Sports stats



Rough Riders defeat Phantoms 2-1

June 26, 2004 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


(Plainview, NY – June 26, 2004) The Long Island Rough Riders came together in a complete team effort this evening to defeat the New Hampshire Phantoms 2-1. The result marked a reversal of fortunes for the two sides. New Hampshire entered the game with a record of 7-2-1, placing them 2nd in the PSL, while Long Island has struggled to a record of 1-7-1 in league play before tonight. Playing before a crowd that included over 20 alumni players from various seasons, the combination of Evan Bruno and Carlo Espinosa combined for both of the Rough Riders goals. Prior to the game, the Long Island Rough Riders held their first annual "Rough Riders Legends Game". Over 20 former players and coaches participated in a pre-game scrimmage led by former coaches Alfonso Mondelo and Paul Riley.

The addition of two new players to the Rough Riders' lineup had an immediate impact. Former Rough Rider and MLS veteran Jim Rooney, who was just signed this past week, lead the midfield play. Another new signee, Long Island native Carlo Espinosa, helped add to the attack with his speed on the wing. The evening also signified the end of another Rough Rider career as Long Island honored the retirement of Cordt Weinstein, the franchise's all-time leading scorer (67 goals).

The Rough Riders, coming off of three frustrating results, came out tonight controlling play in the first half and dominating time of possession. The Rough Riders were able to attack the Phantoms using both wings to get around the defense. Phantoms midfielder Mike Cabral, trying to cover the outside attack, received two quick yellow cards in the first half (24th and 35th minutes) to reduce New Hampshire to ten players. The Rough Riders carried the majority of play, outshooting New Hampshire 7-3 in the first half, but neither side could score before the whistle.

The start of the second half continued as things left off, with Long Island on the attack. The Rough Riders were finally able to break through early in the second half. Rooney sent a ball down the right wing to Espinosa. Espinosa pushed the ball up the line and whipped a cross in from the right wing for Bruno to slam home in the 50th minute. Bruno returned the favor five minutes later for Espinosa to score his first Rough Riders goal. Cutting across the top of the box from the left, Bruno sent a diagonal ball across the area for Espinosa, who slotted the ball to the far corner from 12 yards out.

The Phantoms got one goal back in the 58th minute on a shot by Bjorn Hansen. Long Island was temporarily down to ten men, as Moussa Sy was off the field for an injury. Before the Rough Riders could get his replacement on, defender Dahir Mohammed was stripped of the ball by Mark Manganello. Rough Riders sweeper Wilmer Cabrera stepped forward to challenge the play as goalkeeper Dan Sirota came out to cut off the angle. Manganello played the ball behind Cabrera to a wide-open Hansen who pushed the ball into the open net.

Head Coach Ronan Wiseman was pleased with the effort and the victory. "I am very happy with the win and the performance of the team" he said. "I think that the two new players added fresh blood and some abilities, but overall, the whole team stepped up".

The Long Island Rough Riders will be on the road for their next two games, facing the Western Mass Pioneers on July 3rd and Westchester Flames on July 4th. The Rough Riders return home to host the Jersey Falcons in a special "Camp Day" match on July 7th with kick-off set for 12noon. 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.

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 26, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Long Island Rough Riders Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central