Long Island Rough Riders defeat NJ Stallions 2-1

Published on May 23, 2004 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


( Plainview , NY – May 22, 2004) - The Long Island Rough Riders won their first victory of the 2004 season, 2-1, against the visiting New Jersey Stallions. Pedro Fragoso secured the win in the 106 th minute with a curling free kick from 22 yards out. In a game that saw both sides miss out on opportunities, the Rough Riders had one penalty kick attempt go off the cross bar, while the Stallions hit the woodwork twice themselves.

For the first time this season, the Rough Riders opened the scoring. In the 28th minute, strong offensive pressure by the Rough Riders, and a heads up play by Moussa Sy, resulted in a Long Island goal. Sean Higgins sent a ball towards the Stallions goal that was partially blocked by keeper Carlos DeBrito. Sy was crashing the net for the rebound, sending his first touch just wide of DeBrito and into the far corner of the goal.

It was a physical match that saw a total of 39 fouls between the two clubs. The Rough Riders' Dahir Mohammed was shown two yellow cards in the first half (30th and 41st minute) to put them down a man. The New Jersey Stallions were finally able to take advantage of the situation just before the half. The man-advantage resulted in a breakaway for the Stallions with Rough Riders GK Tobias Fuchs being called for a foul while trying to break up the attack. The resulting penalty kick by the Stallions' Arch Altincatel tied the score 1-1 going in to the break.

Evan Bruno had a great chance early in the second half, only to see Debrito tip his shot over the bar. Being up a man, the Stallions started to gain more momentum. Jeff Rigby had a good shot saved by Fuchs in the 57th minute. Mike Gaudet beat Fuchs in the 59th minute, but his shot bounced off the crossbar. The Rough Riders did get back into the match, but DeBrito came up with a big save again on a close-range shot from Moussa Sy.

The Rough Riders thought they'd gotten the break they needed in the 77th minute when Evan Bruno was fouled in the penalty box. Moussa Sy stepped up to take the penalty kick, but slammed his shot off the cross bar. The ensuing scramble was eventually knocked out for a goal kick but players from both sides had to be separated, as the obvious frustrations grew. Both clubs looked to go forward, but neither were able to get another good scoring opportunity in regulation.

Overtime was a continuation of the first ninety minutes, with both sides getting into physical play but no final scoring touch. The Stallions Ramon Tapia was shown his 2 nd yellow card in the 98th minute, bringing the teams to 10 aside. It seemed as though the Rough Riders had won the game in the 99th minute, when Joe Ragusa slammed a shot passed Debrito, who had came out of his goal, only to have one of the Stallions clear the ball off the line. Going into the second overtime, the Rough Riders were going forward looking for the win, with the Stallions sitting back trying to counter. Long Island , attacking from the left side, moved the ball in towards the top of the arc when a foul was called to set up Fragoso's winning free kick.

Head Coach Ronan Wiseman showed his relief after the previous weeks of frustration. "It was a hard way to win. We deserved to win that game." GM Jim Kilmeade was also pleased for the fans. "Our fans were more passionate than ever. I'm looking forward to next week's game."

The next Long Island Rough Riders match will be at home, Saturday May 29 th , against the Northern Virginia Royals with kickoff set for 7:30pm . All home games are played at the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale , NY . Contact the Long Island Rough Riders office at 516-671-1585 or www.liroughriders.com for team and ticket information.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 23, 2004


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