, hit it across the 18een for Wiggin to run in from close range, tie the score and relieve the Rovers 2-2.
The Rovers pushed on and Bobby this time latched on to another long ball, beat the defender on the left, crossed in to Alexander making a late run to the far post. His defender’s touch camouflaged with a forwards finish, and he buried it ! Rovers 3-2.
Now the playoffs were in view. The Rovers, favoring a tie, slipped back and the young Pancyprians found a way through to tie the score in the 85th min. Rovers 3-3
The Rovers did what had to be done ensuring their first playoff appearance.
Apologies to Martin, Jules & Messmer that the entertainment value was not there.
The Rovers promise it will be in the play-off match vs Greek Americans !!
Team: Dave Borcahrd, Mahesh Subramanian, Jon Nessa, Sam Wiggin, Mark Kushemba, Zach Chandis, Randi Lee, Ron Baskin, Vidar Ekehaug, Andy Abramovits, Stavros Zomopoulos. Subs (all used) Bobby Hanifin, Mike Alexander
Result: Reserves 5/20/08 - Reserves Title Decider
Barnstonworth Rovers Res 1 Pancyprian Freedoms Res 4
The Reserves were just not ready to win the first Div 1 title for the Rovers. The pressure of the occasion, the lack of competitive opponents for the last month, and just the quality of the opposition were a pass too far.
Below is the summary from First Touch.
Chris Chronis, Andreas Andreou [two] and Angelo Zisimatos dispatched Barnstonworth Rovers 4-1 at Pier 40 to bag the Reserve title in the West.
Giancarlo Cavallo scored for Rovers.
Pancyprian [11-1-4, 37] finished four points ahead of Rovers [10-3-3, 33] and will meet either NYAC or Atlas from the East in the Reserve division championship match.
“We are proud of the fact that our reserve team is always competitive because the majority of the players eventually make the first team squad,” said Halkidis.
Rovers coach Stavros Zomopoulos said it wasn’t their day.
“We were just not good enough on the day. We have the experienced players, but they had the experience of winning, and that was the difference,” he noted.
“We started very apprehensively and they pounced on our mistakes in the first 20 minutes. Then we needed everything to go our way to get back into it – a tie was not enough for us – and it didn’t.
“We had three goals disallowed, a couple questionable. They deserve it. Congratulations to Pancyprian Reserves for winning the division.”
Team: Mark Kushemba, Randi Lee, Mike Alexander, Mahesh Subramanian, Yuri Krym, Stavros Zomopoulos, Ron Baskin, Zach Chandis, Alfonzo Nanclares, Giancarlo Cavallo, Austin Harris. Subs (all played) Stash Rutkowski, Alex Schardt, Felix D'ambrose, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Bobby Hanifin
The Reserves were just not ready to win the first Div 1 title for the Rovers. The pressure of the occasion, the lack of competitive opponents for the last month, and just the quality of the opposition were a pass too far.
Below is the summary from First Touch.
Chris Chronis, Andreas Andreou [two] and Angelo Zisimatos dispatched Barnstonworth Rovers 4-1 at Pier 40 to bag the Reserve title in the West.
Giancarlo Cavallo scored for Rovers.
Pancyprian [11-1-4, 37] finished four points ahead of Rovers [10-3-3, 33] and will meet either NYAC or Atlas from the East in the Reserve division championship match.
“We are proud of the fact that our reserve team is always competitive because the majority of the players eventually make the first team squad,” said Halkidis.
Rovers coach Stavros Zomopoulos said it wasn’t their day.
“We were just not good enough on the day. We have the experienced players, but they had the experience of winning, and that was the difference,” he noted.
“We started very apprehensively and they pounced on our mistakes in the first 20 minutes. Then we needed everything to go our way to get back into it – a tie was not enough for us – and it didn’t.
“We had three goals disallowed, a couple questionable. They deserve it. Congratulations to Pancyprian Reserves for winning the division.”
Team: Mark Kushemba, Randi Lee, Mike Alexander, Mahesh Subramanian, Yuri Krym, Stavros Zomopoulos, Ron Baskin, Zach Chandis, Alfonzo Nanclares, Giancarlo Cavallo, Austin Harris. Subs (all played) Stash Rutkowski, Alex Schardt, Felix D'ambrose, Hirofumi Takeuchi, Bobby Hanifin
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