The New York Shamrocks held off Long Island side Eleftheria 3-1 on Randalls Island last Sunday to clinch the Strumpf State Cup for the second time.
William McMillian put the Rob O’Neill-coached Rocks ahead as the first half drew to a close. But the Greek-Cypriots deservedly leveled just before the interval.
The Shamrocks kicked it up a notch on resumption, and goals by Chris Dempsey and Paul McDaid secured victory.
“I’m delighted with the win,” said Coach O’Neill. “The lads have been incredible this year. Personally, winning a State Cup has been top of my list and it’s been amazing to win with this team and this club.”
He had kudos for the fans that turned up to cheer the club, and the Courtyard Ale House for hosting an amazing post-game celebration.
The Rocks play in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League’s third tier where they have secured second place with a 14-1-3 [win-draw-loss] record and 43 points. They are scheduled to return to Randalls Island Field 75 this Thursday night for their final regular season game, against NY Pancyprian Freedoms II. Kickoff is at 9 p.m.
LANSDOWNE ENCORE
Newly crowned EPSL Metropolitan Conference champions Lansdowne Yonkers wrapped up their regular season last Saturday with a 2-0 decision over SC Vistula in Garfield, New Jersey.
Goals by Liam Salmon and Paul McVeigh downed the Polish-Americans, who are in their rookie season in the EPSL after promotion from the Garden State Soccer League in 2023. The result saw the once-beaten Lansdowne complete the season with an 18-3-1 [57 pts] record.
The Lansdowne Yonkers team that defeated Polish side SC Vistula 2-0 in Garfield, New Jersey, in the Bhoys' final regular season game in the EPSL.
Before kickoff, Vistula formed a guard of honor for the Bhoys to applaud their EPSL Metropolitan title victory over Manhattan Celtic [3-0] the previous week. At kickoff, the Poles -- avoiding falling into a possible relegation playoff scenario – would give the conference champs a tough match. They created several opportunities but could not convert any.
Vistula would be punished when winger Shaquille Saunchez delivered a fine cross for Salmon to control and tap in the opener. Then McVeigh dribbled into the six-yard box where he was taken down. He picked himself up and converted the ensuing penalty to seal it.
The Bhoys could have elected to rest some players before the playoffs, but the spirit of winning every match was more important. “We’re always going to field a full squad and give everyone a serious challenge,” said club president and general manager William McGrory.
Matt Kane [left], Lansdowne's first team head coach, receives the EPSL from Bill Marth, the league's Commissioner of Metropolitan Conference & General Secretary.
Lansdowne are expected to host #4 seed Doxa FCW in the Metropolitan Conference semi-finals on the weekend of June 1-2.
Vistula are traditionally a strong club, with a 70-year history. Previous encounters with the Bhoys include a fourth round clash in 2022 Open Cup qualifiers, a Werner Fricker Cup Region 1 semi-final battle in 2023.
