After seeing a remarkable 16-month unbeaten run ended by back-to-back defeats, U.S. amateur champions Lansdowne Yonkers got back to winning ways with two victories in four days. The Bhoys outlasted Ocean City Nor'easters 4-3 on penalties last week to advance to the second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and then thrashed New Amsterdam 8-1 in the EPSL to return to the Metropolitan Conference on goal difference.
The US Open Cup tie in Ocean City was a nerve-wracking test of Lansdowne’s confidence after tasting defeat for the first time in nearly 500 days, first to NY Greek Americans [1-0] in the Eastern New York Amateur final and then to Pancyprian Freedoms [3-0] in the league.
It looked like their bad run would continue when the hosts’ Pablo Marquez scored in the eighth minute. However, the powerful Shamir Mullings broke through on the right flank, cut in and scored from a tight angle with the outside of his right foot.
A competitive match slowly turned in the Bhoys’ favor. They had the pick of the chances in the second half but there would be no more goals then or in extra time.
There were misses on both sides during the ensuing penalty shoot-out until it went to sudden death and the battle tested Bhoys held their nerve. Andrew Sousa, Joey Devivo, Kyle Parish and Mullings converted for Lansdowne, the winner of 10 trophies during their long unbeaten run.
They meet professional side Rochester NY FC [formerly Rochester Rhinos] at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY, in the second round of the Lamar Hunt Cup on April 7.
DELUGE
Four days later, the Bhoys returned to league action against New Amsterdam, a team they’d trounced 5-1 in their first meeting last Sept.
Julio Espinal, Yousuf Mikaheel [two], Matt Negro, Dean Dillon [two] and Melvin [two] connected.
“[We] dominated the match from start to finish but keeper Kabo Danso still had to make a few good saves early on,” said club president William McGrory. “With a few injuries and a few rested , Lansdowne will now get back to a regular week of training ahead of a big away match versus NY Greek America in the EPSL.”
That will be followed by the Lamar Hunt clash with Rochester.
STAYING ALIVE
Chris Uy scored in the Shamrocks’ 1-0 decision over title rivals Hoboken FC on Randalls Island last Sunday to keep the CSL First Division holders’ narrow championship hopes alive.
Kurt Cameron had the assist while goalkeeper Alex Heston was the last minute hero, denying Hoboken with an incredible save.
“Much needed win today to retain our small chance of the title, in pretty miserable conditions at that,” said captain Darren Coleman.
“The lads did the hard work against the wind first half, which gave us the platform to kick on in the second half. The first 20 minutes of the second half was honestly the best we’ve played all year. Lots of great performances, especially Alex with his last minute save.
“Stephen McKenna came in and had a solid performance (the same for our complete defence) to keep a much needed clean sheet. Jonathan Uy came straight back into the middle of the park like he’d never been away. And his brother probably had the best game I’ve ever seen him in a Shamrocks jersey.”
In other results, the Rocks’ second unit lost 5-3; the Shamrocks Over 30s succumbed 2-0 to CPR Old Boys, while the Legends crashed 4-0 to Doxa FC. The Shamrocks women’s team also lost.
