Westchester Flames Strive to Improve Upon 2003
April 23, 2004 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Westchester Flames News Release
Not being satisfied with a 2nd place finish in 2003, the Westchester Flames have gone out and acquired a much younger team that seems full of promise. Their first test happens on Saturday, April 24th, 7:30 PM at Mitchell Athletic Complex in Long Island against the 2002 D3 Pro National Champion Long Island Rough Riders. In a matchup that always provides excitement, this game is also the first of four U.S. Open Cup qualifying matches for both teams. Third year Flames player and former Rough Riders player, Laurence Piturro, said, "I'm looking forward to this game for a couple of reasons. First, it's good to be back playing again, especially since this game is against two of our former players in Ricky Blanchard and Carlyle Myrie. Secondly, this game counts double for us with it also being a qualifier for the U.S. Open Cup. Our first major goal of the season is to qualify for the Open Cup."
According to Coach Gus Skoufis, "This team is possibly one of the most talented teams we've ever put together. The younger players have the advantage of learning from the veterans while providing us with more speed." This says a lot as the Flames history is loaded with success on the field.
While only in their 6th season, the Flames have participated in two leagues within United Soccer Leagues (USL). Beginning in the Premier Development League (PDL) in 1999, the Flames were 3rd nationally in 2000, and were the 2001 PDL National Champions.
Moving up to the professional ranks in 2002, the Flames joined the D3 Pro League. After making a quick adjustment to the higher level of competition, in 2003, the Flames made an unlikely run through the playoffs to the National Championship game against the Wilmington Hammerheads, losing 2-1 in double overtime. Just taking the field for this game made history as the Flames became the first team in USL history to win one national championship, move up a division, and go to that league's championship match.
The Flames open their home schedule on May 1st against Northern Division rival, New Hampshire.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 23, 2004
- Westchester Flames Announce Return of Key Players from 2003 - Westchester Flames
- Westchester Flames Strive to Improve Upon 2003 - Westchester Flames
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