NH Phantoms Lose To Cincinnati, 4-0
Published on May 18, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Hampshire Phantoms News Release
WILDER, KENTUCKY - (Friday, May 18, 2007) - 2006 United Soccer League Division 2 Semifinalist Cincinnati Kings defeated the visiting New Hampshire Phantoms 4-0 at Town and Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Kentucky, Friday night before 836 fans. The Kings (2-3-1) and the Phantoms (0-2-2) entered the game positioned 6th and 7th respectively in the standings with a very meaningful early season game as only the top six teams earn a trip to the post season playoffs.
The Phantoms dominated the early going and had opportunities to take a quick lead when Almir Barbosa failed to find an open net from six yards out blasting his first shot wide and and moments later hammering his second attempt from close range straight at Kings' Goalkeeper Francis Dubourdeau. The tide turned at 13:00 when Cincinnati's Mike McGinaly picked the pocket of Phantoms left back Joseph Clancy, played a two versus one combination with teammate Thies Hermann, and buried his first of three goals on the night. McGinaly picked up his second goal on an almost identical play on the same side of the field this time outdoing Phantoms' midfielder Tom McNeil and connecting with fellow forward Roman Cheurlin before scoring at the 18:00 mark.
McGinaly completed the 'hat trick' capitalizing on a failed clearing pass and beating NH goalkeeper Brian Levey high and to the right. Then, to add salt to the wound, Hermann stole a ball at midfield in injury time of the first half catching NH in transition and fed Sam Miller who walked in uncontended to complete the scoring.
A frustrated General Manager Jim DeDeus placed no blame on his goalkeeper, Levey, who was last week's Player of the Week. "Mental mistakes and fatigue beat us tonight," said Dedeus. DeDeus was referring to the additional adversity his team faced when the players had to wake up at 4 AM to be at the airport at 7 AM, then wait two hours to board the plane, and five more hours of flying and driving time before playing the game.
The Phantoms actually outplayed Cincinnati in the second half after Head Coach Sean Carey substituted some fresh legs. NH's Kevin Chisna, Manny Brito, Neil Krause and, Romelle Burgess all gave the Phantoms renewed life. Goalkeeper Mike Murphy saw his first action of the season replacing Levey at 74:00, but was not called upon to make any saves. DeDeus also had high praise for the positive play and work ethic of midfielder Narciso Fernandes. "Narciso was all over the field, on fire, but he couldn't do it alone," said DeDeus.
The Phantoms actually out shot Cincinnati 11-9 in the game and even and posted an advantage in corner kicks 5-1, but it was the Kings who made the most of their opportunities.
The Kings stunned the soccer world last year when it proceeded to the semifinal round before losing to eventual champion Richmond Kickers, 2-1. Two Kings took home USL honors as Nowaf Jaman earned Rookie of the Year and Head Coach Jon Pickup was Coach of the Year. Cincinnati lost to Richmond, 2-1, in the semifinal round.
The Phantoms return to Ohio for a Saturday evening match versus Cleveland City Stars at Krenzler Stadium for a 7 PM kickoff Saturday night hoping to gain a split of its two game weekend series on the road.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 18, 2007
- Charlotte's Schmedes Scores Two More In 2-1 Victory - Charlotte Eagles
- NH Phantoms Lose To Cincinnati, 4-0 - New Hampshire Phantoms
- Cincinnati Kings Earn First Home Win Of Season - Cincinnati Kings
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