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Rough Riders Week Ahead

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


(Plainview, N.Y., Wednesday, March 26, 2004) – Earning their first victory of the 2004 campaign this past weekend, the Long Island Rough Riders will look to continue their winning ways against the Northern Virginia Royals. Playing at home this Saturday, May 29, kick off is set for 7:30pm at the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, N.Y. The Rough Riders will also be hosting the Massapequa Soccer Club's 25th Anniversary Memorial Day Tournament pre & post game party. Over 290 youth teams will be attending the Rough Riders match and Massapequa Tournament festivities.

In a physical game, Long Island was able to beat the New Jersey Stallions last Saturday night 2-1 in overtime. The win brings the Rough Riders regular season record to 1W-3L-1T. The team didn't make things easy for themselves, having given up their 5th penalty kick of the season, failing to convert one themselves and having to play a man down for nearly 55 minutes of the game. Pedro Fragoso nailed a 25 yard free kick in the 106th minute to secure the victory. Afterwards, Fragoso observed a change in team attitude. "We had to get this first win" he commented.

Coach Paul Caffrey gave a few insights about next Saturday's line-up. "Derrick (Etienne) got substituted in halftime because we had to make tactical changes after the ejection (shortly before half-time). He didn't do anything to jeopardize him starting again next week." He thinks that the decision to have Ricky Blanchard play in central midfield helped to solve the team's defensive problems and sees him in that position in the future.

Captain and defender Scott Leber also saw improvement on the defensive side. "Everybody worked harder. We had more numbers around the ball. Now we have to become consistent." For his efforts, Leber was chosen Rough Riders "Man of the Match" last Saturday by Coach Ronan Wiseman.

The USL also acknowledged the team's improved efforts by naming defender Stephen Franzke, midfielder Scott Leber and forward Moussa Sy to the Pro Select League's "Team of the Week". Looking at the team's depth, defender Rich Bradley looks to be back in the mix as he has recovered from a concussion he suffered against New Hampshire.

The Northern Virginia Royals enter with a 0W-7L-0T record. Two weeks ago, the league-leading Charlotte Eagles were only able to beat Silvino Gonzalo's team 3-2 with one minute left in the 2nd overtime. The Royals leading scorers are Mathew Osborne (2 goals) and Patrick Sweeney (2).

For team and ticket information, please contact the Long Island Rough Riders front office at (516)671-1585 or email us at info@liroughriders.com.

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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.

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