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Game too far for Valiant Rough Riders

May 16, 2005 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


Wilmington – 5-14-5, On a humid night at The Legion Sports Complex the Long Island Rough Riders were narrowly defeated by an imposing Wilmington side.

The Rough Riders opened up brightly and caused Wilmington a lot of problems with their passing and movement. Toben Villa was at the heart of the attack and appeared to be pulling apart the Wilmington defense at will.

Espinosa went close on 2 minutes but Long Island failed to make the most of their possession. Wilmington gradually imposed their direct and physical side on the Rough Riders but Sullivan and company remained composed and unflustered.

Wilmington opened the scoring in the 37th minutes from a 30 yard drive that beat Grafer to the bottom right hand corner. Their seemed little danger when the ball broke to Brady and on reflection of the first half play Long Island could consider themselves unfortunate to be 1-0 down.

Wilmington started the second half strongly as Long Island struggled to impose themselves on the game. Grafer saved brilliantly from Bundy in the 57th minute when a goal seemed like the only possible conclusion to the play.

Long Island responded through Barberio who went close from the corner of the penalty box in the 61st minute.

The game broke into life with 15 minutes to go. Gledhill skillfully drove home a Bundy cross from 5 yards in the 76th minute. Allen who looked comfortable at right defense then cleared off the line to keep Long Island in the game.

5 substitute where then brought on in 5 minutes. The net result was the Rough Riders dragging themselves back in to the game in the 82nd minutes through Cabrera from a Chulis cross.

The closing minutes were played at a frenetic pace but any chance of Long Island getting back into the game were scuppered when Espinosa was sent off stamping.

Long Island have played well on what has been a tough road trip, but there will be no cigars when they head back to New York on Sunday.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 16, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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