Photo courtesy CASA Soccer League
Another wild week of CASA Soccer League action is in the books as Philly Soccer Page brings you all of CASA’s 11v11 Spring season results. A big thank you is always in order to CASA’s chief executive, Nolan Bair, the CASA writing team, and all the captains for their continued communication and camaraderie throughout the season!
Primera Division:
Reporting by: Charlie Shea
Vidas United 2 – 3 FC SouthHouse
Finn Reese opened the scoring for FC SouthHouse early, only for Vidas to score twice in two minutes through Shevchenko and Gateniuk midway into the second half to snatch a 2-1 lead. Vidas would hold the advantage for less than 10 minutes, though, before Tommy Ryan and David Zipkin both scored for SouthHouse to storm back into a 3-2 lead by the 65th. “One of their players did the Ronaldo celebration after they scored to go up 2-1,” said SouthHouse captain John Trueman, “and that really lit a fire under us… We’d been a bit arrogant and complacent after taking the lead.” For Vidas United captain Nolan Bair, it was a “tough one… These sort of matches are always a battle for both teams and after a bright start to the second half we couldn’t make the pressure pay. Fair play to SouthHouse but we thought we had a big win this time out.” Finn Reese was Man of the Match. FC SouthHouse have next week off, while Vidas United will play the struggling FC Tigre in a game where both teams are looking for their first win of the season.
VU: Shevchenko, Gateniuk
FCS: Reese, Ryan, Zipkin
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FC Tigre 1 – 7 FC Misconduct FC
Misconduct opened their lead early and never looked back, with Ryan Finley scoring 5 goals in a rout over a short-handed FC Tigre. Tigre, forced to play down a man for most of the game, pulled back a consolation goal through Mulinge in the 20th minute, but the day belonged to league leaders Misconduct. “We take it with a grain of salt”, said captain Blake Fink, “but for us it was great for our confidence in front of goal and finishing chances… We were also able to integrate a couple new guys to our squad, so getting them integrated and used to their teammates is what we need early on so we hit stride for the playoffs.” Misconduct will try to make it 3 wins from 3 next week vs a capable Real Vidas, while FC Tigre will look for points against Vidas United.
FCT: Mulinge
FCM: Golini, Amspacher, Finley (5)
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Real Vidas 1 – 1 Icarus FC
Ahmed Bah opened the scoring for Real Vidas in the 9th minute but Ben Field equalized on the other side of halftime for Icarus, scoring the leveler on 55′. “It was Ben’s first game back in a while and he played really well,” said Icarus captain Kyle Smyth. Icarus’ Ridge Robinson was MOTM. “Ridge did what Ridge does,” said Smyth; “He held up the ball well, took guys on and created chances for us.” Vidas had some chances to win late that they didn’t take, and it was an even split of points for all. Both teams sit level on 4pts. Vidas will play the juggernaut of FC Misconduct next week, in what’ll be a real tester of their team at this early point of the season, while Icarus will play SMK.
RV: Bah
IFC: Green
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YTP FC 0 – 2 Stoney United
The game was deadlocked until late, when Stoney opened the scoring through Akpo Omene in the 70th minute and then doubled their lead via Glodi Konga in the 87th. YTP, which was playing with no subs, was on the back foot from the start, and Stoney took full advantage. “Other team had no subs so they were gassed,” said Stoney captain Joe Casaletto; “We had about 20 shots, maybe 5 on goal, and could only put 2 away. We couldn’t finish to save our lives”. Stoney will definitely need to improve on that for their game next week against Philadelphia Corinthians FC, who are fresh off a bye-week, while YTP will look to bounce back against Philadelphia Legends FC.
SU: Omene, Konga
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Philadelphia Legends FC 1 – 1 SMK
Alexander Sonpon opened the scoring in the 18th for Philadelphia Legends, but Jesse Weick scored 5 minutes later to cancel it out and draw SMK level. The rest of the game would go scoreless, ending 1-1 for a split of points. “It was a total team effort but the credit goes to our goalie Ralph Polo. He was outstanding throughout the game,” said Philly Legends captain Peter Jarbo. Ralph Polo is an instant Primera All-Name Team member, by the way. “The officiating crew also did a great job,” said Jarbo. Goalie heroics always looks different from the other side, and in the eyes of SMK’s Matt Muench the game was a story of missed opportunities. “Disappointing result actually… Missed at least 6 or 7 one on ones with the keeper. Felt hard done by to only come away with a draw.” Philadelphia Legends FC will play YTP FC next week, while SMK will play Icarus FC.
PLFC: Sonpon
SMK: Weick
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Segunda Division:
Reporting by: Pete Taylor
Rose Tree Gunners 4-1 Cracovia
A second straight win for Segunda Division debutants Rose Tree Gunners shot them to second in the table after week 2. A shorthanded Cracovia side took the lead in the first half but could not hold on to the points in the second as Rose Tree’s relentless press intensified. After Max Spangenthal opened the scoring for Cracovia, their goalkeeper kept out a bunch of Rose Tree shots to preserve the away side’s one goal lead going into half time. But a quickfire hattrick from Man of the Match Jon Roberts saw Rose Tree establish a comfortable two goal lead, before Logan Mussleman iced the game in the 70th minute.
Rose Tree captain Dean Giovanopoulos was yet again happy with his team’s performance. Giovanopoulous noted his side dominated the second half after missing some chances in the first. “We had 12-14 first half shots,” he commented. “In the second half our press helped and we played a pretty high line.” Cracovia captain Eryk Tylek noted Rose Tree’s strong press. “We had two bad defensive turnovers that lead to goals.” Tylek wants his side to improve the whole team’s fluency. “We need to do a better job connecting our defense with our offense.” Both captains described the game as a passionate affair. An early tackle saw a Rose Tree player have to leave the game, while both teams had players receive yellow cards for dissent. Rose Tree Gunners have a one week bye before they play the biggest match of the season so far against league leaders Santos. Cracovia will look for their first win against Heritage next week in week 3.
Rose Tree Gunners FC: #28 Roberts (50′, 60′, 64′); #20 Musselman (70′)
Cracovia: #27 Spangenthal (43′)
Cards- Rose Tree Gunners FC: #18 Peterson (64′) Dissent, YC; #16 Taylor (89′) Persistent Infringement, YC Cracovia: #27 Spangenthal (48)’ Dissent, YC
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Bluestars FC 1-5 Philadelphia Heritage SC
Philadelphia Heritage picked up their first win of the season against a winless Bluestars side, 5-1. The win sent Heritage out of the relegation zone and into 5th in the table, while Bluestars still reside at the bottom of the standings. Captain of Heritage Ryan Perseus was pleased with his team’s improved performance after a three goal defeat in week one: “We were up 1-0 at the end of the first half after some pretty even play.” Perseus believed that his squad depth was key to victory. “In the second half our energetic subs started to possess the ball in the final quarter of the game and put away three more goals.” Perseus was particularly pleased with new signing and Man of the Match, Christian Bik who had a second half brace.
On the other hand, Bluestars captain Aaron Bartels-Swindells felt that the four goal margin did not fairly reflect his side’s performance. “They were the better team in the first half. But we did much better in the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half and could have scored two or three goals. Unfortunately we needed better finishing.” Bartels-Swindells still believes his side can improve going forward. “ We need to eliminate some sloppy mistakes and take some clear cut chances. We started off slow last season but then we won five out of six, so we know we can turn it around.” Bluestars will look to pick up their first points of the season against 4th placed Bobert Munich in week 2, while Heritage intend to win their second consecutive game against Cracovia. “We want to improve our technical skills and our ball possession,” Perseus noted. Perhaps improved play with the ball will see Heritage challenge farther up the table.
Goals- Heritage: Choedak (7’); #28 C. Bik (57’ and 64’); #14 M. Bik (79’); #22 Morales (85’) / Bluestars: #19 Obi (63’)
Cards- Heritage: #21 Z. Shannon, Late tackle, YC Bluestars: #14 E. Tuazama, Intentional foul to stop an attack, YC
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Santos FC 5-3 Philadelphia Deportivo
The highest scoring affair of week 2 sent Santos to the top of the Segunda Division after two games as Philadelphia Deportivo suffered their first loss of the season. Depor captain Brian Coulter was unhappy with the performance of his team. “All four phases of the game need improvement,” Smith commented, “or we will have a long spring season.” Coulter said the team needed to be better defensively as a team. “The game went back and forth in possession, but they took advantage of the bad balls and mistakes in our backline.” Coulter’s Depor will try to get their first win of the season after a one week bye against Philadelphia Heritage, while Santos also will enjoy a weekend off before their top of the table clash against Rose Tree Gunners in week 4.
Goals- Santos FC: #19 Camara (2 goals); #8 Julian (1 goal); #10 Kamagate, (2 goals) / Deportivo: #7 Rodney (2 goals); #3 Alex (1 goal)
Cards- Deportivo: #7 Rodney, hard tackle, YC
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Smitty Werben Jager Man Jensen FC 1-1 FC Bobert Munich
A tense affair saw Smitty FC draw their fellow German influenced side Bobert Munich 1-1. A point apiece pushed both teams into the top part of the table, both on 4 points with Smitty FC beating Bobert Munich for third place through goal differential. Most of the action happened in the second half, as a goal from Smitty FC’s striker Kyle Hoops cancelled out the opener from Bobert Munich’s Vasso on the hour mark. Both captains were pleased with the performance of their team. Bobert Munich captain Chris Galvin noted a strong offensive performance from his side. “I think their keeper kept them in the game in the second half, and even had a few massive saves in the first half.” Smitty FC captain Carson McBain said his team performed well with the ball. “We had a majority of the possession with a majority of the chances, we just couldn’t put it away. For next week I want us to focus on putting away our chances.” McBain felt optimistic about the future for his team while praising his opposition, saying that “I think that both sides could challenge for automatic promotion this season.” McBain’s Smitty FC will continue their promotion challenge next week against Loose Cannons FC who are coming off their first win of the season, while Bobert Munich will look to move into the top three in the table against winless Bluestars.
Goals- Smitty FC: #21 Hoops (73′) / FC Bobert Munich: #15 Vasso (60′)
Cards- Smitty FC: #25 Casey 85′ Unsporting hard late tackle, YC
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Statesmen FC 2-3 Loose Cannons FC
A high scoring, back and forth affair rewarded late winners Loose Cannons with their first points of the season after a one goal victory against mid table Statesmen. The result saw the two sides end up next to each other in the table, with Statesmen beating out their rivals for 6th place on goal differential. Two goals in the 22nd minute quickly established a 1-1 draw, as the equalizer from the Cannons’ Michael Cahill erased the extremely brief Statesmen lead after Michael Kent opened the scoring. Jim Kelly was able to restore the Statesmen’ lead before halftime, allowing his side to edge an even first half. A strong second half performance gave the Loose Cannons a comeback victory, as Mike Devero provided the Cannons with a second goal to even proceedings before Tony Root put the tie to bed in the 78th minute. A late surge from Statesmen saw them fall short of securing an equalizer.
“We significantly improved our possession from our first game,” Loose Cannons captain Ben Smith observed about his team’s performance. Smith also had a lot of praise about Man of the Match Devero who scored their second equalizer. “I believe he is the best center back in the league. We tend to lose games when he isn’t playing like week one and win when he does play.” The Cannons will attempt to win their second straight game against third placed Smitty Werben FC, while Statesmen face off against fellow mid table side Hunting Park next week.
Goals- Statesman: #12 Kent (22’); #6 Kelly (43’) / Loose Cannons: #26 Cahill (22’); #3 Devero (66’); #10 Root (78’)
Cards- Statesmen: #6 Kelly, YC
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Cunningham Squires 1-2 Hunting Park
A very late winner from Brendan Gorman gave Hunting Park their first points of the season after a difficult week 1 loss against league leaders Santos. Cunningham were handed their second straight loss to start out the season, though one might say they have been unlucky with their results so far as they only sport a goal difference of -2. After Hunting Park’s Tariku opened the scoring late in the first half, Alex Robey responded immediately for the home side, restoring the deadlock going into intermission. A strong second half from Hunting Park saw the away side control the ball, though Cunningham’s keeper prevented the controlling team from breaking the tie until late.
Hunting Park captain Andy Kim cited a key tactical change from his men that changed the balance of the second half. “We moved Gorman (who scored the winning goal) up top ten minutes into the second half to create more pressure and chances. He had an excellent low finish into the corner late on.” Kim was also impressed by the performance of his defenders. “We had a solid backline that was able to contain our opponents.” Kim’s side will look to continue their winning run next week against mid table Statesmen, while Cunningham search for their first points against top of the table Santos.
Hunting Park United: #7 Tariku (42’); #39 Gorman (87’)
Cunningham Squires: #32 Robey (45’)
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Tercera Division:
Reporting by: Romeo Julmiste
Liberty City FC 0-4 Berber United
Week two kicked off bright and early in Bordentown, New Jersey, featuring two teams coming off opening week wins. Liberty City FC walked out of a close game in a week one battle of the newly promoted squads. Berber United got back to the scintillating goal scoring form in their win last weekend, that made them such a dangerous team to play last Fall. Liberty City FC unfortunately were not ready for the barrage of goals that Berber had in store. Player of the match Juba once again got himself on the scoresheet, already with four goals in two games. Moussa, as well as Kamal Babou also got in on the goal scoring frenzy that left Liberty City decidedly frustrated. The loss does drop the Liberty City crew to 1-1 but they are a formidable side and will look to bounce back at the coming weekend when they face off against Lost FC. Berber United will look to continue their hot start to the season when they take on Hees FC.
BU: Goals- K. Babou, M. Disses, Juba, #10 / Yellow: #10
LCFC: Yellow- B. Rieger
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Lost FC 0-3 Barenjager SC
The first Tercera game taking place in Pennsylvania was played at Bristol Township Park and hosted two squads coming off week one draws. Recently relegated Barenjager SC would have hoped for more than just a point in their previous game with aspirations to not linger too long in the Tercera. Lost FC may have felt okay with their draw, but like their opponents, were eager to get a win under their belt to get their title challenge up and running. Fast forward to the second half of this game, Barenjager exploded out of the break to impose their will on their opponents striking quickly in the 47th minute. Ten minutes later, they doubled the score to put Lost FC even more against the ropes. The final goal came in the 80th minute for the Bear Hunters to leave no doubt in the game. Lost FC, with a loss and a draw now, look towards Saturday to try to get three points against Liberty City FC. Barenjager SC will look to build on their win when they square off with Alamo FC.
BSC: Goals- C. Shaffer (47′), M. Mark (57′), J. O’Brien (79′)
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KRL Trading 1-3 Drexel Shaft
Week one did not go to plan for either one of the teams leading into the third morning game of the day. KRL Trading were looking to regroup after they suffered an opening weekend loss. Drexel Shaft found that they were not even able to play and had their opening match postponed. An extra week of rest as well as an opponent coming off a loss eager to reverse it should have played against Drexel Shaft but the men in navy blue took the game to KRL Trading and grabbed all three points at the end of the ninety minutes. Drexel Shaft were able to start the scoring seven minutes before the end of the first half. In the 67th minute, Drexel were able to double their lead until KRL were able to claw a goal back ten minutes later. The Drexel defense held firm repelling the attacks from KRL Trading and were rewarded a minute from time with the insurance goal. Drexel Shaft technically started their season with a win in this game and will enjoy an early game in hand. KRL Trading fall to two straight losses early in the season. They will go again at the weekend when they square off against FC Burlington.
KRLT: Goals- K. Marks (77′)
DS: Goals- A. Giraldo (38′), Hernandez (67′), B. Dellmyer (89′)
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Sunbears FC 4-1 Alamo FC
The lunch time matchup was the last game of the day played in Bordentown and followed a trend of goal scoring that was seen in the previous games. Alamo FC came off a close loss in the previous week while Sunbears FC enjoyed an opening day win. Sunbears FC, one of the newly promoted teams in the division, wanted to continue to make the statement that they are viable and a team to be respected in the Tercera. They did so here with a comprehensive victory against Alamo FC that kept their opponents out of the matchup early. Nick Browndorf grabbed two goals within the first twenty minutes of the game and a third goal from teammate Jed Kutai saw the Sunbears coasting at halftime up 3-0. Alamo were able to grab a goal back in the 65th minute to spark a comeback but eight minutes from the final whistle, Nick Browndorf tacked on an extra goal to complete his hattrick. Alamo FC will try again for three points when they look towards Saturday to face off against Barenjager SC.
SFC: Goals- N. Browndorf (11′, 18′, 82′), J. Kutai (35′)
AFC: Goals- B. Attanasio (65′)
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FC Burlington 1-4 Brothers of the Gourd FC
The last game of the day was a clash in the late afternoon between the Schnauzers of FC Burlington and Brothers of the Gourd FC. FC Burlington were on a mission to avenge a week one loss while the Brothers were keen to build on their draw from last Saturday. The game went quickly into the Brothers’ control as they opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Burlington struck back in the 26th minute, not allowing their opponents freedom and utilizing the sustained pressure to snag an equalizer. The game went into halftime 1-1. In the second half, the match went only in the direction of the Brothers, when they were able to pull a goal ahead at the hour mark. The goals did not stop coming as the net was bulged in the 74th as well as the 80th to put the game well out of the reach of the Schnauzers.
While the score might have suggested the Schnauzers were never in the game, they did maintain large swaths of sustained pressure for the make up of the match to appear a lot closer than initially read on the scoreboard. Brothers of the Gourd FC now take four points out of the first two games of the season and will look to take the momentum from the win into Saturday when they face off against Oaklyn United FC. FC Burlington will still be looking for their first points of the season when they square off with KRL Trading at the weekend.
FCB: Goals- S. Dooley (26′) / Yellow: G. Stevenson
BotG: Goals- A. Uchak (12′, 61′), R. McGlasson (74′), T. Lekshey (80′) / Yellow: D. Stokes (58′), B. Stover (79′)
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Cuarto Division:
Reporting by: Romeo Julmiste
Fishtown FC 5-1 Philadelphia Falcons
One of the newer venues to the league, Bristol Township Park, was the setting for this entertaining week two clash. The Trouts of Fishtown FC, coming off a strong win in week one, sought to make it two in a row. Lining up against them were Philly Falcons who had not scored in their game last weekend. The game throughout was difficult as the Falcons were short of a full squad. The Falcons that were present were able to push the Trouts deep into the last quarter of the game with the match still close, the Green and Black leading 2-1. An untimely injury, leaving the Rainbow Battalion even more shorthanded, opened the floodgates and gave way for the Trouts to tack on three more goals and end the game with some distance.
Fishtown walked away with the three points and the Falcons suffered a second straight loss. While both teams played quality football, the true highlights had to be the cause under which the teams dedicated their play. Players from both squads were invited to wear their most colorful and elaborate socks to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day. Fishtown FC will try to sock their way to another win at the coming weekend when they take on Club Sandwich. Philly Falcons will square off in a brunch game against Vidas FC.
FFC: Goals- #22 (22′), C. Banks (40′), M. Rivera (76′), E. Gulama (88′, 89′)
PF: Goals- R. Lamilla (75′)
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Leaders FC 1-2 Devon SC
The second game of the day was another early riser, this time set in New Jersey, one of two games played there before noon. Leaders FC coming off a debut win last weekend, took on Devon SC who were looking to improve on their loss from week one. The familiarity between the two teams was evident as Leaders FC’s roster consisted of a few former Devon SC players. Eager to make a winning impression against their former teammates, the Thoroughbreds got off to a hot start as Steve Switucha bagged a break away goal within the first five minutes of play, even though they began the game undermanned. Twenty minutes later, finally at their full complement, Devon SC were able to grab a second to go into the half up 2-0. At the beginning of the second half, a little defensive miscommunication allowed the Leaders back into the game. The Thoroughbreds were eventually able to get their defense sorted and their goalkeeper Eder Garcia, came up with some clutch saves from free kicks to secure the three points for Devon SC. With a win under their belts, the Thoroughbreds will try to get another at the coming weekend when they take on Maccabi Philly. Falling to a win and a loss, Leaders FC will try to bounce back when they face SJ Gentlemen.
LFC: Goals- #16 Oyekani (50′) / Yellow: M’Buye
DSC: Goals- S. Switucha (5′), A. Rodrigue (22′)
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Club Sandwich 2-2 SJ Gentlemen
The other game in New Jersey on the day was set at brunch time where the SJ Gentlemen, coming off a win in week one, saw that Club Sandwich was on the menu to face them. Club Sandwich also enjoyed a week one victory therefore both these teams were hungry to grab all three points to secure an early spot in the elite areas of the table. Two goals thirteen minutes apart, got the game going in the right direction for the Gentlemen to see them end the half up 2-0. The second half was a completely different story though when Club Sandwich took a foothold in the game, grabbing a goal back early in the 49th minute. Club Sandwich maintained their onslaught on the SJG goal and were rewarded with the equalizer a little past the hour. Club Sandwich made it clear to their opponents that it remains unwise to play with your food. Both times walk away with a point after a well contest match. The Gentlemen will head into the weekend to square off against Leaders FC and Club Sandwich will take on the Green and Black of Fishtown FC.
CS: Goals- C. Bown (49′), S. Sawaged (61′) / Yellow: I. McKinnon
SJG: Goals- D. Argano (27′), C. Rabinowitz (36′)
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Dead Ball SC 0-0 Maccabi Philly
The temperature started climbing just in time for this week two matchup that was a showcase for two squads looking to grab their first points. Dead Ball SC were only able to score one goal in their opening week loss. The same can be said for Maccabi Philly. The lack of goal scoring unfortunately continued for both teams as neither were able to ripple the net in this game, ending on a goalless draw. Both squads have numerous opportunities to break the deadlock but found themselves wanting. The closest either squad had gotten to the game winner was from a strike from the Skulls that was cleared off the line by the Maccabi Philly captain, Tamir Levy. It was a physical and eventful match, just missing that finishing touch. Maccabi Philly captain Tamir Levy was euphoric and rather shocked at his point saving intervention saying, “still can’t believe I was able to make the goal line save on the last play of the game, that actually me who made the save. We were so lucky as it came from an indirect kick inside the box.” Both teams now secured their first points and will take it into their games at the weekend. The Skulls will take on Philly Skyliners FC and Maccabi Philly will square off against Devon SC.
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Vidas FC 3-2 Nations United FC
Once again at Bristol Township Park, in the early afternoon, a glorious scene for the first day of Spring on the second week of the season. Vidas FC came off a loss in week one and were chomping at the bit to get another chance to grab a win. Their opponents, Nations United FC were buzzing from a debut victory and wanted to make it two in a row. Vidas opened the scoring within the first ten minutes of play and made the case that this was their game to win. Before Nations United could look up, they were down 3-0 at halftime. A change of strategy and the league newcomers started the second half with new life. A direct free kick in the 55th minute from Arik Misler started the comeback challenge for United. Twelve minutes later, United were back within one from a goal by Fadi Isa but that was all the men in yellow could muster as Vidas FC held firm at the end. Both teams now stand with a win and a loss. Nations United have a cup game during the week against division opponents Philly Falcons and then another league challenge on Saturday against Rebels. Vidas won their game in the cup and will due battle in the league on Saturday against the aforementioned Philly Falcons.
VFC: Goals- O. Southwell (8′), V. Escobar (21′), Barnes (pk 38′) / Yellow: G. Kapkanov (74′)
NUFC: Goals- A. Misler (55′), F. Isa (67′) / Yellow: A. O’ Conner (64′)
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Rebels 4-1 Philly Skyliners FC
Week two of the season ends with a matchup of two teams looking to make early statements. Rebels came off an opening day win and as the team relegated from the higher division last fall, left no doubts as to their intentions of an immediate return to the Tercera. Philly Skyliners came off a loss opening weekend and were motivated to get amongst the point grabbing as soon as possible. Rebels made it clear to Philly Skyliners that there were no points available for them this week as Rebels ran away with the win. Two braces for the Rebels were the difference in the game. Player of the match Taurai Augustin and captain Pat Masi ran amok on the day leaving the Skyliners with nothing more than a 68th minute consolation goal. Rebels improve to 2-0 while the Skyliners fall to 0-2 to start life in the Cuarto. Rebels will look to make it three in a row when they take on Nations United FC. Skyliners will try again to get their first points when they play Dead Ball SC.
Rebels: Goals- T. Augustin (35′, 51′), P. Masi (73′, 81′)
PSFC: Goals- Sak. Nepal (68′) / Yellow: D. Amoako
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Quinto Division:
Reporting by: Michael McKinney
Washington Square S.C 5 – 1 UCFC
Washington Square S.C (0-1-0) looked for redemption when they took on UCFC (0-1-0) after taking a huge loss against Inter in week 1. The majority of the game was back and forth with both Washington and UCFC testing each other with well strung together passes and runs that put shots on goal. Unfortunately for UCFC, their shots either hit off the cross bar or were stopped by WS S.C’s keeper who had more than a handful of great saves against the testy UCFC. Washington Square S.C’s #8 Cagnetta put the work in and was rewarded with Man of the Match honors for his hat trick and overall play making. Washington Square S.C look to keep the momentum next week when they take on New Wave FC. UCFC will look for their first win next week in their match against Inter Phila.
Goals: UCFC-78’ #21 Ibarra
Washington Square- (10’ #22 McCaffery) (25’ #17 Cagnetta) (37’ #99 Ratan) (52’ #17 Cagnetta) (55’ #17 Cagnetta)
MOTM: Washington Square #17 Cagnetta
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Sporting Philadelphia F.C 7 – 1 Telle Bouche
Sporting Philadelphia F.C (0-0-1) went into their match against Telle Bouche (0-1-0) with the mindset of not letting the game slip away as it did last week against Grape Train F.C that saw a winnable game end in a draw. Telle Bouche, who tend to embrace ironman style of play, continued to have roster issues as they were playing short again. Sporting took full advantage and slotted home 7 against a clearly tired and frustrated Telle Bouche squad. They did manage to get on the score sheet by way of a free kick, one of many that were awarded in a game that saw a lot of passion, intensity and jumping puddles from Sporting Philadelphia that resulted in their first win of the season. Sporting look to build off this momentum ahead of their week 3 match against FC Delta while Telle Bouche hope for a better result in week 3 against Grape Train F.C
Sporting Philly: #28 Henrici X-2 #9 Ricardo #20 Lima X-3 #22 Jesus. Yellow card #9 Ricardo (Sporting Philadelphia) unsporting conduct.
Telle Bouche FC: #23 Morales-Ventura
MOTM #20 Lima (Sporting Philly)
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Grape Train F.C 4 – 3 Still Processing F.C
Fresh off their 4-4 tie, Grape Train F.C (0-0-1) looked to keep the scoring streak going while hoping to stop the bleeding on defense. Grape Train F.C came out fast with Man of the Match #28 Huber grabbing 2 goals in the first 5 minutes. Still Processing wouldn’t let the wheels fall off too quick and managed to lock the defense down which would allow #20 Molina to bring the game level at 2-2 when he netted his brace in the 53′ minute. Grape Train would go down a goal just 2 minutes later when they were cited for a foul just outside the box that would lead to the go ahead goal from Still Processing’s #14 Ventura.
Pondering another game with points dropped called upon GTFC’s #28 to finish what he started. After being quiet for nearly an hour, he broke free and tied up the match in the 66′ minute. Still not satisfied, Grape Train F.C threw numbers forward and their risk paid off when their player was chopped down in the box. With 3 goals on the day, #28 Huber stepped up and converted the PK easily to secure his teams first win of the season. Another tough loss for Still Processing who will try to get their back line situated before their week 3 match against Mark Wahlbergs Cousins while Grape Train F.C celebrate their win and will work to keep goals coming next week against Telle Bouche.
Goals – Grape Train #28-Huber-3′ #28-Huber-4′ #28-Huber-66′ #28′-Huber-86′
Goals – Still Processing #20-Molina-34′ #20-Molina-53′ #14-Ventura-55′-
Yellow Cards #7-Connolly-20′ (Still Processing)- Dissent #72-Hinrichsen-43′ (Still Processing)- Dissent #8-Coates-70′ (still Processing)
Man of the Match – #28 Huber (Grape Train F.C)
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Oaklyn Academy 2 – 0 Inter Phila
The week 2 match up between Inter Phila (1-0-0) and Oaklyn Academy (1-0-0) was a physical match that led to a tussle between both teams and would result in each team losing a player to a red card. Both down to 10 men, each team looked to take advantage of the newly open space to push forward. With just under 10 minutes remaining Oaklyn are gifted a free kick and take advantage as the lofted cross from #5 Verdia lands just inside the box and bounces in. With time dwindling, Inter Phila get caught in their defensive half as #88 Adcock picked the pocket of Inters outside back, took full advantage of the 5-hour energy he downed at halftime, weaved through the remaining defense and slotted it home for the 2-0 victory. Oaklyn Academy captain, Evan expects to have #88 Adcock back from his running celebration in time for their week 3 meeting with Rapid Daybreak FC. Inter Phila look to get their heads back in the game before their week 3 match up with UCFC.
Goals: Oaklyn: #5 Dave Verdia, #88 John Adcock
Yellow Cards: Oaklyn: #8 Brian Pease
Red Cards: Oaklyn: #99 Gio Amari (swinging with open hand at player #3 Azat Miftakhov) Inter: #3 Azat Miftakhov (retaliating by swinging back at #99 Gio)
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Rapid Daybreak FC 3 – 1 Mark Wahlbergs Cousin
With a 4-0 win over Still Processing the ever unpredictable Rapid Daybreak FC (1-0-0) faced off against Mark Wahlbergs Cousins who suffered a hard fought loss against Oaklyn Academy last week. The first half saw both Rapid and MWC trade goals to end the first 45 minutes 1-1; which was good for Rapid Daybreak considering they had Shane Evans, their starting CB, playing goalie. Mid way through the 2nd half, MWC started to fall apart on defense and it wasn’t too long before Rapid Daybreak would string together a handful of passes that ended with #3 Gehers firing home the go ahead goal. With MWC spending a lot of timing defending in their half, #0 DeFacis was feeling good about his chances from long range and drilled a shot from 30+ yards out that found its way into the back of the net. Rapid Daybreak FC fought off the physical play of Mark Walhbergs Cousins and secured their spot on top the division with the 3-1 victory. Rapid Daybreak FC will have an even tougher match ahead as they take on the other undefeated team, Oaklyn Academy in week 3 in what will surely be a must win match for both teams. The winless Mark Walhbergs Cousins will look to right the ship in their week 3 match up against the winless Still Processing FC.
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Sexto Division:
Reporting by: Michael McKinney
Hamilton FC 5 – 1 FC BTC
FC BTC (1-0-0) faced off against Hamilton FC (1-0-0) in week 2 and hoped to continue their run of good form that saw them take 3 points in their 5-2 win over Philadelphia Strikers in week one. Hamilton FC enjoyed a 2-1 come from behind win in their week 1 match against Boys Do Cry. FC BTC struggled last season with finishing; especially so in the first half. Looks like this game and possibly this season is no different as FC BTC hit the post a handful times along with missing open looks in the box. Hamilton FC had their share of chances but were able to finish and headed into the start of the second half up 2-1. Both teams would continue their impressive ball movement going box to box but unfortunately for FC BTC they still failed to convert. That was not the case for Hamilton FC who put their best chances away to the tune of a 5-1 score line. FC BTC will need to improve their finishing as they take on the Mighty Ducks in week 3 and Hamilton cruise to another win and look to stay undefeated when they take on Birdeaux FC next week in what should be a winnable game for Hamilton FC.
Hamilton FC: (#25 Labuda (2), 55’,80’ , #27 Vallete (2) 21’,60’, own goal #91 Braddock 8’)
FC BTC: (#7 Fitzgerald, 43’)
Man of the match: Hamilton FC #27 Vallete.
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Kensington 7 – 0 Coyotes FC
Coyotes FC (1-0-0) fresh off their hard earned win in week 1 against Dyslexia Untied found themselves in an uphill battle with Kensington (0-1-0) who were on the losing end in their week 1 debut against Rapid Nightfall FC. Kensington came out strong and with nearly every available subbed on their roster while Coyotes FC failed to field any subs and fought to keep the game level heading into halftime even after going down to 10 men due to injury. Kensington made some positional changes from last week and after making a few adjustments at half time they came out firing. It wasnt too long before they netted their first of 7 goals against a Coyotes team that was missing last week’s Man of the Match #7 Valdez, with so many crucial players not available for Coyotes FC it was bound to be a tough game but the defense really were put on the heels and caught ball watching. Once Kensington took notice to the lapse in defensive shape they really started to gel and kept the ball out of their own half which resulted in a score line that could reflect a team that took full advantage of a team that were missing many critical players or one that reflects a team who can adapt and punish you. Coyotes will look to bounce back against Rapid Night FC in week 3 while Kensington will have to show they are more then a team who got lucky when they take on Dyslexia Untied in Week 3.
Goals: KENSINGTON: #22 BOTEGA (44, 48, 77, 80), #10 LEE (55), #9 CORREDOR (62), #19 BAIDAL (67)
Yellow Cards: COYOTES: #0 MILO – unsporting behavior
Man of Match: #22 BOTEGA
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Honey Badgers F.C. 3 – 0 Rapid Nightfall FC
Week 2 match up between Honey Badgers F.C. (1-0-0) and Rapid Nightfall FC (1-0-0) started fast as the up top duo of #9 Johnson and #17 proved too be too much in the early stages as their 1 touch passing and darting runs lead to 2 quick goals from #17. Nightfall would concede a corner to Honey Badgers in the 55th minute that would result in a cheeky one timer goal from #4 George who came up from his center back position to put them ahead 3-0. Honey Badgers continued to play a high line which caught Rapid offside 15 times but Rapid would find space and see a shot get pushed away by the keeper after a turn over caused by the second consecutive improper throw-in from Honey Badgers left back. Rapid would continue to press, managed to get into the box and were awarded with a PK. Unfortunately, the save was easily made and the Honey Badgers keeper kept the shut out. Up next for Honey Badgers F.C is Boys Do Cry in what will be a must see match for week 3. Rapid Nightfall FC hope to move on and get the result in their week 3 match up against Coyotes FC.
Goals: Honey Badgers – #17 (2) in the 4 and 6 minute. #4 Dan George in the 51 minute.
Yellow cards: Rapid Knightfall # 32 Bary Lisak for unsporting conduct 70′ Honey Badgers: #9 Brandon Johnson 90′ Dissent
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Mighty Ducks 3 – 0 Philly Strikers
Mighty Ducks (1-0-0), the rag tag team from District 5 found themselves embracing their pick up game style formations as they continue to get to know each other on a game by game basis. Unconventional as it is, it appeared to work against Philly Strikers (0-1-0) who found themselves playing in their defensive half for the majority of the game. The Ducks dominated possession but failed to fully capitalize; finding themselves knocking on the door numerous times but failing to convert. The Ducks would finally finish one of those chances in the 21st minute coming from #14 Dooley. Philly Strikers would fall behind to the tune of 3-0 with goals in the 33rd and 67th minute respectively. Never able to get the offense going, Philly falls to 0-2-0 and look to improve for next weeks match against the winless S.O.B Athletic. The Ducks, mighty as they are, have their first real test next week against FC BTC.
Goals: Mighty Ducks – J. Dooley (21 M) Torok (33 M) Gallagher (67 M)
Cautions: Philly Strikers: Cox (28 M) Unsporting Behavior
Man of the Match #14 Dooley (Ducks)
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Dyslexia Untied 6 – 0 S.O.B Athletic
Both Dyslexia Untied (0-1-0) and S.O.B Athletic (0-1-0) were coming off loses in week one. Dyslexia showed more promise in their week 1 match losing by one goal and in tightly contested match against Coyotes. The Sons of Ben however did not fare well in their week 1 match up against the mightiest of Mighty Ducks and found themselves falling behind in this game as well. Try as they might, S.O.B’s we unable to put one past the brick wall that is Dyslexia Untied’s keeper Jason Zimmerman who made numerous clutch saves. Man of the Match was awarded to Dyslexia’s Meenan who is making a real push for the Golden Boot. His performance capped off the 6-0 victory for Dyslexia Untied who look to keep goals coming against their week 3 opponent Kensington. S.O.B Athletic came so close to their first goal of the season they can taste it. Week 3 has them up against the winless Philly Strikers in what could be a pretty even match up for the 2 teams as S.O.B look to Doop the ole’ onion bag for the first time next week.
Goals Dyslexia United: #16 Meenan(20), #16 Meenan(29), #16 Meenan(34), #16 Meenan(43), #7 Farley(64), #16 Meenan(74)
Man Of Match: Dyslexia #16 Meenan
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Boys Do Cry 8 – 0 Birdeaux FC
Having just returned from flying south for the winter, Birdeaux FC (0-1-0) were flightless against Boys Do Cry (0-1-0) who were still upset after dropping points in week 1 to Hamilton FC. Continuing with his play making form from last season, #19 Tice got his first brace of the season along with 3 assists to help propel his team to the 8-0 victory over Birdeaux. When asked what his secret was to performing well at his age he merely noted that he takes care of his body and has a lot of tiger balm at home. Regardless of what he is doing, the 57-year old striker did what needed to be done to secure his teams first win of the season. The Boys will need to carry this momentum into their week 3 match up and against a tough Honey Badgers FC team who have yet to concede a goal this season. Birdeaux will look to improve their defensive shape and possibly make a change in goal as they now have been scored on 13 times in the first 2 games. Something will need to change if they look to have a different outcome against Hamilton FC next week.
BDC:# 12 Roche x2 ,19 Tice x2 ,#7 Alam #11 T Alam ,#9 Maresca , #71 Love
Man of the Match #12 Roche
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# 17 for the Honeybagers is Martinez