One down, one to go
July 31, 2004 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Westchester Flames News Release
New Rochelle, NY - 07/31/2004 - The Westchester Flames took one huge step towards the playoffs by defeating the Western Mass Pioneers 2-1 Saturday afternoon at City Park Stadium in New Rochelle. One more win this season will assure them of a spot in the Northern Division playoffs, for the second year in a row.
The Flames got on the board in the 6th minute as forward Evaud Thompson fed a low ball across the front of the goal mouth. Fellow forward Costea Decu ran onto it and after several rebounds, the ball crossed the goal line, leaving the Pioneers stunned.
In the 67th minute, the speedy Thompson broke behind the Pioneers defense, and taking the ball one on one with goalkeeper Bryan Quinn, blasted a shot into the lower right hand corner, giving the Flames a 2-0 lead. This goal proved to be the game winner as the Pioneers Rob Jachym sailed a shot over the head of Flames goalkeeper Guillermo Valencia in the 78th minute, making it 2-1. That was the final score.
A series of miscues and poor finishing on the part of Westchester is the only thing that kept the score from being much higher.
The Flames, 8-7-2, 26 points, are only two points behind the New Hampshire Phantoms. The Flames face the Phantoms on Saturday, August 14th, in New Hampshire. In a very deja vu scenario, this matchup could determine what team wins the division.
New Hampshire lost 3-2 tonight to the Harrisburg City Islanders, in New Hampshire. They must next face the City Islanders in Harrisburg on August 6th, followed by a game in Pittsburgh on the 7th, before facing the Flames to end the season.
A combination of victories for the Flames and losses by New Hampshire, and the Flames could win the Northern Division.
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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 31, 2004
- One down, one to go - Westchester Flames
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