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Etienne scores game-winner to propel Rough Riders over Wilmington, 2-1

August 27, 2002 - USL Second Division (USL-2)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


(Wilmington, N.C., Aug. 24, 2002) - Derrick Etienne had the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute of play to give the Rough Riders a win and the D3 Pro League National Championship in front of a crowd of 5,768 fans at Legion Sports Complex. It's the second championship for the Riders in the team's nine-year history. In 1995, the club captured the USISL national championship crown.

Etienne's goal was assisted by Andrew Mittendorf who dropped the ball off to him just inside the 18-yard box. Etienne spotted an opening and blasted the ball past Wilmington goalie Billy Platz for the score. Etienne, who celebrated his goal with a cartwheel and a back flip, was awarded the game's MVP.

In the 58th minute of play after trailing 1-0, the Riders used a bit of deception to score on a free kick. They lined up in an odd formation that ultimately saw Carlos Mendez take the kick and drive it home to tie the game at one.

At the conclusion of the first half that saw Long Island found themselves down 1-0 despite controlling the ball for a good portion of play and out shooting Wilmington, 10-6. The Hammerheads scored in the 40th minute following a clear that Christopher Bagley received at midfield. Bagley then passed ahead to Anthony Maher, who snuck past the Riders last line of defense and put one past Billy Gatti for Wilmington's only goal of the game.

Platz and Wilmington's goal post spoiled two of the Rough Riders first-half scoring opportunities. Their first chance came on a perfectly placed ball to the front of the six-yard box from Edgar Bartolomeu to Derrick Etienne. Etienne one-timed the pass towards the right-corner of the net. However, Platz got a huge jump on the play and recorded a tremendous save. Their second attempt came on a corner kick from Christer Arnesen to Scott Leber. The corner kick crossed the field to a vacant Leber, who had a wide open look, but could not convert as the ball banged off of the inside-corner of the post.

There was a total of 27 shots in the game with Long Island accounting for 16 of them. The Hammerheads and Rough Riders were first and second, respectively, in goals scored for the D3 Pro League's 20-game regular season. Wilmington tallied 58 goals and Long Island totaled 54.

The Rough Riders finished the season winning nine straight and 12 of their last 13 games to complete their magical run. Their overall record was 16-6-1 and they finished the regular season as Atlantic Conference Champions with a 13-6-1 record. - collaborated by Steve 'Johnny Ola' Agostinacchio and Michael 'Money Train' Hirsch.

The 2002 D3 Pro League National Champion Long Island Rough Riders are members of the United Soccer Leagues and have made the playoffs nine of the last 10 seasons. For more information on Rough Riders soccer, please contact media relations manager Steve Agostinacchio at (631) 940-3825, ext. 118 or visit www.rough-riders.com.



USL Second Division Stories from August 27, 2002


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