Sunday, March 20
Polonia SC vs New York Shamrock SC (3-2)
(Highlights by Game in Frame)
For a second time in three weeks, Polonia SC scored three goals against a top table team. Despite a fierce battle they also earned another win, 3-2, over defending division champions New York Shamrock SC.
Polonia took the lead only 30 seconds into the match. Antoine Laurient received a pass on the right side of the box and battled defenders to cross the ball into the middle. Conrad Nowowiejski was there to redirect it into a near open net. In the 15th minute, the Rocks’ capitalized on their first chance of the day when Kurt Cameron knocked in the equalizer.
The next score came with some controversy. A New York attack ended with the ball going out of play. The referee ruled for a goal kick, while some Rocks players argued it should have been a corner. Off the restart, a kick up found Nathaniel Merchant onside who broke away and netted in a goal to take the lead. In the 47th minute, Merchant doubled his tally off another Laurient assist.
The Rocks cut the deficit to one off an Owen Bradley goal in the 70th minute, but couldn’t find the equalizer. They’ll face Hoboken FC 1912 this Sunday on Randalls Island during Week 15. Polonia, now in 7th place, will play another championship contender in Richmond County FC on Sunday.
Hoboken FC 1912 vs Beyond FC (4-1)
No goal scorer information provided by Beyond FC
Zachary Cimring had a fantastic match against Beyond FC. His goal and two assists helped Hoboken FC 1912 jump into first place in the Division 1 table. His opening goal, assisted by Dante Petrocelli, was one of the only goals his team scored in the first half. Head coach Steve Korfiatis explained that while Beyond played well his group could have done more early.
“We succeeded in scoring an early (goal) and should have ended the game in the first 45 minutes,” He said. “Truthfully we had enough opportunities to be 4 or 5 up by half, but made the task difficult for ourselves by not being clinical in front of the net. We were a bit complacent but did more to make the most of our chances in the second half.”
Camilo Rosero scored his team’s second, assisted by Cimring, before the game’s other standout made a mark. Anthony Carracino scored next before assisting on the game’s final goal by Dimitri Mataras.
Beyond will host Borgetto FC this weekend while Hoboken visits New York Shamrock SC.
Stal Mielec NY vs New York Athletic Club (0-4)
No goal scorer information provided by New York Athletic Club
Stal Mielec NY came into its match against New York Athletic Club on short rest. The night prior, the side played in a charity tournament across the river in New Jersey. The event, organized by Newark Ukrainian Sitch, raised funds to help support Ukraine.
In Sunday’s league match Stal was short handed, either missing players or having starters who played the night prior. Despite a fairly even first half that ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors, NYAC took control in the second. They scored three more unanswered before the final whistle blew.
Stal will host Kelmendi FC NY this Sunday as both teams look for a rebound win. Athletic Club will take on Manhattan Kickers earlier in the day.
Manhattan Kickers vs Kelmendi FC NY (1-0)
The Manhattan Kickers earned a much needed win in Division 1. Kyle Brady’s first half goal against Kelmendi FC NY pushed his team out of the bottom two of the table.
The home side was able to maintain its shape against a team that played well against them. Head coach Bryan Baracaldo said afterwards that his group still has areas it can improve in.
“We have to continue and work on playing simple and avoiding silly giveaways that ultimately turn into counters and often goal,” he said. “Despite some of these mistakes on our end our shape withstood their counters.”
Brett Rojas fed Brady for the one on one before the 18 yard line. The Manhattan player chipped it over the keeper and into the waiting net. They continued to get chances in the second half before a red card derailed the momentum. Baracaldo’s team held on for the win, aided by two great saves from goalkeeper Christopher Amoruso.
The victors will travel to Travers Island to play New York Athletic Club this Sunday at noon. Kelmendi will visit Stal Mielec NY the same day at McCarren Park.
Richmond County FC vs Zum Schneider FC 03 II (2-2)
(Highlights by Game in Frame)
A second half comeback for Zum Schneider FC 03 II ended in a 2-2 draw against Richmond County FC.
Richmond started on the right foot with goals from Bljedi Bardic and Amir Islami, assisted by Efe Kaynar and Mark Shnadshteyn. After the slow early game, Zum II began to dominate. The team possessed well and had a few good looks on net. The break came when a Richmond player was called for a handball in the box and sent off, allowing Sunny Epochi to knock in the penalty kick. Up a man, Yanki Hancioglu scored the tying goal in stoppage time to give Zum II a point.
“Couldn’t be prouder of the lads for battling back and getting a point,” head coach Lucas Doucette said afterwards. “That’s 7 points in our opening 3 games, really disappointing that there aren’t playoffs as we would have a real shot at the ship.”
The lack of playoffs also hurts Richmond, as the result allows Hoboken FC 1912 to jump them for first place in the standings as well. Zum II will visit FC Sandzak this weekend and County hosts Polonia SC.
FC Sandžak vs Borgetto FC (2-3)
No goal scorer information provided by FC Sandžak
Borgetto FC held off a valiant FC Sandzak comeback, 3-2, in Week 14’s final game. The visitor’s goals were scored by Timothy Gallagher-de Meij, Matthew Hesse, and Alexis Santa. Assists came from Jeffery Gad, John Rodriguez, and Hesse.
Last season’s Division 2 champions are still three points behind first and second place in the table. They’ll visit Beyond FC this Sunday in New Jersey. Sandzak will host Zum Schneider FC 03 II.
