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Rough Riders edged by Phantoms

June 19, 2005 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


New Hampshire-6-18-05

The Rough Riders winless streak was extended to 2 games this weekend as the New Hampshire Phantoms defeated the Rough Riders by 2 goals to 0 in Hampstead, NH.

After last week's lapse in attitude it was important that the Rough Riders responded in the right manner. Naturally Long Island's finest soccer players duly obliged with 45 minutes of intelligent soccer.

Unlike last week, the Rough Riders from the first whistle set about imposing their brand of the possession game. And in a tight first half it could be argued that on the balance of play Long Island should have been in front.

Another positive factor to come out of the first half was that Paul Grafer had a quiet 45 minutes. In recent games this has been not the case. His cause was somewhat helped by Matthew Chulis and James Hunt. Brought in after long injury lay offs they provided stability in the midfield.

The tactical changes freed up Alex Toben-Villa to link with Derrick Etienne who managed to create some good opportunities despite being isolated at times.

The second half remained scoreless for the first ten minutes. There was still little to choose between the sides when New Hampshire opened their account. Long Island had been in the ascendancy when they were caught on the break.

Rich Bradley, who is having a fine season, made the contact with the opposition player that brought about the penalty kick and provided New Hampshire with the lead.

The Rough Riders then spent long periods of the game camped in the Phantom's half but lacked the necessary cutting edge to force themselves back into the contest.

Again Etienne went close, and even Sullivan was pushed into the forward line as Wiseman's men went in search of an equalizer. Unfortunately it was New Hampshire who found the next goal in injury time, again it was on the counter attack from Rough Riders pressure.

While Ronan Wiseman will not be happy with the result, he will at least take some consolation from the marked improvement of the team's performance and the attitude and application the players displayed towards the task at hand.

Final Score 2-0 to New Hampshire Phantoms.

Long Island Rough Riders

Paul Grafer, Joshua Allan, Jose Sura, Rich Bradley, Gary Sullivan, Carlo Espinosa, James Hunt, Matthew Chulis, Shaun Higgins, Alex Toben-Villa, Derrick Etienne.

Subs: Moussa Sy - Alex Toben-Villa

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 19, 2005


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