Look for BRFC's own Mark Kushemba and Andy Abramovits (about the 2 minute mark) in the clip and the rest Copa NYC US team that is organized by Mark (for BRFC)!
http://www.gousabid.com/blog/entry/mia-hamm-our-game-our-story/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Rovers Win League Semi Final, make CSL Div 1 Final for 1st time in their history !
One of the most important kicks in Rover's history (until June 6 2010) captured on video by Stephen Pugliese !
The shooter is Alan Alcade, and its the 5 and final penalty !
The shooter is Alan Alcade, and its the 5 and final penalty !
Results: Firsts 5/23 League Semi vs Landsdowne (H)
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1 (4) Landsdowne Bhoys 1 (3)
BRFC reached its first ever League Final exorcising their penalty demons on the way !
Alan Alcalde non-chalantly slotted the 5th and last penalty (video attached) past the frozen Irish keeper to start the celebrations !
Andy had give the Rovers the lead with a brilliant solo effort in the 60 minute only for the Rovers to lose their 10th clean sheet in the final 90 secs. They recovered and booked their deserved spot in the final on penalties.
Ben saved the first 2 Bhoys' attempts giving the Rovers an insurmountable lead and the confidence to win their first shoot-out in memory.
The Rovers last and only other playoff appearance ended on a missed 5th penalty, after leading vs G/A for over 80 minutes, missing several clear chances to clinch the game before a freak goal tied it.
The large Irish fan contingent, full with national flags, were not that lucky this time. Sunday was for the Rovers.
In a blistering 1st half, BRFC showcased its superior technical abilities and could have put the score beyond dispute.
Scotty steered a powerful headed from inside the six at the crossbar, from a corner, and the Rovers failed to capitalize on the long rebound.
Pugli controlled a flick pass at the edge of the six, and slotted it past the keeper only for a Bhoy to clear off the line at the last minute, while the crowd cheered.
Then, Jordi broke on the right, gathered a ball deep inside the box, beat a defender but fired at the keeper, who parried it onto the post before recollecting the ball.
On the other side, Ben saved well from a dangerous free kick and then parried a long shot with a diving save to his left at the goal line.
The Irish were showing signs of wear and the Rovers, with few adjustments, took it to them at the start of the 2nd half.
Andy provided the spark and finish that finally broke the deadlock. He closed down the slow goon playing in the back, blocked his attempted clearance, collected the loose ball, turn him, put on the afterburners, raced into the box and finished with aplomb between the keeper's legs ! Rovers 1-0.
Landsdowne tried to respond immediately, but could not really threaten and when the Rovers regained control of the tempo, it was hard to see how the scoreline and the 10th Rover clean sheet could change in the final 20 minutes.
It did. The Bhoys started to throw everything forward, and forced repeated Rover turnovers in their half of the pitch. All of a sudden the Rovers seemed unable to exchange passes, looked tired and desperate to hang on.
One dangerous cross followed another, each corner became a series of corners and the Landsdowne pressure intensified. The back 4 superb all season, coped with the taller opponents as they swarmed the box.
Ben made several punch saves and 2 grabs from very close range flick-ons to keep the Rovers on top. When, with 4 minutes to play, an Irish free kick from a very dangerous spot just outside the D went wastefully high and wide, many felt again that the Rovers were home. Unfortunately they were not. With 90 sec to go another clearance to the middle of the pitch was played deep to the Rovers left catching them out of position. The winger come in and put a perfect cross to the far post where an unmarked Smythe headed (faced) it down before it bounce to the roof of the net. Rovers 1-1
Penalties followed almost without a further kick of the ball:
Landsdowne - Miss
Jordi - ripped the net
Landsdowne - Ben saved
Vidi - saved
Landsdowne - scored
Colin - send the goalkeeper the wrong side
Landsdowne - Ben got a very large hand on it but it squirmed in.
Ajene - upper 90
Landsdowne - scored
Alan - see the video ! that sent the Rovers to the FINAL !
With the Rover Ladies also playing their championship final on June 6th, THE WHOLE CLUB SHOULD COME, ENJOY, WITNESS THE UPCOMING BRFC TROPHY CELEBRATIONS !
Team: (the starting 11 have played a combined 625 matches for the Rovers) Ben Kartzman, Mark Kushemba, John Salvucci, Vidar Ekehaug, Colin Marshall, Jordan Chirico, Scott Waddell, Alan Alcalde, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese Subs (all played) Ajene Green, Pat Brown, Randi Lee
BRFC reached its first ever League Final exorcising their penalty demons on the way !
Alan Alcalde non-chalantly slotted the 5th and last penalty (video attached) past the frozen Irish keeper to start the celebrations !
Andy had give the Rovers the lead with a brilliant solo effort in the 60 minute only for the Rovers to lose their 10th clean sheet in the final 90 secs. They recovered and booked their deserved spot in the final on penalties.
Ben saved the first 2 Bhoys' attempts giving the Rovers an insurmountable lead and the confidence to win their first shoot-out in memory.
The Rovers last and only other playoff appearance ended on a missed 5th penalty, after leading vs G/A for over 80 minutes, missing several clear chances to clinch the game before a freak goal tied it.
The large Irish fan contingent, full with national flags, were not that lucky this time. Sunday was for the Rovers.
In a blistering 1st half, BRFC showcased its superior technical abilities and could have put the score beyond dispute.
Scotty steered a powerful headed from inside the six at the crossbar, from a corner, and the Rovers failed to capitalize on the long rebound.
Pugli controlled a flick pass at the edge of the six, and slotted it past the keeper only for a Bhoy to clear off the line at the last minute, while the crowd cheered.
Then, Jordi broke on the right, gathered a ball deep inside the box, beat a defender but fired at the keeper, who parried it onto the post before recollecting the ball.
On the other side, Ben saved well from a dangerous free kick and then parried a long shot with a diving save to his left at the goal line.
The Irish were showing signs of wear and the Rovers, with few adjustments, took it to them at the start of the 2nd half.
Andy provided the spark and finish that finally broke the deadlock. He closed down the slow goon playing in the back, blocked his attempted clearance, collected the loose ball, turn him, put on the afterburners, raced into the box and finished with aplomb between the keeper's legs ! Rovers 1-0.
Landsdowne tried to respond immediately, but could not really threaten and when the Rovers regained control of the tempo, it was hard to see how the scoreline and the 10th Rover clean sheet could change in the final 20 minutes.
It did. The Bhoys started to throw everything forward, and forced repeated Rover turnovers in their half of the pitch. All of a sudden the Rovers seemed unable to exchange passes, looked tired and desperate to hang on.
One dangerous cross followed another, each corner became a series of corners and the Landsdowne pressure intensified. The back 4 superb all season, coped with the taller opponents as they swarmed the box.
Ben made several punch saves and 2 grabs from very close range flick-ons to keep the Rovers on top. When, with 4 minutes to play, an Irish free kick from a very dangerous spot just outside the D went wastefully high and wide, many felt again that the Rovers were home. Unfortunately they were not. With 90 sec to go another clearance to the middle of the pitch was played deep to the Rovers left catching them out of position. The winger come in and put a perfect cross to the far post where an unmarked Smythe headed (faced) it down before it bounce to the roof of the net. Rovers 1-1
Penalties followed almost without a further kick of the ball:
Landsdowne - Miss
Jordi - ripped the net
Landsdowne - Ben saved
Vidi - saved
Landsdowne - scored
Colin - send the goalkeeper the wrong side
Landsdowne - Ben got a very large hand on it but it squirmed in.
Ajene - upper 90
Landsdowne - scored
Alan - see the video ! that sent the Rovers to the FINAL !
With the Rover Ladies also playing their championship final on June 6th, THE WHOLE CLUB SHOULD COME, ENJOY, WITNESS THE UPCOMING BRFC TROPHY CELEBRATIONS !
Team: (the starting 11 have played a combined 625 matches for the Rovers) Ben Kartzman, Mark Kushemba, John Salvucci, Vidar Ekehaug, Colin Marshall, Jordan Chirico, Scott Waddell, Alan Alcalde, Andy Abramovits, Stephen Pugliese Subs (all played) Ajene Green, Pat Brown, Randi Lee
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Barnstonworth Rovers Thirds
09-10 Season Statistics
09-10 Season Statistics
Top: Brandon Rowley, Jeremy Brown, Okey Obudulu, Mackers, David Bernfeld, Gavin Dick, David Schlatter, Sergio Restrepo and James Krapp.
Bottom: Jason Moore, Dusan Zivanovic, Tommy Chenoweth, Juan González Casares, Gustavo Garro and Derek Kilfedder.
Missing from the picture: Jeremy Wine, Michael Dirolf, Thomas Obaseki, Darrell Crane and Bruce Sholl.
Barnstonworth Rovers - Metro 2 League
Games Played: 16
Wins: 9
Losses: 4
Ties: 3
Points: 30
Percentage: 0.656
Goals in Favor: 53
Goals Against: 25
Goal Difference: 28
Last 5: 3-1-1
Final Standings:
Gotham Argo 38 (one more game to play)
Homenetmen of NY 32
Barnstonworth Rovers 30
FC NY Bravehearts 23
Astoria Gaels 22 (one more game to play)
Maltese Dolphins FC 20
NYPD FC Metro 2 15 (one more game to play)
SC Eintracht 10 (two more games to play)
NY Galicia 7 (one more game to play)
Barnstonworth Rovers - State Cup
Games Played: 2
Wins: 1
Losses: 1
Ties: 0
Goals in Favor: 3
Goals Against: 3
Goal Scorers:
Rowley: 17
Gav: 12
Sergio: 7
Thomas: 5
Bern: 3
Duca: 3
Okey: 2
Bond: 2
Garro: 1
Mackers: 1
Crane: 1
Sarge: 1
Brown: 1
Wine: 1 (OG)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Results: Firsts 5/16/10 vs Manhattan Kickers (H)
Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 5 Manhattan Kickers S.C. 0
The Rovers clinched their first ever senior trophy, trouncing the Manhattan Kickers 5-0 and effectually relegating their downtown rivals (for the 3rd time !)
Its a historic achievement and the first time any independent club has done it. NYAC is the only other Manhattan club, whatsoever, to have ever won a CSL D1 trophy.
Barnstonworth was superior in every aspect and clinically dismantled the opposition. The icing on the cake was an absolutely superb Waddell 2nd half goal to complete his hattrick. It was a goal even Mesi would have been proud of and highlighting the difference in quality between the 2 sides.
He collected a ball on the far side-line just outside the box, eliminated one defender, then teased another with the ball before he was double team near the corner flag. He megged one, then split them both, pushed the ball into the box, took 3 strides to the six and almost casually slotted it to the far side netting !
Scotty had also opened the scoring with a header from the corner in the 1st half, after an exploratory first 20 mins. Rovers 1-0
Colin hit one from inside the box to the far post, easily beating the Kicker keeper to make it Rovers 2-0.
With the start of the 2nd half Scotty made it 3 with a tap in Rovers 3-0,
Bringing us to the wonder goal to seal his hattrick. Rovers 4-0
Sam came on as a late substitute and notched his 1st goal for the firsts this season to close the scoring.
Ben playing as the second forward had several good chances to further embarrass the Kickers but his best effort went over the bar. He also set up Pugli whose finish was saved once, before setting up Sam's goal.
The back 4 steady as always and Broach superbly controlled the area to record his 3rd clean sheet of the season and the firsts 9th !!!
Playoffs semi final at home beckons vs Landsdowne !
Team: Dave Borchard, Vidar Ekehaug, Mark Kushemba, John Salvucci, George Tagaris, Colin Marshall, Scott Waddell, Alan Alcade, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Randi Lee, Oren Nhaissi, Sam Minaya, Ben Kartzman
The Rovers clinched their first ever senior trophy, trouncing the Manhattan Kickers 5-0 and effectually relegating their downtown rivals (for the 3rd time !)
Its a historic achievement and the first time any independent club has done it. NYAC is the only other Manhattan club, whatsoever, to have ever won a CSL D1 trophy.
Barnstonworth was superior in every aspect and clinically dismantled the opposition. The icing on the cake was an absolutely superb Waddell 2nd half goal to complete his hattrick. It was a goal even Mesi would have been proud of and highlighting the difference in quality between the 2 sides.
He collected a ball on the far side-line just outside the box, eliminated one defender, then teased another with the ball before he was double team near the corner flag. He megged one, then split them both, pushed the ball into the box, took 3 strides to the six and almost casually slotted it to the far side netting !
Scotty had also opened the scoring with a header from the corner in the 1st half, after an exploratory first 20 mins. Rovers 1-0
Colin hit one from inside the box to the far post, easily beating the Kicker keeper to make it Rovers 2-0.
With the start of the 2nd half Scotty made it 3 with a tap in Rovers 3-0,
Bringing us to the wonder goal to seal his hattrick. Rovers 4-0
Sam came on as a late substitute and notched his 1st goal for the firsts this season to close the scoring.
Ben playing as the second forward had several good chances to further embarrass the Kickers but his best effort went over the bar. He also set up Pugli whose finish was saved once, before setting up Sam's goal.
The back 4 steady as always and Broach superbly controlled the area to record his 3rd clean sheet of the season and the firsts 9th !!!
Playoffs semi final at home beckons vs Landsdowne !
Team: Dave Borchard, Vidar Ekehaug, Mark Kushemba, John Salvucci, George Tagaris, Colin Marshall, Scott Waddell, Alan Alcade, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, Stephen Pugliese. Subs (all played) Randi Lee, Oren Nhaissi, Sam Minaya, Ben Kartzman
Monday, May 17, 2010
CSL 1st Division West 2009-10 CHAMPIONS !
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CONGRATULATIONS ROVERS !
FIRST AND RESERVE TEAMS 2009/10 1st Div West Champions !
CONGATULATIONS TO BRFC LADIES !
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BRFC Ladies top of the 1st Division at the end of the regular season
FIRST SENIOR LADIES TITLE
Lady Rovers - Finish 2009/10 Regular Season Top of 1st Division !
BRFC Ladies 3 CPR Lady Red 2
After Rovers 2 great performance, it was time for Rovers 1 to shine. The news at kick-off was rather bad however. Vendaval was already 2 goals up in the first half of its game which meant we needed to win no matter what, and Shannon "The Shamrock", was stuck at work, which brought Rovers 1 down to 10 players. Against an excellent team like CPR Red (3rd in the league), being short is not exactly a coach's dream. Quickly though, Omar had the team warmed up and organized.
The referee whistle the kick-off 15 minutes late, Rovers recovered the ball, one, two, three, four first touch passes, Courtney Carter, flicks the ball cross the goal line and Rachel Sweeney finishes the movement neatly. 20 seconds and 1-0 for Rovers 1. From there on, you could have expected it to be a walk in the park. Well, it was … not. After 10 minutes during which Rovers dominated and toyed around with the ball, CPR got organized and started taking command of the game, forcing us to run frantically in all directions to try and make up for playing one short. As things had to happen, the pressure became slightly overbearing and they scored one then two before half time.
"Don't chase the ball, stay in formation, pass to feet, control the movement of the ball and use first touches to beat them" were in short the instructions given at half time. To avoid stress, Omar and I kept to ourselves the fact that Vendaval was already 4-0 in its game and that if we didn't come back they would win the regular season, not us. Slowly, little by little, the Rovers reversed the game and took possession of the ball. With one man down, there is no space for anything but perfectly accurate passing and 100% commitment and it is what Rovers 1 delivered. After 20 minutes, a great movement on the right side, then through the middle finished with a short pass to KG who slotted the ball in from 4 yards. Rovers 2 – CPR 2. Then, Lorena, our 19 year old rookie who is promised to a great future in college soccer, started playing her magic again and wreaked havoc with sheer speed and agility through CPR's defense. Twice she worked her way to a one on one with the goalie. The first went out just past the post, the second bounced off the post, back in the heels of the goalie who miraculously managed to get hold of it. When you are 1 player down, such opportunities don't come often and seeing them go is just a heartbreaker. On the other side, CPR stayed dangerous on counters and Annie "the X-factor" had to make a couple of brilliant dives straight in the feet of the strikers to protect her goal. With 10 minutes to go, news came that Vendaval had won 5-1. A tie was just not enough. And Vendaval, very much aware of it, was waiting on their field, hoping for a reason to celebrate. 2 minutes to go and on the side-line, we pretty much started thinking about what we'd say to Vendaval to congratulate them on their season. 60 seconds to go, Rovers 1 is still on the attack, still believing. A counter is quickly played from Susan (or was it Abbey) to the midfield, in two touches a through ball for Abby running wide on the right side in the back of the defense. She gets the ball, beats the defender, takes it straight towards the goalie and with incredible cool adjusts her foot and places the ball past the goalie. Let's just say that I screamed so loud I lost my voice. The last 60 seconds were heroic with both teams throwing everything in the game and Courtney beating the goalie who had come out of her goal and just not putting enough strength in her kick to score the 4th one in an open goal.
Final score: Rovers 1: 3 – CPR Red: 2.
Rovers 1 finished the regular season with 33 points (10 wins, 1 loss, 3 ties). With 44 goals scored and 11 goals conceded, Rovers has both the best offense and best defense of the League. And our own Jen North is golden boot.
We are tied with Vendaval for points but have a much better goal difference (33 v 22).
This makes Rovers 1 the official champion of the regular season, the first time ever in Rovers history. A great achievement for what undeniably is the best women's team to ever play under the Rovers banner and probably one of the best women's team to ever play in the League. Congrats to Omar and to all the players.
Rovers 1 now has a play-off game against Vendaval on June 6 to finish things off in beauty. We'll try to make sure we don't only win the regular season on goal difference but win it properly by kicking some Vendaval ass.
Roster of the day:
- "X-factor" Annie
- Susan "please don't make me play before 3 pm on a Sunday"
- Abbey "The tower"
- Rachel "I might be small but I do bite"
- Annie "the headhunter"
- Liz "Rovers 1 Ms. Congeniality"
- Abby "Enough with the twin fantasy, please"
- KG "Is that vodka I smell on your breath?"
- Lorena "the swirling rookie"
- Courtney "the locomotive"
And on the side-lines Jennifer aka "the nicest person on hearth".
After Rovers 2 great performance, it was time for Rovers 1 to shine. The news at kick-off was rather bad however. Vendaval was already 2 goals up in the first half of its game which meant we needed to win no matter what, and Shannon "The Shamrock", was stuck at work, which brought Rovers 1 down to 10 players. Against an excellent team like CPR Red (3rd in the league), being short is not exactly a coach's dream. Quickly though, Omar had the team warmed up and organized.
The referee whistle the kick-off 15 minutes late, Rovers recovered the ball, one, two, three, four first touch passes, Courtney Carter, flicks the ball cross the goal line and Rachel Sweeney finishes the movement neatly. 20 seconds and 1-0 for Rovers 1. From there on, you could have expected it to be a walk in the park. Well, it was … not. After 10 minutes during which Rovers dominated and toyed around with the ball, CPR got organized and started taking command of the game, forcing us to run frantically in all directions to try and make up for playing one short. As things had to happen, the pressure became slightly overbearing and they scored one then two before half time.
"Don't chase the ball, stay in formation, pass to feet, control the movement of the ball and use first touches to beat them" were in short the instructions given at half time. To avoid stress, Omar and I kept to ourselves the fact that Vendaval was already 4-0 in its game and that if we didn't come back they would win the regular season, not us. Slowly, little by little, the Rovers reversed the game and took possession of the ball. With one man down, there is no space for anything but perfectly accurate passing and 100% commitment and it is what Rovers 1 delivered. After 20 minutes, a great movement on the right side, then through the middle finished with a short pass to KG who slotted the ball in from 4 yards. Rovers 2 – CPR 2. Then, Lorena, our 19 year old rookie who is promised to a great future in college soccer, started playing her magic again and wreaked havoc with sheer speed and agility through CPR's defense. Twice she worked her way to a one on one with the goalie. The first went out just past the post, the second bounced off the post, back in the heels of the goalie who miraculously managed to get hold of it. When you are 1 player down, such opportunities don't come often and seeing them go is just a heartbreaker. On the other side, CPR stayed dangerous on counters and Annie "the X-factor" had to make a couple of brilliant dives straight in the feet of the strikers to protect her goal. With 10 minutes to go, news came that Vendaval had won 5-1. A tie was just not enough. And Vendaval, very much aware of it, was waiting on their field, hoping for a reason to celebrate. 2 minutes to go and on the side-line, we pretty much started thinking about what we'd say to Vendaval to congratulate them on their season. 60 seconds to go, Rovers 1 is still on the attack, still believing. A counter is quickly played from Susan (or was it Abbey) to the midfield, in two touches a through ball for Abby running wide on the right side in the back of the defense. She gets the ball, beats the defender, takes it straight towards the goalie and with incredible cool adjusts her foot and places the ball past the goalie. Let's just say that I screamed so loud I lost my voice. The last 60 seconds were heroic with both teams throwing everything in the game and Courtney beating the goalie who had come out of her goal and just not putting enough strength in her kick to score the 4th one in an open goal.
Final score: Rovers 1: 3 – CPR Red: 2.
Rovers 1 finished the regular season with 33 points (10 wins, 1 loss, 3 ties). With 44 goals scored and 11 goals conceded, Rovers has both the best offense and best defense of the League. And our own Jen North is golden boot.
We are tied with Vendaval for points but have a much better goal difference (33 v 22).
This makes Rovers 1 the official champion of the regular season, the first time ever in Rovers history. A great achievement for what undeniably is the best women's team to ever play under the Rovers banner and probably one of the best women's team to ever play in the League. Congrats to Omar and to all the players.
Rovers 1 now has a play-off game against Vendaval on June 6 to finish things off in beauty. We'll try to make sure we don't only win the regular season on goal difference but win it properly by kicking some Vendaval ass.
Roster of the day:
- "X-factor" Annie
- Susan "please don't make me play before 3 pm on a Sunday"
- Abbey "The tower"
- Rachel "I might be small but I do bite"
- Annie "the headhunter"
- Liz "Rovers 1 Ms. Congeniality"
- Abby "Enough with the twin fantasy, please"
- KG "Is that vodka I smell on your breath?"
- Lorena "the swirling rookie"
- Courtney "the locomotive"
And on the side-lines Jennifer aka "the nicest person on hearth".
Lady Rovers 2 - secure 1st division spot ! - by Nicoloas
R2D2 3 NY Magic 1
Sunday was what you call a big day for our ladies.
- In short, Rovers 2 needed a win against Magic to guarantee it would not finish its first year in the A division at the bottom of the table and risk being relegated. Also, R2D2 had the important task of stopping Magic's number 6 from scoring too much so as to guarantee that Rovers 1 Jen North (aka "the nicest person on hearth" according to some of her team-mate) would finish the season with a golden boot on top of the boot currently covering her broken ankle (did I mention it was recently broken by a Magic player...).
- As for Rovers 1, after dropping 2 points two weeks ago against Rovers 2 in the home derby, they were equal in points with Vendaval with one game to go for both teams and needed a win to guarantee it would, at worst, be champion of the regular season on goal difference and go to a play-off final against Vendaval, if Vendaval won its own game.
As it happens any given Sunday, our Sunday actually started on Friday afternoon, when an emergency email from the League informed us that both our games were being moved from early Sunday morning at East 6th to late afternoon at Randall's Island. The East 6th field that got ripped by a helicopter landing 2 weeks ago was still not repaired… And right there and right then, Rovers 1 went from having 14 players available for the game to 11… Not the kind of start of a weekend you want.
On Sunday itself, Rovers 2 took to the grass of field 71 at RI at 3.30 pm with a spring in its step and a plastic bag full of puke collected in the car on the way to the game, courtesy of our very hungover sweeper Abbey. It was the last game of the season and with 4 subs we were decided to have fun and give it all, puke or not. And yes, we'll admit, we were happy to see that Magic didn't have a full team on the field. Yet they remain one of the most dangerous team in the league and showed it early when after 10 minutes, their number 6 left footed one of the best free-kick I have seen in my career from 20 yards out straight past "yes-I-can-play-with-a-torn-hip-labrum" Emily B to take an early 1-0 advantage. Little by little, R2D2 tried to find its rhythm and to get the ball to circulate and swing around the field. Our movement stayed a little too slow however and we allowed too often a very efficient Magic team to fold back and defend in a block thereby loosing our numerical advantage. Towards the end of the first half however a nice movement along the line saw "I-too-can-play-with-an-injured-thigh" Emily K cutting in and slotting her first of the day in the goal. A good pep up talk at half time got our ladies craving for much more and they took back to the field in the second half with guts and glory. There was contact, there were grunts, there was fast flowing movement down the aisles creating space in the middle in which our midfield finally starting moving and there were 2 more great goals from Emily K who took her first hat-trick in 2 years with the Rovers. Final score R2D2 3 – Magic 1.
We won't know the final standings before the Slackers and CPR White play their last game next week but no matter what happens R2D2 will officially not end up lower than 6 out of 8, a pretty good result for our first season in the A division.
Roster of the day:
-"Yes-I-can-play-with-a-torn-hip-labrum" Emily B (GK)
- "Pukey" Abbey
- Dani "the veteran"
- Megan "the legs"
- "I already got more tickets for speeding in my BMW than your dad in his entire life" Caroline
- Lindsay N "Ms. Congeniality 1"
- "C'mon, I only had sex with him once…" Lauren
- "Blue is the color" Stephanie
- Lissa "Ms. Congeniality 2"
- "Blame Canada" Lindsay
- Kerri "don't ever call me Tonya Harding"
- "You are my bitch" Kristen
- "I-too-can-play-with-an-injured-thigh and score a hat-trick" Emily K
- "I'll kill you if you make me take that earring off" Amy
- Jaimee-Lynn "Ms.Congeniality 3"
Sunday was what you call a big day for our ladies.
- In short, Rovers 2 needed a win against Magic to guarantee it would not finish its first year in the A division at the bottom of the table and risk being relegated. Also, R2D2 had the important task of stopping Magic's number 6 from scoring too much so as to guarantee that Rovers 1 Jen North (aka "the nicest person on hearth" according to some of her team-mate) would finish the season with a golden boot on top of the boot currently covering her broken ankle (did I mention it was recently broken by a Magic player...).
- As for Rovers 1, after dropping 2 points two weeks ago against Rovers 2 in the home derby, they were equal in points with Vendaval with one game to go for both teams and needed a win to guarantee it would, at worst, be champion of the regular season on goal difference and go to a play-off final against Vendaval, if Vendaval won its own game.
As it happens any given Sunday, our Sunday actually started on Friday afternoon, when an emergency email from the League informed us that both our games were being moved from early Sunday morning at East 6th to late afternoon at Randall's Island. The East 6th field that got ripped by a helicopter landing 2 weeks ago was still not repaired… And right there and right then, Rovers 1 went from having 14 players available for the game to 11… Not the kind of start of a weekend you want.
On Sunday itself, Rovers 2 took to the grass of field 71 at RI at 3.30 pm with a spring in its step and a plastic bag full of puke collected in the car on the way to the game, courtesy of our very hungover sweeper Abbey. It was the last game of the season and with 4 subs we were decided to have fun and give it all, puke or not. And yes, we'll admit, we were happy to see that Magic didn't have a full team on the field. Yet they remain one of the most dangerous team in the league and showed it early when after 10 minutes, their number 6 left footed one of the best free-kick I have seen in my career from 20 yards out straight past "yes-I-can-play-with-a-torn-hip-labrum" Emily B to take an early 1-0 advantage. Little by little, R2D2 tried to find its rhythm and to get the ball to circulate and swing around the field. Our movement stayed a little too slow however and we allowed too often a very efficient Magic team to fold back and defend in a block thereby loosing our numerical advantage. Towards the end of the first half however a nice movement along the line saw "I-too-can-play-with-an-injured-thigh" Emily K cutting in and slotting her first of the day in the goal. A good pep up talk at half time got our ladies craving for much more and they took back to the field in the second half with guts and glory. There was contact, there were grunts, there was fast flowing movement down the aisles creating space in the middle in which our midfield finally starting moving and there were 2 more great goals from Emily K who took her first hat-trick in 2 years with the Rovers. Final score R2D2 3 – Magic 1.
We won't know the final standings before the Slackers and CPR White play their last game next week but no matter what happens R2D2 will officially not end up lower than 6 out of 8, a pretty good result for our first season in the A division.
Roster of the day:
-"Yes-I-can-play-with-a-torn-hip-labrum" Emily B (GK)
- "Pukey" Abbey
- Dani "the veteran"
- Megan "the legs"
- "I already got more tickets for speeding in my BMW than your dad in his entire life" Caroline
- Lindsay N "Ms. Congeniality 1"
- "C'mon, I only had sex with him once…" Lauren
- "Blue is the color" Stephanie
- Lissa "Ms. Congeniality 2"
- "Blame Canada" Lindsay
- Kerri "don't ever call me Tonya Harding"
- "You are my bitch" Kristen
- "I-too-can-play-with-an-injured-thigh and score a hat-trick" Emily K
- "I'll kill you if you make me take that earring off" Amy
- Jaimee-Lynn "Ms.Congeniality 3"
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Match Report 5/16 o30's vs Guyanna o30 - by Martin McKinnon
BRFC o30's 1 Guyanna o30's 3
Not sure if the Coach is gonna send a proper one but we lost 3-1 to Guyanna with the 3rd coming from a drop ball they were in the sporting terms of the game supposed to give back to us but they decided to run up field and score instead...interesting!
we had lots of pressure inc. post and bar and blown chances.....think Wisnom had the last touch on our goal but since he's a wanker we're officially calling it an o.g.
so meaningless final game next week but it's been a pretty dandy spring by the lads - considering we were 4 points adrift and obvious relegation candidates at the start and ended up within 1 game of making the playoffs by the end - kinda amazing actually.
MacKinnon
Not sure if the Coach is gonna send a proper one but we lost 3-1 to Guyanna with the 3rd coming from a drop ball they were in the sporting terms of the game supposed to give back to us but they decided to run up field and score instead...interesting!
we had lots of pressure inc. post and bar and blown chances.....think Wisnom had the last touch on our goal but since he's a wanker we're officially calling it an o.g.
so meaningless final game next week but it's been a pretty dandy spring by the lads - considering we were 4 points adrift and obvious relegation candidates at the start and ended up within 1 game of making the playoffs by the end - kinda amazing actually.
MacKinnon
Results: Reserves 5/16/10 vs Manhattan Kickers Res (H)
Barnstonworth Rovers Res 2 Manhattan Kickers 3
The Reserves finished their regular season by dropping a meaningless match vs Kickers. The Reserves played the entire game with 10 players, then 9 when Corey had to withdraw with a pulled hamstring, so a great warm up match for the returning Kaplan. Still, they managed to tie the game at 1-1 when Oren hit a blinder, and then Oren again double his tally and pegged the Kickers back to 3-2. At that end and the match evened at 10 for a short time, after the Kicker goalkeeper got sent off, the Rovers pushed but failed to get the equalizer. Now on to the real matches and the playoffs.
Team: Matthew Kaplan, Felix D'Ambrose, Bond Griffin, Daniel Cardozo, Michael Martocci, Corey Dempsey, Lucas Werthein, Oren Nhaissi, Sam Minaya, Randi Lee.
The Reserves finished their regular season by dropping a meaningless match vs Kickers. The Reserves played the entire game with 10 players, then 9 when Corey had to withdraw with a pulled hamstring, so a great warm up match for the returning Kaplan. Still, they managed to tie the game at 1-1 when Oren hit a blinder, and then Oren again double his tally and pegged the Kickers back to 3-2. At that end and the match evened at 10 for a short time, after the Kicker goalkeeper got sent off, the Rovers pushed but failed to get the equalizer. Now on to the real matches and the playoffs.
Team: Matthew Kaplan, Felix D'Ambrose, Bond Griffin, Daniel Cardozo, Michael Martocci, Corey Dempsey, Lucas Werthein, Oren Nhaissi, Sam Minaya, Randi Lee.
Premier Match Report 5/16 vs Greek American o30s - by Robbie
BRFC Premier 3 Greek American o30 2
It was a showdown at high noon at Randall's Island. The Greek American's all on the field warming up while Premier players one by one trickled in. Emmon in goal, Nedgy anchored the defense, with Roger in front of him flanked by Kenton and Kendell. The middle, left to right, Maurice "The Zeek" Wellington, Alec, Carl and Robby. On top was Duane and Marlon "The Nox" Johnson. Duane scored the opening goal, followed by goal by Rob. Leading 2-0 the game took a "Saturday Night" twist.Now, anytime a ball was lost, play broken down or someone talk it was followed by a "What the #$%*, football 101'" from Nedgy. The Greeks got a penalty that was well played by the Greek player. Duane replied with another strike and put us ahead 3-1. The Greek's scored made it 3-2 and Yes, the football 101 speech from Nedgy saw us with eleven players behind the ball for the last 10 minutes.At the end of the day we had fun and left the field with a well deserved win. So we are in 2nd place and await the results from the Greeks vs Tersoro game next week. If they draw we are in the play-offs, either team win, they are play-off bound.
It was a showdown at high noon at Randall's Island. The Greek American's all on the field warming up while Premier players one by one trickled in. Emmon in goal, Nedgy anchored the defense, with Roger in front of him flanked by Kenton and Kendell. The middle, left to right, Maurice "The Zeek" Wellington, Alec, Carl and Robby. On top was Duane and Marlon "The Nox" Johnson. Duane scored the opening goal, followed by goal by Rob. Leading 2-0 the game took a "Saturday Night" twist.Now, anytime a ball was lost, play broken down or someone talk it was followed by a "What the #$%*, football 101'" from Nedgy. The Greeks got a penalty that was well played by the Greek player. Duane replied with another strike and put us ahead 3-1. The Greek's scored made it 3-2 and Yes, the football 101 speech from Nedgy saw us with eleven players behind the ball for the last 10 minutes.At the end of the day we had fun and left the field with a well deserved win. So we are in 2nd place and await the results from the Greeks vs Tersoro game next week. If they draw we are in the play-offs, either team win, they are play-off bound.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Results: Firsts 5/9/10 vs Manhattan Celtic (H)
Barnstonworth Rovers 2 Manhattan Celtic 0
Alan's first goal for the club, and Sam's first since his return from injury ensured the team's 2nd D1 playoff appearance in 3 seasons. But coupled with the league's decision to deduct 3 points from the Greek Americans and their draw at Landsdowne, it propelled the Rovers to the top of the division standings. A win next Sunday at home versus the Kickers will give the Rovers its first senior title in the club's history. The Rovers could have taken the points on paper before even a ball was kicked as the Celtic failed to produce player passes until well after the league stipulated time allowance, but the Rovers decided not to claim the match on paper, but rather to win it on the pitch.
And they proceeded to do just that from the 1st minute. The same combination but in reverse that produced the winner vs Polonia last weekend from a short corner, almost gave the Rovers the lead in the first minutes. But Waddell's superb hit was well parried by the Celtic's keeper onto the bottom of the crossbar and cleared to safety. It just prolonged the inevitable given the marked difference in the quality of the sides. 10 minutes in, a cross from the right into the Celtic box, fell to Alan who seemed as surprised as anyone. He collected and blasted it to the roof of the net. Rovers 1-0.
Jordi, Andy and Ajene then went 3-2 with Jordi getting the ball insdie the box. His finish was saved for a corner. Only once did Celtic threaten. An effort in the box after their speedy track runner striker beat Vidi for pace. Ben safely saved.
The Rovers moved on in the beginning of the 2nd half to secure the points. Pugli missed one after turning inside the penalty marker, his strike right on the keeper. But when Scottie, Colin combined to find Sammy inside the area, his goal-bound volley was merely deflected to the side netting to settle the affair. Rovers 2-0.
There could have been several more to follow as relegation threatened Celtic endeavored to chase the game. The referee gallantly apologized to Pugli after the game for not awarding him an obvious penalty. The one time they broke through Ben cleverly delayed his plonge as the ball came across the six and smothered the close range attempt, to record a record 8th clean Rovers clean sheet of the season.
Now on to relegating Kickers and winning the 1st Division West !
Alan's first goal for the club, and Sam's first since his return from injury ensured the team's 2nd D1 playoff appearance in 3 seasons. But coupled with the league's decision to deduct 3 points from the Greek Americans and their draw at Landsdowne, it propelled the Rovers to the top of the division standings. A win next Sunday at home versus the Kickers will give the Rovers its first senior title in the club's history. The Rovers could have taken the points on paper before even a ball was kicked as the Celtic failed to produce player passes until well after the league stipulated time allowance, but the Rovers decided not to claim the match on paper, but rather to win it on the pitch.
And they proceeded to do just that from the 1st minute. The same combination but in reverse that produced the winner vs Polonia last weekend from a short corner, almost gave the Rovers the lead in the first minutes. But Waddell's superb hit was well parried by the Celtic's keeper onto the bottom of the crossbar and cleared to safety. It just prolonged the inevitable given the marked difference in the quality of the sides. 10 minutes in, a cross from the right into the Celtic box, fell to Alan who seemed as surprised as anyone. He collected and blasted it to the roof of the net. Rovers 1-0.
Jordi, Andy and Ajene then went 3-2 with Jordi getting the ball insdie the box. His finish was saved for a corner. Only once did Celtic threaten. An effort in the box after their speedy track runner striker beat Vidi for pace. Ben safely saved.
The Rovers moved on in the beginning of the 2nd half to secure the points. Pugli missed one after turning inside the penalty marker, his strike right on the keeper. But when Scottie, Colin combined to find Sammy inside the area, his goal-bound volley was merely deflected to the side netting to settle the affair. Rovers 2-0.
There could have been several more to follow as relegation threatened Celtic endeavored to chase the game. The referee gallantly apologized to Pugli after the game for not awarding him an obvious penalty. The one time they broke through Ben cleverly delayed his plonge as the ball came across the six and smothered the close range attempt, to record a record 8th clean Rovers clean sheet of the season.
Now on to relegating Kickers and winning the 1st Division West !
Results: Reserves 5/9/10 vs Manhattan Celtic Res (H)
Barnstonworth Rovers Res 4 Manhattan Celtic Res 1
A typical Reserves afternoon with 10 men easiy seeing off Celtic Res, who also started with 10, 4-1. Depleted and without a goalkeeper the 10 Reserves still had overwhelming quality vis-a-vie the opposition. Even with they played 10 v 11 for the 2nd half, they held the majority of the possession and scored the most goals.
They opened the score in the quarter hour. Randi bravely heading in from a corner before the Celtic's keeper. Reserves 1-0.
The Reserves doubled their lead near the end of the half, as Corey, strode thought to hit a screamer off the far post. Reserves 2-0.
Corey could have added a third with a swerving long range effort but it hit the crossbar. And Sam could have added to last weeks tally but his tet-a-tet was, this week, saved.
In the 2nd half the Reserves clinically finished Celtic. Corey first adding his second, this time from close range, and after wasting 2 good opportunities to record his first hat-trick since he was 6 year old (or so) Baskin slotted one in to show him how to do it for his club leading 68th. Reserves 4-0.
With the Reserves having tied Landsdowne, even a point vs Kickers next week will assure them of the entire top division's top spot, home advantage throughout the playoffs and a club record in 1st Division points total.
A typical Reserves afternoon with 10 men easiy seeing off Celtic Res, who also started with 10, 4-1. Depleted and without a goalkeeper the 10 Reserves still had overwhelming quality vis-a-vie the opposition. Even with they played 10 v 11 for the 2nd half, they held the majority of the possession and scored the most goals.
They opened the score in the quarter hour. Randi bravely heading in from a corner before the Celtic's keeper. Reserves 1-0.
The Reserves doubled their lead near the end of the half, as Corey, strode thought to hit a screamer off the far post. Reserves 2-0.
Corey could have added a third with a swerving long range effort but it hit the crossbar. And Sam could have added to last weeks tally but his tet-a-tet was, this week, saved.
In the 2nd half the Reserves clinically finished Celtic. Corey first adding his second, this time from close range, and after wasting 2 good opportunities to record his first hat-trick since he was 6 year old (or so) Baskin slotted one in to show him how to do it for his club leading 68th. Reserves 4-0.
With the Reserves having tied Landsdowne, even a point vs Kickers next week will assure them of the entire top division's top spot, home advantage throughout the playoffs and a club record in 1st Division points total.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
CONGATULATIONS TO BRFC RESERVES
1ST DIVISION RESERVES WEST CHAMPIONS
FIRST 1ST DIVISION TROPHY WINNERS
Results: Firsts 5/2/10 vs Polonia (A)
Polonia S.C. 0 Barnstonworth Rovers F.C. 1
1-0 is to the champions ! And Jordi notched his 4th game winning 1-0 goal of the season with a thunder strike off a short corner in the 78th minute to silence the boisterous Polonia crowd and raise the Rover support cheers. On the hottest day of the year, the Rovers took a huge step towards booking their playoff spot. The heat, instead of the Rovers, dictated the pace of the match, but they still dominated proceedings, dominated the chances and in the end should have sealed the match.
Scottie coming on in the 2nd half to fill Einar's old spot changed the flow of the match, allowing the Rovers to break down the weakest parts of the Polonia defense and create a slew of chances. Colin left to cover huge spaces defensively in the heat, managed to keep the Polonia midfield from overrunning the lines. The 3 points combined with Croatia's loss leaves the Roves 3 points from securing their 2nd playoff appearance in 3 seasons, and 4th semi-final contest in 4.
The first half was a boring affair with a crowded 5 men Polonia midfield smothered whatever space the Rovers were able to create in the prevailing conditions. And it resulted in a fragmented game, where the Rovers lacked their customary possession and high number of probing touches through the midfield. A clever Lucas through ball, put Jordi behind the defense but his cross skidded across the box. Another Jordi cross landed on Wiggi's knee, where his head would have been a better choice.
Wiggi got to another ball behind the defense but his effort was blocked. The pace suited the relegation threatened Polonia. Their efforts were limited to long range speculative shots. Even their traditionally deadly set pieces lacked bite.
In the 2nd half, the Rovers upped their determination and urgency and started to overwhelm the opponents. Ajene put Alan through on the right, his cross to the far post just went over Andy's head, Jordi collected by hit the side netting.
Then after one of the better build-ups up the middle, Colin to Aj, who found Scot behind the lines. He turned a fired a bullet, but the Polonia keeper went down and saved nicely, holding the rebound.
But the tide was turning and the Rovers were determined to leave with 3 points in front of the largest crowd of the year.
Scottie slalomed through the Polonia defense, played the 1-2 with Jordi, but could not find the net.
Then another effort was parried for a corner. Scottie and Jordi quickly took it short, Jordi carrying to the far top edge of the box. He corked and released a beauty that buried itself in the far upper corner of the side netting silencing the chants of Polonia-Polonia and bringing a huge cheer from the Rover faithful ! Rovers 1-0.
The complexion of the encounter changed, spaces opened up as Polonia chased without much plan. Scottie found space and created havoc. Jordi should have double his tally when he and Scottie countered 2 on 1 and he was left one on one with the keeper. His finish was well parried. Later it was Scottie who should have done the same but he was inexplicably stopped for offside. In the meantime Polonia's striker got behind one shot and hit the upper bar of the gridiron goal, but the biggest shout from Polonia was for a dive in the Rover box that was correctly - and not surprisingly by the excellent referee - waived off thus breaking their final resistance.
Team: Ben Kartzman, Vidar Ekehaug, John Salvucci, Andy Abramovits, Lucas Werthein, George Tagaris, Colin Marshall, Mark Kushemba, Sam Wiggin, Jordan Chirico, Randi Lee Subs (all played) Ajene Green, Alan Alcade, Oren Nhaissi, Yuri Krym, Joe Germanese
1-0 is to the champions ! And Jordi notched his 4th game winning 1-0 goal of the season with a thunder strike off a short corner in the 78th minute to silence the boisterous Polonia crowd and raise the Rover support cheers. On the hottest day of the year, the Rovers took a huge step towards booking their playoff spot. The heat, instead of the Rovers, dictated the pace of the match, but they still dominated proceedings, dominated the chances and in the end should have sealed the match.
Scottie coming on in the 2nd half to fill Einar's old spot changed the flow of the match, allowing the Rovers to break down the weakest parts of the Polonia defense and create a slew of chances. Colin left to cover huge spaces defensively in the heat, managed to keep the Polonia midfield from overrunning the lines. The 3 points combined with Croatia's loss leaves the Roves 3 points from securing their 2nd playoff appearance in 3 seasons, and 4th semi-final contest in 4.
The first half was a boring affair with a crowded 5 men Polonia midfield smothered whatever space the Rovers were able to create in the prevailing conditions. And it resulted in a fragmented game, where the Rovers lacked their customary possession and high number of probing touches through the midfield. A clever Lucas through ball, put Jordi behind the defense but his cross skidded across the box. Another Jordi cross landed on Wiggi's knee, where his head would have been a better choice.
Wiggi got to another ball behind the defense but his effort was blocked. The pace suited the relegation threatened Polonia. Their efforts were limited to long range speculative shots. Even their traditionally deadly set pieces lacked bite.
In the 2nd half, the Rovers upped their determination and urgency and started to overwhelm the opponents. Ajene put Alan through on the right, his cross to the far post just went over Andy's head, Jordi collected by hit the side netting.
Then after one of the better build-ups up the middle, Colin to Aj, who found Scot behind the lines. He turned a fired a bullet, but the Polonia keeper went down and saved nicely, holding the rebound.
But the tide was turning and the Rovers were determined to leave with 3 points in front of the largest crowd of the year.
Scottie slalomed through the Polonia defense, played the 1-2 with Jordi, but could not find the net.
Then another effort was parried for a corner. Scottie and Jordi quickly took it short, Jordi carrying to the far top edge of the box. He corked and released a beauty that buried itself in the far upper corner of the side netting silencing the chants of Polonia-Polonia and bringing a huge cheer from the Rover faithful ! Rovers 1-0.
The complexion of the encounter changed, spaces opened up as Polonia chased without much plan. Scottie found space and created havoc. Jordi should have double his tally when he and Scottie countered 2 on 1 and he was left one on one with the keeper. His finish was well parried. Later it was Scottie who should have done the same but he was inexplicably stopped for offside. In the meantime Polonia's striker got behind one shot and hit the upper bar of the gridiron goal, but the biggest shout from Polonia was for a dive in the Rover box that was correctly - and not surprisingly by the excellent referee - waived off thus breaking their final resistance.
Team: Ben Kartzman, Vidar Ekehaug, John Salvucci, Andy Abramovits, Lucas Werthein, George Tagaris, Colin Marshall, Mark Kushemba, Sam Wiggin, Jordan Chirico, Randi Lee Subs (all played) Ajene Green, Alan Alcade, Oren Nhaissi, Yuri Krym, Joe Germanese
Results: Reserves 5/2/10 vs Polonia Res (A) - CONGRATS TO THE D1 WEST RESERVE CHAMPIONS
Polonia S.C. Res 3 Barnstonworth Rovers 7
The Reserves sealed mathematically they won in reality last weekend with typical Reserves magic. Starting with only 9 players and without a goalkeeper they managed to take a 1-0 courtesy of Jefferson speed and finish. Reserves 1-0
Then, as their numbers swelled to 11, they found themselves trailing 1-2 in the heat, before the match turned to the Sam Minaya Show !
Sammie, set a club record scoring 6 goals in a row, all in the second half, with 6 chances.
It was like watching instant replay. His speed and timing allowed him to break behind the slow Polonia back 4 playing too high, and each time he finished clinically.
Amazing !!
Each time the ball passed through the midfield and released Sammie into space.
Each time he controlled the ball and engaged the keeper
Each time he did not chip the keeper, as some would have expected.
Each time he buried it, 3 times to the near post, 3 times to the far post
Each time he run back to find us 50 yards behind to celebrate
And Each time it brought the Reserves closer to mathematically sealing their season with a Trophy ! Reserves 7-3 !
Congrats to the Reserves ! and now to the playoff for the D1 Res crown !
Team: Stefan Lysak, Daniel Cardozo, Yuri Krym, Jepherson Vernaza, Stavros Zomopoulos, Yannick James, Bond Griffin, Lucas Werthein, Samuel Minaya, Oren Nhaissi, Mat Levine
The Reserves sealed mathematically they won in reality last weekend with typical Reserves magic. Starting with only 9 players and without a goalkeeper they managed to take a 1-0 courtesy of Jefferson speed and finish. Reserves 1-0
Then, as their numbers swelled to 11, they found themselves trailing 1-2 in the heat, before the match turned to the Sam Minaya Show !
Sammie, set a club record scoring 6 goals in a row, all in the second half, with 6 chances.
It was like watching instant replay. His speed and timing allowed him to break behind the slow Polonia back 4 playing too high, and each time he finished clinically.
Amazing !!
Each time the ball passed through the midfield and released Sammie into space.
Each time he controlled the ball and engaged the keeper
Each time he did not chip the keeper, as some would have expected.
Each time he buried it, 3 times to the near post, 3 times to the far post
Each time he run back to find us 50 yards behind to celebrate
And Each time it brought the Reserves closer to mathematically sealing their season with a Trophy ! Reserves 7-3 !
Congrats to the Reserves ! and now to the playoff for the D1 Res crown !
Team: Stefan Lysak, Daniel Cardozo, Yuri Krym, Jepherson Vernaza, Stavros Zomopoulos, Yannick James, Bond Griffin, Lucas Werthein, Samuel Minaya, Oren Nhaissi, Mat Levine
Monday, May 03, 2010
BRFC o-30's5/2/10 vs NY Dynamo - by Ben Weiner
BRFC o30's 2 NY Dynamo o30' 1
The spring march of wins continued on Sunday as the o-30's snagged another 3 points, this time from league powerhouse Dinamo. In fact, our spring streak has taken us out of relegation territory and even left a shot at the play-offs. If we win our next 2 and the Old Boyz can again defeat Dinamo, then El Presidente Butte tells us the play-offs are at hand. Go Old Boyz!
We knew we would have our hands full with the experienced Albanians. They typically play a confident passing game and have devastating speed from the forwards. Luckily the Rovers were at full strength with a deep bench while Dinamo only had 11 - no subs.
For a large swath of the game neither club pushed deep into each others side. Both defenses held tight. In the middle Dinamo probably had the better possession and control but could not use it to their advantage. One of their forwards missed a goal literaslly 6 inches from the goal line. A cross came in and he got a full foot on it, but it went perfectly straight up and away from net.
That little bit of luck gave us hope. We have not been a particularily solid 2nd half squad and we feared Dinamo's ceaseless pressure.
Nick finally got a foot on a stray pass and took it from the 18. It slotted nicely to the bottom right. Adrenaline kicked in as our hopes grew, but one is never enough against a team of Albanians. Then Nick grabbed a bad defensive back pass and launchedanother strike a moment before the sweeper caught up to him putting us elatedly up 2-0.
With 10 minutes left we got a little over confident and allowed them to win a scramble in our box. 2-1.
Everyone knows how long the last 10 minutes take when you are winning as the underdog. It seemed like forever, especially as Dinamo rushed everyone forward and took their attack up another notch.
Never did a ref's whistle sound so good as the game ended 2-1!
The spring march of wins continued on Sunday as the o-30's snagged another 3 points, this time from league powerhouse Dinamo. In fact, our spring streak has taken us out of relegation territory and even left a shot at the play-offs. If we win our next 2 and the Old Boyz can again defeat Dinamo, then El Presidente Butte tells us the play-offs are at hand. Go Old Boyz!
We knew we would have our hands full with the experienced Albanians. They typically play a confident passing game and have devastating speed from the forwards. Luckily the Rovers were at full strength with a deep bench while Dinamo only had 11 - no subs.
For a large swath of the game neither club pushed deep into each others side. Both defenses held tight. In the middle Dinamo probably had the better possession and control but could not use it to their advantage. One of their forwards missed a goal literaslly 6 inches from the goal line. A cross came in and he got a full foot on it, but it went perfectly straight up and away from net.
That little bit of luck gave us hope. We have not been a particularily solid 2nd half squad and we feared Dinamo's ceaseless pressure.
Nick finally got a foot on a stray pass and took it from the 18. It slotted nicely to the bottom right. Adrenaline kicked in as our hopes grew, but one is never enough against a team of Albanians. Then Nick grabbed a bad defensive back pass and launchedanother strike a moment before the sweeper caught up to him putting us elatedly up 2-0.
With 10 minutes left we got a little over confident and allowed them to win a scramble in our box. 2-1.
Everyone knows how long the last 10 minutes take when you are winning as the underdog. It seemed like forever, especially as Dinamo rushed everyone forward and took their attack up another notch.
Never did a ref's whistle sound so good as the game ended 2-1!
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Results: Firsts 4/25/10 vs Greek American (H)
Barnstonworth Rovers 1 Greek American Atlas 3
The Rovers battled but succumbed a very talented Greeks side, and could not find the top of the table in the third time asking. The Rovers had not suffered back to back home loses for several years.
Jordi's skillful one touch finish from Scottie's superb cross in the beginning of the 2nd half brought the Rovers back, after Broach atoned with a brilliant penalty save. And after another superb Broach reflex diving point blank save on a Josh Trott header, the Rovers had the believe and showed the necessary character to believe in a result. In keeping with their recent trend, they could not find the necessary finish. And when they did, with Colin's direct effort, the bar got in their way.
After an opening exploratory 20 minute stanza, the Greeks got a gift. A long lob towards the goal was held up by the wind and as Broach tried to tip it over the bar, he tipped it inside of it. Rovers 0-1.
10 minutes later, and as the Rovers were struggling to regain momentum, a tired Corey was called for a push in the box. Broach came up trumps with a huge diving save to keep the Rovers rolling.
But with only minutes to half-time and just as the Rovers were finding their flow, a nice build up on the Rover left, sprung Trott through the middle who finished it cleanly. Rovers 0-2.
It was time for Rovers to react. After 2.5 lackluster performances they had had enough. And they took it to the Greeks with the start of the 2nd half. It took them by surprise. The Rovers almost pulled one back when Andy got to a ball in the left of the area, but when Scottie put in a blinder to the far post, Jordi making the run applied a clinical touch to steer it past the hapless keeper. Rovers back in it, 1-2.
To their credit the Greeks reacted, but as they started to stretch and the Rovers committed players forward, the game opened and the chances flowed. Jordi cross should have been tapped in for an equalizer, and Colin's free kick reverberated on the upright to keep the Rovers from completing their cameback. On the other end, Broach made 2 fantastic stops. The second was as good as you are to see at any level. A cross inside the area was spot on for the oncoming Trott, looking straight at an empty net. Broach who was recovering from the near post, somehow got his body perpendicular to the header and parried it wide.
With a minute remaining in additional time and the Rovers in a 2-5-3, a Greek received the ball in the far right edge of the box, he turned a placed a perfect 1 in 1000 chip to the far upper corner for the fat lady to start singing, Rovers 1 - 3.
Team: Dave Borchard, John Salvucci, Vidar Ekehaug, Corey Dempsey, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, George Tagaris, Colin Marshall, Scot Waddell, Pat Brown, Jordan Chirico, Subs (all played) Alan Alcade, Randi Lee, Yannick James, Joe Germanese, Lucas Werthein
The Rovers battled but succumbed a very talented Greeks side, and could not find the top of the table in the third time asking. The Rovers had not suffered back to back home loses for several years.
Jordi's skillful one touch finish from Scottie's superb cross in the beginning of the 2nd half brought the Rovers back, after Broach atoned with a brilliant penalty save. And after another superb Broach reflex diving point blank save on a Josh Trott header, the Rovers had the believe and showed the necessary character to believe in a result. In keeping with their recent trend, they could not find the necessary finish. And when they did, with Colin's direct effort, the bar got in their way.
After an opening exploratory 20 minute stanza, the Greeks got a gift. A long lob towards the goal was held up by the wind and as Broach tried to tip it over the bar, he tipped it inside of it. Rovers 0-1.
10 minutes later, and as the Rovers were struggling to regain momentum, a tired Corey was called for a push in the box. Broach came up trumps with a huge diving save to keep the Rovers rolling.
But with only minutes to half-time and just as the Rovers were finding their flow, a nice build up on the Rover left, sprung Trott through the middle who finished it cleanly. Rovers 0-2.
It was time for Rovers to react. After 2.5 lackluster performances they had had enough. And they took it to the Greeks with the start of the 2nd half. It took them by surprise. The Rovers almost pulled one back when Andy got to a ball in the left of the area, but when Scottie put in a blinder to the far post, Jordi making the run applied a clinical touch to steer it past the hapless keeper. Rovers back in it, 1-2.
To their credit the Greeks reacted, but as they started to stretch and the Rovers committed players forward, the game opened and the chances flowed. Jordi cross should have been tapped in for an equalizer, and Colin's free kick reverberated on the upright to keep the Rovers from completing their cameback. On the other end, Broach made 2 fantastic stops. The second was as good as you are to see at any level. A cross inside the area was spot on for the oncoming Trott, looking straight at an empty net. Broach who was recovering from the near post, somehow got his body perpendicular to the header and parried it wide.
With a minute remaining in additional time and the Rovers in a 2-5-3, a Greek received the ball in the far right edge of the box, he turned a placed a perfect 1 in 1000 chip to the far upper corner for the fat lady to start singing, Rovers 1 - 3.
Team: Dave Borchard, John Salvucci, Vidar Ekehaug, Corey Dempsey, Andy Abramovits, Ajene Green, George Tagaris, Colin Marshall, Scot Waddell, Pat Brown, Jordan Chirico, Subs (all played) Alan Alcade, Randi Lee, Yannick James, Joe Germanese, Lucas Werthein
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