Sports stats



Rough Riders Reel in the Wilmington Hammerheads

May 31, 2005 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Long Island Rough Riders News Release


Uniondale -5-28-05 – At a wind and rain swept Mitchel Athletic Complex the Long Island Rough Riders won 2-1 against a tough and imposing Wilmington side.

In a fast paced first half the Rough Riders showed the greater level of quality and precision. There was little in the way of an attacking threat from either team in the first 15 minutes.

In keeping with the corresponding fixture two weeks ago, Long Island relied on their passing and movement while Wilmington pressurized through their directness and physicality.

Moussa Sy opened the scoring in the 18th with a low drive into the corner after some great work by Jose Sura and Higgins down the left to create the chance.

James Gledhill then went close for Wilmington in the 32nd min. The Rough Riders defense did well to clear the danger. The Rough Riders then produced their best goal of the season.

In a 4-man move started by Espinosa in his own half the Rough Riders worked the ball through Higgins and Etienne for the on-rushing Moussa Sy to drive home, giving the Wilmington goal keeper no chance.

3 yellow cards in the closing minutes of the first half highlighted Wilmington 's frustration at the state of proceedings.

In the second half the Hammerheads were far stronger despite the fact that Etienne and Higgins had chances to finish off the game in the first 5 minutes of the second half. Phil Long brought Wilmington back into contention in the 71st min with a 30 yard shot to the top right hand corner.

Etienne then had a chance cleared from the line by Popovich in the 78th minute, before Paul Grafer produced two top class saves in the dying minutes to ensure the Rough Riders got the 3 points and a bye to the 2 nd round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

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

United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 31, 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