Sports stats

Rough Riders developmental under 12 boys impress during Italian competition

November 2, 2005 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


Plainview, NY; November 2, 2005 - The Long Island Rough Riders Developmental Program continues to impress the soccer community, both in the United States and around the world. During the recent Rough Riders U-12 Boys trip to Italy, the team earned the respect of their Italian counterparts by amassing a record of 5-0 in regulation play.

Coached by Dion Oppolzer and Ricardo Blanchard, the Rough Riders amazed onlookers with their talent and impressive teamwork. During their first three games, the team outscored their opponents 10-1 and held teams to only 4 total shots on goal. In their third match, the team's stingy defense yielded its first goal, but the Rough Riders prevailed, defeating Santa Marinella 6-1. "They looked like a pro team as they switched the ball from one side of the field to the other while keeping control of the ball for minutes at a time," said team representative Gary Schwartz. Following their victory, the Rough Riders attended an A.S. Roma training session, which ended with a private autograph session.

Their fourth match, immediately following a one-hour training session, pitted the Rough Riders against a Cassino Football Club featuring older players. The squad fought valiantly and defeated Cassino 3-2 in regulation time. After the match, the two teams agreed to play a 20-minute third period, in which Cassino outscored Long Island 2-0.

In their fifth and final match, the Rough Riders faced Totti Soccer Academy, looking to leave Italy on a high note. For the first time during their Italian excursion, Long Island was not the first to score a goal. Totti's early lead, however, would not hold up, as the Rough Riders responded with five goals of their own to earn the 5-1 win. The team left Italy undefeated in regulation play and with the respect of their new friends.

The Rough Riders Developmental Program would like to give special thanks to Dr. David Grossman who helped to organize the event and to all Rough Riders U12 parents who traveled with the team. Rough Riders President Peter Zaratin said, "To imagine that we would have players that represent a multitude of soccer clubs from Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties playing together under the Rough Riders banner in regional, national and even international competition is extremely exciting and rewarding."

For more information on the Rough Riders Developmental Program, visit our web site at www.liroughriders.com or call Dion at (516) 622-3900 ext 17.



United Soccer League Championship Stories from November 2, 2005


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