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Long Island Rough Riders fall to Flames 4:1

May 15, 2004 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


(Plainview, N.Y., May 15, 2004) Defensive woes and missed scoring opportunities continue to plague Long Island and sealed their faith in a 4:1 loss to the Westchester Flames in the second consecutive road game on Saturday, May 15.

Westchester forward Evaud Thompson opened scoring early in the 9th minute due to a defensive miscue by Stephen Franzke to give the home team a 1:0 lead.

Long Island controlled the play the next 20 minutes with Scott Leber and Shaun Higgins both narrowly missing opportunities to bring the Rough Riders back from the one-goal deficit. But in the 37th minute it was again Westchester who netted the goal. The Flames went up 2:0 on a goal from Alex Tobin-Villa after an assist from Costea Decu.

The second half started with another defensive breakdown by Long Island that led to a penalty kick in the 46th minute. Costea Decu stood up and converted to give Westchester a 3:0 lead.

The Rough Riders came right back and had numerous scoring opportunities, as forward Shaun Higgins was unable to convert two open goals. In the 40th minute Westchester went up 4:0 on a counter-attack goal by Alcides Esquivel on a pass from Evaud Thompson. From 4:0 on the game deteriorated in quality. In total the Rough Riders and the Flames were issued six yellow card cautions.

In the 75th minute Rough Rider and Haitian International Derrick Etienne finally found the back of the net for his side, assisted by Colin Marshall.

Long Island Coach Paul Caffrey found harsh words for his team: "We are very disappointed in the overall work ethic. We are making the same mistakes game after game." General Manager Jim Kilmeade added: "Although this is a new team with a lot of new faces loosing this way is not acceptable. As a team we are not lacking in effort, but we are lacking in execution. The coaching staff and I are going to take a hard look at the situation and make the tough decisions necessary to put the team on a winning track."

After the second consecutive road game the Rough Riders return home to play the New Jersey Stallions on May 22. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Mitchel Athletic Complex. For team or ticket information please contact the Rough Riders front office at (516)671-1585.

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