Result: Firsts 11/22/09 vs Pancyprians (h)

Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms 4

The Rovers could not match the effectiveness and efficiency of the perennial powerhouse and made some critical mistakes that cost them. Even at 1-3 with the Rovers on the ascendency and with Pancyps down to 10 men, 1sts failed to capitalize and assert the asphyxiating pressure that is within BRFC’s potential. Too often, when going forward, the Rovers failed to get the ball to their strengths. Instead, symbolically for this match, it was Pancyps who put the ball in the net, in an embarrassing fashion.
It was the first home league loss for the Rovers in over 18 mos.
After an even first 20 minutes the Rovers gifted Pancyps the opener. An unnecessary free-kick in the middle of the pitch was crossed to the 18een. Broach called for it, but failed to get to the ball, the forward heading into an open net from 10 yards out. Rovers 0-1.
The second come 10 minutes later from a touch of class from Dos Santos. His clever calculated flick behind and in between the Rovers central defensive duo, fell perfectly in the path of the other forwards run who had an easy task placing the ball inside the near post. Rovers 0-2.
And with the final whistle of the half, Megaloudis, unattended after a clearance, was lethally allowed to receive the ball on the BRFC right flank, his cross found 2 pancyp forwards unmarked in the box. They don’t miss those. Rovers 0-3
The Rovers somewhat adjusted at half time, flooding the midfield hoping to get a footing in the opposite third. It worked, and after a near miss inside the six, Andy got a ball in the back of the Pancyp defense inside the box, and was brought down before he could finish. Clear penalty, Colin stepped up for his 3^rd in 3 league match rekindling the Rovers’ fire. Rover 1-3
With 30 mins remaining, Pancyps central midfielder made a late tackle for his 2^nd booking of the night. Pancyps down to 10. Now it felt that the Rovers really could get a result. Waddell cut in from the left but his shot just missed the far post. Colin struck a rebound seemingly heading for the top corner only to be blocked by the body of a defender. Andy put a ball angling across the six, first past Pugli and then just beyond Mat’s reach. And after a similar through ball, Mat was just beaten to it by the onrushing keeper.
Still, and most unimpressively, in the end, Megaloudis pinned against the side line by 2 Rovers at the center of the pitch, turned both of them inside out, paced down the flank, cut across another defender inside the box and as typically against the Rovers, hit a bullet to the far upper 90 to kill the game. Rovers 1-4.
Team: Dave Borchard, Alan Alcade, Vidar Ekehaug, Pat Brown, Mark Kushemba, Colin Marshall, Einar Benediktsson, Scott Waddell, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mat Levine, Pierre Byman.

Result: Reserves 11/22/09 vs Pancyprians (h)

Barnstonworth Rovers Res 2
N.Y. Pancyprian Freedom Res 1
The Reserves assured themselves to be top of the league at the midseason break with a deserved 3 points over the Pancyprians. Actually, the Reserves are 5 points clear and 4 points with a game in-hand from their closest rivals in the entire 1^st Division !
The Reserves made their quality count 20 minutes in. A Lynch foray from the left, the ball came to middle, Sammie’s effort was blocked, Yannick opportunistically pounced on the rebound and slot it home. Reserves 1-0.
For the rest of the half, the Reserves dominated possession but could not capitalize. That changed in the first 10 minutes of the 2^nd half. After a very neat 2 consecutive 1-2’s featuring Felix bursting from the back, Baskin latched on to the through ball on the left, just inside the box, he took 2 strides then hit the far side netting. Reserves 2-0.
Now the Rovers playing with confidence and style, sometimes stringing passes together that mesmerized the opposition should have put the game to bed. Rather, the killer instinct yet to be marbleized in the team’s psychic, the Rovers conceded a goal from a set piece letting their opponents and their vociferous support back into the hunt for the last quarter-hour. Reserves 2-1.
Reorganized and with resolve, the Reserves saw it out and took the points home.
With the current depth of the Rover squad, if the Reserves build on their belief and consistency, the division title is in their feet.
Team: Robin Mills, Felix D’ambrose, Pierre Byman, Kemar Brown, Bond Griffin, Yannick James, Yuri Krym, Ron Baskin, Nick Lynch, Michael Martocci, Sam Minaya Subs: (played) Mat Levine, Stavros Zomopoulos, Pete Watson - Matt Kaplan (dnp)

Lady Rovers 1 - 11/22/09 - by Nicolas

Lady Rovers 1: 5 Manhattan Lady Kickers: 0
TOP OF THE LEAGUE AT WINTER BREAK

Sunday morning, Rovers 1 welcomed a chilly but sunny Sunday morning with an emphatic 5-0 win over the Kickers, ensuring thereby that it would stay top of the league before the winter break no matter the other results of the day. Jen North bagged 2 goals, thereby overtaking Liz as best scorer of the League so far with 6 realizations, while Shannon bagged two more and Ana Julia got the fifth. This great result was followed by good news a few hours later when we learned that Vendaval had tied against CPR Red, dropping thereby 4 points behind Rovers 1.

R2D2 match report - 11/22/09 - by Nicolas

Lady Rovers 2: 0 Slackers: 3

Far far away in Brooklyn, Rovers 2 encountered for its part a rejuvenated and dramatically reinforced Slackers team in a gruelingly intense and physical game. The Slackers got the best of the first half, scoring two goals after impressive one touch movement and efficient build up of the play. Rovers 2 came back in second half and managed to dominate the next 35 minutes, camping in the Slackers half of the field. Three strong opportunities were created but we could not capitalize on any of them and, as things go, the Slackers managed to strike once more on a counter five minutes from the end. The final score of 3-0 is much heavier than we would have liked but we did walk off the field with our heads high.

Premier Match Report 11/22/09 - by Kevin

Barnstonworth Premier o30 2 Guyana Veterans A 1
Goals: Emman 80', Narces Phanor 88'

After trailing almost the entire match, we scored two goals at the death to nick three points from a resurgent Veterans squad. Early doors, it was the Veterans who took it to Rovers. They played with intensity and won most of the 50-50 balls. They didn't have too many chances but they made one count when they were able to cross into the 6 yd box for a contested but close range tap in. We didn't really get things going until late the first half when we started to string together some passes in the final third.
But the real wake-up call came after Robbie's half time speech. And with all due respect to the Lady Rovers, he correctly indicated to us that we were 'playing like gurrls.' And that if we corrected this, we'd have alot better chance to win the match. Indeed, we came out much stronger in the second half and controlled the match for long periods. And aside from his penalty miss, Nedgy's yeoman effort in particular was tremendous. He was not on the scoresheet, but he was continually fighting off challenges and holding the ball up, setting up himself or other Rovers. We came close on several corners, as well as a penalty kick, but we finally equalized when a right-sided cross found its way to Emman at the top of the box. And it couldn't have come at a better time as Emman is one of the best strikers of the ball I've come across in recent years. Ignoring Carl's plea for a pass, Emman controlled and hit a rocket that ricocheted in off the post. 1-1 and we smelled blood. It was Narces who got the winner from a well-delivered corner from Alex. Due to the poor Guyana marking, both Carl and Duane were waiting to head the winner home but it was Narces who snuck in to deliver the three points to Rovers.
Finally, a big up to Juan for reffing the full 90 and doing an excellent job after reffing 45 minutes of his own match just before.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Maurice, Roger, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Marlon, Nedgy

BRFC o-30's Match Report - 11/22/09 by Ben Weiner

BRFC o30's 1 Pele Masters 2

The o-30 Rovers continued their long slow decline to the bottom of the table this past Sunday. This one was a heart breaker, however, since for most of the match we held a 1-0 lead over the division leaders Pele Masters.

The match began with a speech by Coach Weiner suggesting that if the Old Boys can take points from league leaders Dinamo then there was no reason we can't make Pele Masters part with a few points. We hoped to follow the Old Boys lead and have just as exciting a game to report. For about 70 minutes we thought we might do just that.

The Masters seemed to start flatter then we remembered their abilities as we held the majority of play in their half. We had possession, movement, and enthusiasm. Inevitably this led to an Un-mackers run down the wing, a quick move around the defense, and a neat slot past the keeper in the right side net. 1-0 Rovers.

Our play and hopes went skyward. Even with a Ref seemingly giving the Masters every call , including a blatant hand ball in the area off a cross, we pushed on. At least 2 other goals should have been notched by the fighting Rovers, but a couple of bad choices ended in lame shots rolling to the keeper instead of going to the open forward that could have walked them in. These turned out to be key misses. Perhaps a couple more goals would have been the un-doing of the Masters.

We went to the half still up 1-0. We kept to the game plan and continued to hold play. Then somewhere around the 65th minute you could see the gears slow down on the Rovers machine. Whether fitness or just the relentless pressure of the Masters (who seem to make a career out of come-backs) we could not hold onto our lead. By the 70th minute the Masters had unleashed their speed demon on the left wing. No one knew where he had been the rest of the game but this guy is a likely Olympic sprinter as he made any and all of our players appear to be in slow motion as he blew past our guard towards goal. His pressure ended with a scuffle ball in the box that flipped over Jean-Marc and popped slowly in the upper net.

Our hopes to keep it at a tie faded as the sprinter kept forcing Jean-Marc to make beautiful 1 on 1 saves. One such attack was not thwarted and the Masters took the lead with less than 5 minutes to go. At that point we were defeated and perhaps lucky to keep it only 2-1.

It was a sad day as it felt our move off the bottom of the division was snatched from us. Maybe a little more fitness, maybe a few missing key players. At least it was a proud run for 70 minutes showing we can play with the best.

Premier o30's Match Report- Cup Rd2 11/15/09 - by Kevin

Barnstonworth Premier o30 3 Shamrock o30 0
Goals: Nedgy Nazon 25', Narces Phanor 40', Maurce Wellington 60'

We drew the 2nd division mostly Irish squad for the 2nd round of the State Cup. And I must say we put the disappointment of last week behind us with one of our best displays all season. We knocked the ball around, kept possession very well and created excellent chances throughout the match. It is hard to single out just anyone since everyone was passing quite effectively. Were it not for excellent goalkeeping, we might have had 6. Marlon was cruelly denied the opener when he comfortably beat three men outside the box and fired a rocket that hit the crossbar and bounced down Bobby Moore style but alas no goal while Kenton was unable to knock in the rebound. We soon scored though when Narces played a 40 yard ball to Marlon just inside the 18. Marlon pulled a cut back and the defender clearly handled it and we were awarded a PK. Nedgy took it well after their keeper stalled for at least 2 minutes. Our second came just before halftime, when Narces poked home from close range after a lengthy pinball session in their 6 yard box.
The second half was more of the same and we killed off the match when Duane/Nedgy? got down the left side to the byline and crossed to Mo who tapped in from close range. Our opponents did have a few chances and were unlucky to not score in the first half during a goal mouth scramble. Next up in the Round of 16 are the Manhattan Kickers who, unfortunately, defeated our Old Boys brethren, denying a Rover v Rover cup tie.
Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Roger, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Maurice, Marlon, Nedgy

Result: Reserves State Cup Rd2 11/15/09

Barnstonworth Rovers Res 2 Brooklyn Italians Res 3

The Reserves suffered their first set back of the season, unfortunately at the most inopportune time, and were knocked out of the cup 3-2 by last year’s finalists, Brooklyn Italians.

The Italians, sporting several 1^st team regulars, took advantage of an uncharacteristically very flat Rover start and jumped to a 2-0 lead by half time. The two strikes comes minutes apart. Reserves 0-2.

At halftime, the Reserves adjusted, pressured higher up the pitch and soon started to turn the tide.

Lynch got the ball on the left wing, cut inside beating his marker in the box and fired against the grain, past the Italians fill in keeper. Reserves 1-2.

And minutes later, Lynchie completed the Reserves revival with an identical build up and goal. Reserves 2-2.

It all seemed perfectly poised for the Rovers to go on from there and complete the task. Instead, a lapse of concentration and the quick thinking, skillful Italians restarted a midfield free kick quickly to their striker making a perfectly timed diagonal run through the Rover’s back line. He collected and finished past Guelich.

Lynchie did his best to complete his hat-trick, in a third identical move, but his third thunderous strike hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced outside the goal line.

Yuri, coming off the bench, squandered a golden opportunity when a long ball sprung him between the last 2 defenders, carrying the ball inside the 18een. His strike just missed the upper far 90.

As BRFC pushed up looking for the equalizer Guelich kept them in the hunt with a couple of super saves.

Sammie’s header went wide and Yannick’s effort of a corner over the bar. Then in the last minute the Rovers failed to connect with Lynchie’s left foot low cross through the Italians’ six, their keeper smothering it well the 2^nd time of asking. And the Reserves were out of the cup, missing, what looked in the draw, clean run to the semi’s.

Team: Bobby Guelich, Bond Griffin, Stash Rutkowski, Zach Chandis, Pat Brown, Yuri Krym, Vidar Ekehaug, Corey Dempsey, Nick Lynch, Yannick James, Sam Minaya. Subs (all played) Felix D’ambrose, Michael Martocci

Lady Rovers 1: State Cup Rd 2 11/15/09 - Sometimes soccer just plainly sucks...by Nicolas

Lady Rovers 1: 0 Vendaval 1
You know all these ready-made expressions people have about the beautiful game? How what makes it great is its unpredictability and the possibility for a game to change entirely in a few seconds? How the magic of the game is that just one goal out of the blue is enough to determine the outcome of a game? Well believe you me, these expressions are bs when you are faced with them because there is just nothing magic about seeing the better team loose.
- On Sunday Rovers 1 stumbled in its Cup run in the worse fashion: by entirely outplaying its opponent but being unable to score. To keep a long story short, Rovers 1 entirely dominated the first half and the second half, keeping possession of the ball most of the time and trying its luck time and again. Getting the ball in the net looked like a question of when and how often rather than if. The last 5 minutes of the first half and first 5 of the second half provided a perfect example. In the last five, a great corner ended up on Andi's head and bounced between the line and the upper post, looking like it went in just to be picked up in the air by the goalie. Then, on a great cross from the left, Emily cut in, jumped and open foot volleyed the ball in the small net… Move to the second half, a perfect run by Laura down the left and into the box, she passes it, the ball rolls parallel to the goal through 3 defenders, in front of the goalie and past two of our players without anybody being able to kick it in or out. Then on yet another cross, Liz takes a close range shot towards an open net and the ball flies right over it. Less than 2 minutes later, one of our players (I believe Laura or Amy) makes a run inside the box with the ball and is taken down from behind by the last defender as she was about to score, a clear penalty kick if we have ever seen one. The improvised referee (the official one never made it to the game), a ref registered in NJ (no offense to any NJsers out there) looks at it, thinks for a second or two and then motions with both arms indicating that we should keep on playing and there is no foul….
In the end, Vendaval had two shots on goal. The first, a free kick from about twenty yards out was poorly taken, flew way too high only to drop by chance right between Annie's extended hand and the bar for a completely underserved goal 20 minutes in the second half. The second, a great one on one attempt, the only time our defense was beaten the whole game, was countered by a fantastic dive from Annie.
2 chances on goal versus more than 15 and a final score of 1-0. Sometimes soccer just plainly sucks.

R2D2 match report - 11/15/09 - by Nicolas

Lady Rovers 2: 0 NY Magic 5
Rovers 2, prospects for the game looked difficult from the start as we were missing a lot of players. 3 extras for the day were however supposed to guarantee that we had a full team. That was without counting with fate. With Mary being stuck at the hospital to attend to her beau who had received a bad ice hockey blade cut in the leg and Courtney unexpectedly stuck in Long Island we ended up starting the game with 10 facing the Magic reserve in full force with 17 players in uniform.
What will be remembered at the game is first and foremost that playing 1, then 2 players down, Rovers 2 displayed incredible discipline and positioning and played one of its best defensive game of soccer ever, keeping the score to 1-0 for 70 minutes straight. Having lost Emily in goals in second half proved however too much and we finally let 4 more goals in for a 5-0 final result. All in all and considering the circumstances a game that Rovers 2 could walk out of with its head up high.

Old Boys report 11/15 State Cup Rd 2 - by Sheero

BOB – 3 Manhattan Kickers – 5

If ever there was a game of two halves, this was it. The Old Boys bowed out of the State Cup after being unrecognizable in the first half – the faces were the same, but the football being played by them was nowhere near the standard we’d become used to. A combination of sloppy play and basic mistakes made the Kickers look good and by half-time they were flattered by a 4-0 lead.

The half time talk was of preserving some pride, but we did more than that. We showed that when do think about it, we can play as well as anyone, and by the 70 minute mark we were back to 4-3 – a first Barnstonworth goal for Jason and two from Colin, who has really stepped up to the plate this season to boss the center midfield.

Chasing the equalizer, we went to three at the back and had a couple of chances to level the match, but we were caught out late on – poor communication between sweeper and goalkeeper when the latter should have taken control of the situation, let the Kickers in on goal for a simple tap-in to close the game out. A real shame because a tie in the next round of the cup against Rovers Premier beckoned.

Tough to know how to feel afterwards. On the one hand, a diabolical opening 30 minutes effectively put the game beyond us, but the spirit shown by the team to almost get back in it is very encouraging and an indicator of how the team has progressed this season.

Back to league action this weekend against probably the most whiney cynical team in the division – Greek Americans. We’ll need to keep our heads to return to winning ways.

Bad news during the week is that Joel has joined our ever-growing list of long-term injuries, so the squad is further reduced as we head towards the winter. A mid-season recruitment drive may be in order…

BOB – Sheero, Rocco, Greg, Scooby, Billy, Macca, Colin, Bryan, Luxury, Jeff, Matt, Joel, Jason.

Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds Match report, 11/15/09

BRFC Rovers Thirds: 0 Gotham Argo: 3

'Twas ugly, and the slithy toads did play so crappily in the turf.
by Jeremy Wine.

In a soon to be legendary rivalry amongst the smallest of soccer circles, Rovers thirds locked horns with Gotham Argo for the first of three matchups that would decide who would carry the Metro league standard in cup play, and likely, who will top the league. This cup face-off we'll affectionately call the "Getting to Know You" match.

Gotham Argo, hereforth the Argos, feature some good pace and skill up front, a central midfielder more determined to scream his name and win every aerial ball in creation, and a humongoid, dominant central back--this is good, solid competition and they didn't disappoint
on Sunday.

At Forest Hills, Queens, the unseasonably warm day would do nothing to pretty up the play. All day long, chances were scarce for both sides, with a cornucopia of hard tackling, wayward passes, and gifted midfield possession. In the first half, the Argos made some room down their right hand side (where they overloaded all day long, presumably to work away from now legendary Sarg Schlatter), and slid the ball to an late running midfielder about 25 yards out. He didn't catch all of it, but reserve goalkeeper and longtime Rover Artis would begin one of his rougher outings unable to change direction in the sandy mud to parry the weakly driven ball. The shot deflected off the post to an Argosian for an easy tap in: 1-Cero. Rovers would soon answer with good work through the middle finding usually bankable Rowley deferring to Obudulu, who turned a decent effort onto the crossbar, no net to be found. Few shots, if any, would be frame-bound and then the
halftime whistle. The ball did land in some bird poo at one point. A lot of bird poo, like a pelican or a large egret.

The second half would feature more of the same, this time with cards, yellow and red. Luckily, the 94 Rovers players/coaches/friends red carded were all amazingly not in the active 11, and Rovers would finish the game at full strength (if you don't count all those goals we conceded). The second Argo goal would be another Artis won't look fondly back on--a well struck but ultimately hopeful ball from fully 38 yards looked to be punched out, only to go all Patrick Swayze through Demi Artis' two-handed pottery wheeling. The ref started to lose his focus, penalizing J. Moore for one of the best, cleanest outside the box tackles you'll ever see. Goal #3 (against) would be yet another questionable finish, this time an unconvincing near-post header that Artis would get a low hand to, but not be able to direct outside the post.

Overall, despite the scoreline, the defense bent but didn't break too often during the game and some nifty combinations would be had with good work from Obudulu, Dick, Rowley, Obaseki, and Chenoweth. We didn't use the wide areas too well, and are still missing some key players in Dirolf and Bobby Ranagiongaphnphap (sic).

Two large opportunities for redemption await, one in the Fall and one in the Spring.

Squad: Artis; Moore, Kilfedder, Sarge and Wine; Tommy, Thomas, Duca and Mackers; Obudulu and Rowley.
Subs (all played): coach, Sholltrain, Sergio, Gav, Bern and Darrell.

Result: Firsts 11/08/09 vs Manhattan Kickers (A)

Manhattan Kickers S.C. 2 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 4

It was 75F on Sunday, and the Rovers had an unusual November stroll in the park against the usually feisty Kickers. BRFC welcomed the return to league action and took the 3 points 4-2, but the score is hardly an indication of the ease with which the Rovers achieved the victory. They were 3-0 up at halftime, and by the 60^th min, they should have been 6 or 7-0 even after the most lackadaisical performance for several years. Kickers Sunday were not a CSL D1 team. Pugliese opened the score on a final flick after Andy’s header was heading just wide. Rovers 1-0

Within the 20 min mark, Colin doubled the tally with a well taken shot – lob – cross that found the side netting for his 2^nd in 2 league games. Rovers 2-0

Andy was not to be denied and in the 35^th min he made it 3 with fine header. Rovers 3-0

Pugli could have made it 6-0 with the 3 un-miss-able chances one in the 1^st half and 2 in the beginning of the 2^nd.

But much worse, out of nowhere, Dirk - the BRFC impressive young centre back – misstepped twisting his knee and had to be taken to the ER (torn ACL). This unsettled the Rovers who then used half time to have a cup of coffee and a doughnut instead of talking shop, further loosening the already non-existent concentration level. Intensity dropped alarmingly, and allowed the Kickers to ruin the clean sheet.

After a further slew of missed chances including a couple of un-miss-ables, a close range strike gave them one. Rovers 3-1.

And minutes after Georgie and Alan were both replaced due to injuries, a free header from a corner made it close. Rovers 3-2.

For exactly 1 min. Immediately spurring to action, Ajene received the ball on top of the D, held off the defender, turned a fired a strike to the far post, past the outstretched (LOL) Fritz, typically scoring on the by far the most difficult of his chances. Rovers 4-2.

Rovers scored at will. Or not. Not to be outdone, Levine gave Kickers a few presents, as did Lucas and Randi (we would not expect any different he felt sorry for them), allowing the scoreline to remain respectable, even though the spectacle was not.

Team: Ben Kartzman, Alan Alcade, George Tagaris, Dirk Swaneveld, Randi Lee, Jordan Chirico, Vidar Ekehaug, Colin Marshall, Pat Brown, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Pete Watson, Oren Nhaissi, Ajene Green, Lucas Werthien, Mat Levine.

Result: Reserves 11/08/09 vs Manhattan Kickers Res (A)

Manhattan Kickers Res 0 Barnstonworth Rovers Res 1

This one was interesting, or at least the referee made it that way. In the end the Reserves remained undefeated, increasing their record start and easily top of the league !

The Reserves were the quality side, dominated play, tempo possession and chances. Yannick scored the winner on a chicky far post curling lob from corner of the box. Rovers 1-0.

Sam twice, Baskin, Yuri and Mat had close calls in the first half, none converting to put the Kickers away.

The first part of the 2^nd half was an exercise to see if the Reserves could increase their lead before the bench of the 1^st team was withdrawn. Erratic finishing – a squad wide bug this weekend – prohibited it.

After the changes Kickers playing very direct, created some half chances, without seriously threatening to equalize. Baskin could have finished the affair with a bouncing ball deep inside the area but it was saved. Yuri had a clear cut on well orchestrated attack, his final effort going just wide. Then it all started. The ref missed a Kicker 10 yards offside, he went to challenge the ball bouncing in the Rover area, obviously with only the keeper there. Bobby jumped highest and punched the ball clear, a Kicker got to the rebound in the d and fired an errant shot over the bar. Ref whistled and pointed forward to what we all thought was for a goal-kick. Even Kickers were somewhat amazed to see he picked up the ball and placed in on the penalty spot ! Foul by the keeper !! allowing the shot was playing advantage !!!

Pandemonium followed as expected. After a couple of Rover yellows, Bobby focused dove to his left and muffled the Kickers star midfielders penalty !!!!!!

The grateful Reserves poured forward, Baskin received a ball past the last defender, and as he goes to finish past Vinny (!!) gets pulled down from the back. The ref did not think that was an infraction.

As the final whistle approached, and the Rovers failed to put the Kickers to bed, the ref, very upset that Bobby foiled his plan, went on a rampage. Firsts a ridiculous free kick outside the area that predictably Kickers could not put on target. Then, in added time, a Kickers desperation attempt at a long throw was cleared for another throw in, this time a few yards north of the Reserve’s area. The Kickers take it as long as possible. Bobby in his near post, raises his hands and grabs it. Referee blows again, points to the penalty spot. This time the Kicker players are laughing, the 1^st team game main referee who had arrived – and who happens to be the same referee that took our cards away last year in the State Cup quarter final vs Irish Rovers after the “fight with his wife” – is looking on, this time in complete amazement. Pandemonium x2. A second yellow follows (thankfully the onlooking ref obliged to write the assignor on our behalf !!). Kickers old timer, scorer of many goals against the Rovers and almost a convert a few years back, Scotty, steps up to take the penalty. The ref loses his giggle as Bobby this time dives to his left and smothers it again !!!

The amazing performance from Guelich ensured the Reserves record was kept intact. And that Kickers got exactly what they deserved from the match - absolutely nothing.

Team: Bobby Guelich, Bond Griffin, Pete Watson, Stash Rutkowski, Yuri Krym, Ron Baskin, Oren Nhaissi, Lucas Werthein, Mat Levine, Michael Martocci, Yannick James. Subs (all played) Zach Chandis, Felix D’Ambrose, Sam Minaya, Stavros Zomopoulos.

Barnstonworth Old Boys report 11/08 - by Sheero

BOB - 3 NY Dinamo - 2

The Old Boys put in a brilliant battling performance Sunday to hand top of the table Dinamo just their second loss of the season. The result was all the more remarkable given the diabolical showing from the Barnstonworth goalkeeper, doing his best to deny us victory.

Our only previous meeting with Dinamo was in last season's State Cup, when they handed out a fairly comprehensive 4-0 defeat. So despite encouragement that we could get a result this time around, there was undoubtedly some uncertainty within BOB's ranks as we took to the field.

Any fears were soon dispelled though, as we immediately took control of the game and were ahead before I'd even touched the ball. We were awarded a penalty decision which could be described as "generous" at best, a bobbling ball bouncing up to hit a Dinamo defender's arm. After the obligatory 5-minute bitching session, Bryan stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way (probably BOB's first penalty conversion in 5 or 6 attempts!). Soon after, we were 2-0 up. Colin's persistence in front of goal after hitting the bar paid off when he nodded down to Jeff who arrowed a right-foot volley into the far corner with the keeper stranded. Dinamo threatened to self-destruct at this point, but did well to gather themselves and play themselves back in to the game, albeit with some help from BOB becoming increasingly disorganized with a flurry of substitutions. Jason had a good chance to increase the lead from close range, but the Dinamo keeper smothered the ball well.

Dinamo pulled a goal back before half-time on a breakaway on the one occasion we were caught flat-footed at the back playing a high line. Encouraged by halving the deficit, Dinamo upped their game and has some sustained pressure, but BOB’s defense marshaled by Rocco & Greg remained strong and we went into the half 2-1 up.

As with the first half, BOB started the 2^nd half stronger and had several chances to re-establish a 2 goal lead – the Dinamo defense always looking likely to concede. As the game went on, friction between the two teams increased and fuses got shorter with plenty of late tackles flying in and lots of back-chat. The referee did a decent job of keeping it just about under control. About half-way through the second half, we conceded a free kick about 25 yards out, which was hit directly at the keeper (guilty as charged) but handled poorly, the Dinamo striker was first to react and with his back to the goal managed to loop a shot over his head and under the bar. Over the last few years, I’ve learned that I rarely come out on top during a goalpost kicking frenzy, so I resisted the temptation, great though it was.

But I must give credit to the whole squad – no one even gave the slightest impression of letting their head drop. Instead, the intensity and effort increased in the very warm conditions, and we busily went in pursuit of a winner. And just as it looked as though the points would be shared, the turning point came. Bazza, on the sidelines suffering with a thigh strain had been mostly a bit-part player to this point, but when we needed to make a late substitution, he insisted on coming back on. Straight from the restart, Jason found Bazza in space on the right, who looked up and saw the keeper well off his line and sent a perfect lob into the empty net from 30-odd yards out. He likes doing this does Bazza – it’s the 3^rd time in a year. Apparently the Dinamo keeper’s positioning was a topic of some conversation on the bench prior to Bazza’s introduction - Dom predictably claimed it as a tactical masterstroke.

The last few minutes were comfortably played out, although not before Dinamo let their frustrations get the better of them and picked up 2 red cards – one for some spicy language directed at the referee and the other for a shocking two-footed tackle on Josh, who seems to have a target on his back when it comes to leg-breaking tackles this season. Dinamo further disgraced themselves after the game with some disgusting racist language directed at some of our players, almost causing a riot. Fortunately, the referee witnessed the whole thing and promised to include everything in his report.

So a very satisfying day’s work, good to see us bounce back from a couple of disappointing league performances in recent weeks. Superb effort from every member of the squad – goalkeeper excepted, he was about as much use as a chocolate teapot.

Many thanks to MJ for supporting the Old Boys, even though her husband Aldo was playing for the opposition – he was also gracious enough to join us in the bar afterwards! Back to State Cup action next week and an interesting tie against Manhattan Kickers after a previous game and a disputed result. It’s never boring…

BOB: The (disabled) Cat, Rocco, Greg, Dominator, Macca, Billy, Scooby, Colin, Luxury, Bryan, Matt, Jeff, Josh, Bazza, Jason, Maggie.

__._,_.___

Lady Rovers 1: 6 Central Park Randers Ladies: 1
After a very good start of the year, game 3 could have proved a turning point for Rovers 1 with the loss on injury of KG and Courtney, both pillars of the team. The depth and resources of the Rovers this year however helped us stop the curse and with the late addition of Liz and Andi to the team, the ladies marched on, win after win.
This week only, Rovers 1 scored no less than 10 goals in 2 games.
First, on Tuesday, Rovers 1 beat Rovers 2 in the first ever Rovers Ladies derby in first division. The final score of 4-1 did not do justice to a great performance by both teams which saw Rovers 2 come back to the score to 2-1 just before half time and push Rovers 1 all the way to the last minute in search of an extra goal.
Then on Sunday, Rovers 1 comfortably won 6-1 against CPR Red, a team that so far this year was third in the table. The game was just too good to be described in a few sentences. While the top scorer of the game award goes to Abby with 3 realizations, the goal of the day goes to Shannon who managed to both gun and curl the perfect free kick around a wall of 5 players (just ask Stavros who witnessed it).
With 23 goals scored and 5 goals against, Rovers 1 is the winner of the half season, best offense (the 5 top scorers of the league so far are all Rovers), best defense, and is 2 points ahead of the closest contender, Vendaval. The defense of Rovers' title start now with a State Cup game against Vendaval this weekend which would mean a direct ticket to the semi-finals (the winner gets a bye in the next round) and the first Spring league game on November 22d.

R2D2 match report - 11/08/09 - by Nicola

LadyRovers 2 1 NY Magic 2
Not to be outdone, in its first season in the A division, Rovers 2 managed to secure a fifth place at half season. A record of 2 wins, 3 losses and one tie make up for 7 points in the table. The most remarkable part of these first 3 months has undoubtedly been the speed with which Rovers 2, with the help of a few new players, adapted to the intensity of the A division and managed to find its own pace. With only 10 goals against (4 courtesy of Rovers 1), Rovers 2 further proved to have one of the best defense in the A division and to be one of the most resilient team to count with.
Rovers 2 resilience showed against this Sunday in its game when after a very poor first half performance and being battered around the field by NY Magic, Rovers 2 equalized through Emily K on a great set piece corner kick and then went on to turn the game around entirely and dominate the second half from beginning to end. The tie would have been entirely deserved had not Magic managed to score on a counter-attack with less than 60 seconds left to play.
After its own State Cup interlude against Magic (yet again) this weekend, Rovers 2 will have a crucial game on the 22d, as taking 3 points from the Slackers would be a huge step forward in ensuring we stay in A division.

Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds Match report, 11/8/09

Eintracht (2) - Rovers Thirds (3)

by Jeremy Wine

Perfect weather, a great new pitch at the venerable Met Oval, a good referee, and a fantastic result belie the fact that this match could have gone either way. Rovers will take the three points without apology as they stake a claim for share of the league lead, pending other results.

Eintracht came out of the gate in the ascendancy and not 5 minutes in, a ball was allowed to bounce in the box (A theme that would repeat throughout the day), and a failure to clear let an Eintracht striker thump home the opening goal from 3 yards out. Rovers looked a bit stunned and confused, to be honest. It was to be a day against a side you wouldn't call large on the whole where Rovers would lose the aerial battle and be outworked by a sharp Eintracht outing. Rovers were almost immediately down 2 as an Eintracht shot from distance was parried by reserve reserve goalkeeper Mackers in the direction of an opposing striker, only to have the tap in amazingly deflected by a streaking, out of nowhere Sarg Schlatter.

The winning attitude, however, has been there for Rovers these days; in the middle of the first half, Rovers would equalize through some familiar faces; Gavin played a ball out wide to Brandon, who answered with a biting cross from the right to the feet of a wide open Obudulu. Obudulu took a calm touch and netted home the evener. An all action first half continued as Eintracht pulled ahead once again on a Moore penalty given due to another scrum in the Rovers box. The Eintracht player beat Mackers from the spot and it was Eintracht 2-1.

Sarg began giving the Eintracht backline fits from an outside midfield positions, and Rovers began to take back some real estate. Rovers would equalize before the half, however, with excellent hold up play from Obudulu, who centered a pass to Gavin. Gavin drew both defenders and played a short oblique ball to Brandon who needed no invitation to lay down the hammer foot and bring us to half, 2-2.

At the start of the second half, Rovers made some incremental improvements to the back line and midfield structure, led by Tommy in the holding central midfield role asserting his everywhereitude. Chances on both ends went wanting until 5 minutes from time. The Eintracht goalie opted for a clearance instead of collection, finding a solitary Gavin 40 yards out. Gavin took it down coolly, made 20 yards for himself straight up the pitch with a defender on his hip, and blasted home a left-footed strike that echoed from here to Alpha Centauri. Hyperbole aside, it was a great strike and none to soon. Eintracht had one last gasp as another clash of bodies and ball in the Rovers box failed to end in a goal somehow, and the final whistle blew.

Rovers sit 4-1-1 and no more than 3 points back from the top. A juicy 6-pointer looms with league leaders Gotham Argo. Next week, continued cup glory, against none other than that same Gotham Argo.

Squad: Mackers; Moore, Kilfedder, Sarge and Wine; Tommy, Gav, Duca and Bern; Obudulu and Rowley.
Subs (all played): coach, Sholltrain, Sergio and Darrell.

Premier o30 Match Report-11/08/09 - by Kevin

Barnstonworth Premier 030 1 NY Greek American Atlas o30 2
Goal: Marlon Johnson

I needed more than a few days to decompress after this match. Otherwise, I would have been spraying around the c word too much to describe the tactics and personnel of the Greek American Over 30 squad. With their dirty fouls, incessant complaining, they invariably get under your skin and get you off your game. The 3 red cards are an indication of the BS you have to deal with when you line up against these guys. Matches involving them must average at least 1 red card/game.

Marlon scored early on a well-placed shot and then they upped their tactics which resulted in two quick yellows for Narces and one of their big galoots. A huge trade-up for them resulting in 10 v 10 for much of the match. They equalized in the first half and it was 1-1 at the half.

The second half saw us self-destruct and the Greeks had much of the play and created many good chances. Emman was given a straight red for a hard foul that the ref claimed was a last man/professional foul. Not so at all. Moreover, they had done the business twice on Duane and Nedgy and no reds or even yellows were given in those cases. Thus, we had 9 v 10 for the final 15 minutes and unfortunately for us, the c***s (hint: Scotland's favorite euphemism) scored their winner just before the final whistle. These mofos have now beaten us the last two times we've faced them, but we'll have a chance to exact our revenge later in the season.

Squad: Kevin, Emman, Carl, Kenton, Roger, Robbie, Duane, Kendall, Narces, Alex, Maurice, Marlon, Nedgy

Eastern NY Region US Open Cup - from US Open cup website

2010 Qualifying: Pancyprian Freedoms among opening round Eastern NY winners

New York Pancyprian Freedoms: Three-time US Open Cup champions

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms got off on the right foot in US Open Cup qualifying, defeating the Barstonworth Rovers 2-0 in the opening round of the Eastern New York Open Cup tournament.

The three-time Open Cup champions (1980, 1982, 1983) took an early lead in the 15th minute when Pete Halkidis found Tasso Polydefkis at the top of the penalty area, and Polydefkis fired it past the Rovers goalkeeper.

In the 28th minute, Polydefkis helped the Freedoms add to their lead when his corner kick found the head of Puerto Rican international Chris Megaloudis who found the back of the net.

The Freedoms controlled the majority of play on a damp night, but the Rovers continued to fight back with counter attacks. In the 55th minute, Barstonworth had a chance to cut the lead in half with a penalty kick, but New York goalkeeper Chad Calderone dove to his right to make the save to keep the clean sheet.

The Freedoms have pretty much the same team as they had from last year’s team that won the 2008 US Open Amateur Cup (USASA). They will move on to take on New York Athletic Club, who had no trouble with their opening round matchup, beating Stade Breton New York by a score of 7-0. The date has not been confirmed as of yet.

New York returns to league play in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League where they are in first place in the East group with a 3-1-2 record.

NY Pancyprian Freedoms lineup
Coach: Lukas Lukovic

Chad Calderone, Jon Simos, Chris Zisimatos, Matia Damiani, Peter Pavlakos, Stelios Andreou, Julio Cesar DoSantos (Tommy Vlahos 75th min.), Jeffrey Matteo, Pete Halkidis (Peter Antoniades 70th min.), Chris Megaloudis, Tasso Polydefkis

Eastern New York First Round results:

Oyster Bay Fenerbahce 16:1 VV Nieuw Amsterdam
New York Greek American Atlas 2:1 New York City Albanians
New York Athletic Club 7:0 Stade Breton NY
New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2:0 Barstonworth Rovers

Result: US Open Cup Rd 1 - 11/5/09 vs Pancyprians (a)

N.Y. Pancyprians 2 Barnstonworth Rovers 0

We started with 10, kush was still getting dressed and yuri was not ready to play and I think without the belief that we were going to win the match.

If the team we were playing were called CPR or Polonia, it would have been different.

The were the worst Pancyps team I have ever seen. They had 0 midfield and were playing like 5 def and 4 forwards and an attacking middie. Matteo was all over the place never holding his position.

In the first 20 we got clues that we could beat this team, but ingnored them. Andy got 2 chances running through their defense getting the ball in the area, but one shot went wide and one was saved.

And pugli had an open header inside the 6 from a great cross form andy but he miss hit it.

They on the other hand, felt that we were less than well prepared and lacked belief and after a header from a set piece wide, they overloaded our right – as they usually do – tassos took the ball down the line he gave it to julio (I think) he dribbled on then held off a second defender and buried a bouncing ball to the far upper 90. typical. Rover 0-1

Then their #11 beat 3 of our guys to a corner and made it 2-0. Rovers 0-2

Half time we spoke about closing the lines, having both our centre backs mark up and rotate up to pressure as a team. And using the space in the middle of the pitch. They did not touch the ball for 40 min.

We had first chance 3 min in, and missed it.

6 min in we won a penalty – the last pugli will be taking for some time – and goalkeeper saved it.

And so on and so on. First time Ben touched the ball in 2^nd half was after we went to 3 in the back with 15 to go.

We lost the game because we

1) showed up with 11 players (incl 0 of our original starting midfield) and got there AT or after game time

2) we were not ready to play and did not believe that we would win

3) we needed to keep possession a bit longer, we were unusually too direct.

3) We are just not scoring. We are creating lots and lots of chances but we are not finishing. (I believe I pointed out before this was going to be our biggest issue)

We have played 7 games now and if you exclude the polonia match, we have scored a total of 5 goals in 6 games.

Nobody wins consistently with such ratios.

Team: Ben Kartzman, Alan Alcade, Mark Kushemba, George Tagaris, Dirk Swaneveld, Oren Nhaissi, Pat Brown, Vidar Ekehaug, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, Stephen Pugliese. Sub (played) Yuri Krym

Result: Reserves 11/1/09 vs NYAC (A)

N.Y.A.C. Res 2 Barnstonworth Rovers Res 3

The turnaround is complete. The Reserves are for real, and that is a good sign for BRFC. Sunday, marathon Sunday, then night after Halloween, a 10 am kick off at Pelham, a venue the club has never registered a victory. Dauntingly, the selected keeper, who also has the kit, decides not to show up or respond to the phone, leaving the Reserves with 10 at the start and Stavros between the posts !

So what ?

The Reserves have enough quality to be able to play against many 1^st teams this year. And many players that can and will play for the first team. Organized and sporting a solid back four, the Reserves held their own until Baskin arrived to make it 11. Even without their new kit, with 11 on the park, they started to spread the ball, attack the flanks and dominate the chances. At the half hour mark, Yannick did well to release Marto on the right flank. He rounded the defender to place a Jordi-like cross to the far post. Levine arriving connected powerfully to beat the excellent NYAC keeper. Reserves 1-0.

The Rovers did not stop there. Minutes later, Oren made a typical run down the same flank, outpaced the defense and swung another perfect cross to the far post. This time it was Baskin arriving there, who volleyed it with his favorite left foot for his 60^th goal for the club. Reserves 2-0.

The Reserves controlled the tempo in the beginning of the second half until NYAC finally exposed the lack of goalkeeping. A failed attempt to get to a bouncing ball in the box, the NYAC forward kept the chase and finished very well from an awfully acute angle and 2 retreating Rover defenders. Reserves 2-1.

NYAC followed with their best spell. As champions, they held the ball for many passes at a time, and constantly asked questions of the back line. They wasted a couple of well positioned free-kicks. And several good chances were blocked. Then a sustained stretch of pressure, including 3 consecutive corners, the ball swung from side to side, the winger cut inside, his shot from close range, kick saved. But the rebound fell to another NYAC forward on the other side, who slotted it home for the equalizer. Reserves 2-2.

With 10 minutes to play, one would not blame the Reserves if they were demoralized having surrendered a 2 goal lead or if they had been satisfied with a point and hunkered down to protect it. Contrarily, they made a goalkeeping change and pushed ahead. The ball broke to the left, and another pin point cross was destined for Baskin’s 61^st. He fluffed it enough for the ball to carry to Levine past the far post. He calmly touched past the defender and under the keeper. Reserves 3-2.

NYAC never really recovered. They did have a chance that was correctly – albeit surprisingly – called back for offside, and the Reserves had a historic victory and, now, a record start to a season.

Team: Stavros Zomopoulos, Bond Griffin, Stash Rutkowski, Peter Watson, Corey Dempsey, Mat Levine, Yuri Krym, Oren Nhaissi, Michael Martocci, Yannick James, Ron Baskin

Result: Firsts State Cup Rd1, 11/1/09

Oyster Bay Fenerbache USA 3 Barnstonworth Rovers 1

A very good opponent, a late change of venue to a terrible pitch and a lone tired referee, along with a only 11 players available (and 2 subs that played full 90 earlier w/Res) due to various reasons contrived to force the earliest Rover exit from the State Cup for many years. The 2-time in the last 3 season’s semi-finalists have never won a cup game in long island, probably for the same reasons they did not win on Sunday. This time, though, they contributed with one of their poorest performances this season. Fener were well organized and far better accustomed to the conditions. As such, they played the better football, they were more effective and won deservedly.

Having the cup’s chairmen’s son under their goalposts, though, did give them extra panache. And maybe it was a telling factor. With the score tied at 1, Andy was clearly – and purposely – brought down as he rounded their outside back. The infraction was so clearly inside the area, that their coach shouted “no penalty !”

And the referee somehow obliged, ridiculously awarding a free kick just outside the 18teen that went unpunished by the Rovers !!

The decision clearly changed the rue of the match.

The match started very evenly and the Rovers struck first. The pitch was not for pretty or even “on the ground” football. So a ball from the defense to Jordi who played Ajene behind the defense. Their keeper caught in no-mans land, Ajene cleverly one-touched lobbed the bouncing ball over him and into the open net. Quality finish for his first 1^st team tally. Rovers 1-0.

The Rovers could have built from there. Expect, shortly afterwards, a blown marking assignment at a corner allowed for a free, have bending down, header at the far post that tied the score. Rovers 1-1.

Still fumbling over a couple of missed opportunities at the end of the half, and the unfathomable call from the ref, the Rovers were slow to restart. And they quickly found themselves trailing. A whiff on the bad pitch, followed by a less than stellar clearance that was redirected back at our back line, allowed their top player – a niftingly quick and skillful striker – to contest a ball deep in our half. The Rovers should have cleared it quicker, Broach arrived a split second later that the forward’s slide, and the ball rested in the back of the net. Rovers 1-2.

The Rovers went to 3 strikers and looked to equalize using the unfamiliar to them long ball, and set pieces. They had their chances. Pugli’s header from the penalty spot was anemic. Andy chest and volley was unfortunately straight at the keeper. Ajene’s shot came from an unfavorable angle and hit the side netting. But their best chances came from 2 Colin set pieces. The first, 3 Rovers beat all the defenders but nobody could steer the ball inside the net. The second, eerily similar, but this time 2 Rovers got to it, one sending it goal bound, the other keeping it from going in.

Broach save well from a close range free kick before Oyster Bay scored on a nice header in the last minute of regulation for the final score and seal the exit from the cup. Rovers 1-3.

On another day with Waddell, Einar, Vidar, Salvo, Dirk or Brown, on a playable pitch, and proper officiating, certainly the result would have been different. On this day, anything was possible.

The bright side, the exit does save the next round trip to Oceanside – even further than Syosset – and Colin’s complaining.

Team: Dave Brochard, Alan Alcade, George Tagaris, Randi Lee, Mark Kushemba, Colin Marshall, Lucas Werthein, Jordan Chirico, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Mat Levine, Corey Nessa

Old Boys report 11/1/09 - Cup Rd 1 - by Sheero

BOB – 7 BW Gottschee – 0

The Old Boys strolled into the 2^nd round of the state cup with a clinical and dominating performance against a poor Gottschee team. We were once again cursed by the non-appearing referee and even though Gottschee were the home team, they couldn’t provide a replacement so we had to – Scooby manfully jumped into the breach.

The first half started fairly evenly, but any Gottschee opportunities were easily snuffed out – I had one save of note to make. Once we got our noses in front – a header from Colin (man of the match in the middle of the park) – it was a blur of goals with Joel, Magnus, Steve and Jeff all tallying. So it was effectively over as a contest before half time. Predictably, the second half was a little more subdued, but we continued to play some excellent flowing football – at one point Rocco turned to me and said “It’s just like Brazil”. The scoring was completed by Josh and Magnus with his second.

Good to see us put away a poor team with ease, which hasn’t always been the case. Big thanks to Scooby, Dom and Lordy for putting in the refereeing shifts – always a thankless task.

Top job everyone – Dave, Rocco, Greg, Macca, Dom, Billy, Lordy, Scooby, Colin, Bryan, Steve, Josh, Joel, Jeff, Magnus and a late cameo from Jason.

Premier o30's Match Report- Cup Rd1 - by Kevin

Barnstonworth Premier 0 NYPD 0
Penalty Kicks: Rovers 4-3
Goals: Carl Gajewski, Narces Phanoir, Duane Pena, Marlon Johnson

Much like last week, we had the lion's share of possession and created many more quality chances than our opponents, the upstart 2nd division NYPD side. In the end, we pulled it out during PKs.
This NYPD side is undefeated in the 2nd division and are a decent side. Still though, we created several good chances in the first half. Emman's quick thru ball released Nedgy, who failed to beat the keeper, perhaps his recurring groin injury giving him difficulties. Later, Marlon won a PK, but Alex's effort caromed off the post. A few other chances came from crosses across the 6 yard box, one of which Maurice came close on.
After some customary bickering at halftime, we played another solid half of football, though again we could not fire home the winner. Duane had two nice efforts, one of which struck the post and rolled across the goalmouth. He was later taken down in the box but I figure the ref didn't want to give us two PKs. NYPD was not totally outclassed and were unlucky to not score when a long range effort flew past Kevin's outstreched hands, pinging off the crossbar. I had it covered.
In the end, another scoreless draw at 90 minutes. There was no extra time and we went straight to PK's to settle this first round cup match. If you know our squad or have the occasion to read these match reports, you will know that we are not good at PKs. I can safely say that our PK conversion rate over the last few years is at or below 50%.
Emman's well struck effort was saved by their keeper They scored their first, Kevin went the wrong way. (1-0 cops)
Carl scored
Kevin sent the wrong way again. (2-1 cops)
Narces scored
Kevin guess correctly and got a hand to it but to no avail. (3-2 cops)
Duane scored
Kevin guessed right and saved right. (3-3)
Marlon scored
NYPD player's effort went just wide. (Rovers win 4-3)
Kevin, Roger, Kenton, Emman, Narces, Carl, Robbie, Maurice, Alex, Duane, Kendall, Marlon, Nedgy

BRFC o-30's drop in the State Cup on penalties - by Martin

NY Polet 1 BRFC o30's 1 (pk 5-4)

The 0-30's Rovers just don't seem to have the State Cup touch. It is now two years in a row that we have dropped out on penalty kicks, and many more years since anyone can remember advancing to the 2nd round.

NY Polet was a solid opponent who took advantage of an early break down on our touch line that allowed them an easy push pass goal. They had the better of us on the ball control side and opened us up through the middle, but they did not often get through the defense. We created numerous chances on our own, largely through crosses and corners to the far post. Jason found Pat there more than once. After several futile attempts, Pat managed to nod one in.

The rest of the match was a good clean battle back and forth. Again, perhaps with them controlling a little more than us, but we offered our own push backs, not the least of which was Patricks break away from midfield one on one with the goalie. Pat will no doubt blame the swine flu for his miscalculation as to how long it takes a goalie to get from the end line to the 40 yd line, but when he looked back up from his first touch, the goalie was there to make a kick save as Pat tried to lumber around him.

The game went to penalties.

1) Pete curved the first one smack onto the right post, they converted.

2) Pat popped his in, then collapsed from the flu, Jean Marc saved one, banking it off a post.

3) Ben converted, they slotted another 2-2

4) Jason easily netted, they missed 3-2

5) Mike went for the winner and instead did an impression of Gumby, flubbing the ball to the keeper - they tied it.

6) Danny netted, they did too

7) Sven cracked it, they scored

8) Roger slammed it in, so did they.

9) Gary got caught by a guessing Goalie, and then to top it off, their goalie scored the winning penalty.......