Phantom Shock the Champs
July 6, 2007 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Hampshire Phantoms News Release
MANCHESTER, NH - (July 6, 2007) - The Phantom finally appeared! New Hampshire had its finest hour - or minutes - of the season - 16 to be exact - when it rallied from a 1-0 deficit to knock defending United Soccer League Second Division Champion from the ranks of the undefeated with a 2-1 victory.
The Phantoms entered the game second from the bottom in league play with a 1-9-4 record while Richmond, 9-0-2, may have been looking a little too far ahead. The Kickers host Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy in the U.S. Open Cup Third Round next Tuesday, July 10, in Richmond. On the heels of that match, the Kickers then face 2006 finalist Charlotte next Friday night.
The Kickers came north with only two reserve players and without three of the league's top scorers in Michael Burke, Sascha Gorres, and Robert Ssejjemba.
After Kickers' midfielder Trey Alexander gave his team a 1-0 lead at 78 minutes on a feed from Ralph Pace, the Phantoms went on a mission. NH's Joseph Clancy ( Dublin, Ireland) buried a laser shot past the diving Kicker's goalkeeper Mark Murphy. The Phantoms seemed to be caught in the twilight zone after that. The action was fast and furious, and did not lack emotion from either side. Four yellow card cautions were issued which further added to the already fired-up Phantoms. Whether it was the raucous home crowd or the fact that the Phantoms had an opportunity to knock off the first place USL-2 team, it was one of the home team's most exciting victories in its 12-year history.
Phantoms head coach Jim DeDeus, assuming the reigns following his team's loss to the Hogges in Bermuda last week, was masterful with his substitutions. Tom McNeil entered the game at 65 minutes and proceeded to play his best match of the season. He posted four shots in 29 minutes including the game-winner in the second minute of extra time. McNeil volleyed a one-timer after collecting a Flavio Casal ( Lisbon, Portugal) serve from the right side of the penalty box. McNeil's volley had tremendous top-spin and literally dove over the outstretched hands of Murphy.
DeDeus also substituted Rob Dow in the 78th minute for Val Texieria, who had turned in a brilliant game from the backfield. Dow was carded in the 85 th minute, further igniting his team. Craig Lamy came off the bench with a minute to play and was on the receiving end of a Phantoms clearing ball from its back third following the Kicker's final push to equalize. Lamy's fresh legs blazed a trail up past midfield before the final whistle sounded.
It was the Phantoms first win against Richmond in two seasons following three losses, including an earlier 4-0 loss on April 28 in Virginia.
DeDeus was thrilled with his team's effort. "The guys didn't quit and we played for 90 minutes," said DeDeus.
It was the Phantoms first game of a six-game home-stand. NH returns to action next Friday night when it takes on Cleveland City Stars at 7:30 PM at Manchester Memorial High School.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 6, 2007
- City Stars Back To Winning With 2-0 Trouncing Of Bermuda - Cleveland City Stars
- Islanders Beat Hammerheads 2-0 - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- Phantom Shock the Champs - New Hampshire Phantoms
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