Lansdowne Yonkers succumbed to a Duga Dambelly extra time goal in a 1-0 defeat to Doxa FCW in the EPSL Metropolitan Conference semi-finals at Tibbetts Brook Park last weekend. It was the Bhoys’ first loss to the Greeks in four years and their third consecutive set-back in the EPSL Metropolitan Conference’s last four.
Lansdowne had their chances.
Kyle Galloway and Liam Salmon were constantly driving forward but couldn’t convert their chances. JP Marin, according to Lansdowne publicist Patrick Murphy, probably played one of his best matches all season, but it wasn’t enough to convert into a goal.
“Doxa played a hard back line and pressed aggressively in the midfield to suffocate Lansdowne’s usually attractive transition and ball movement. For every chance Lansdowne missed, momentum felt like it was slipping, and time was of the essence,” Murphy said.
“When the 90-minute whistle blew, tensions were high going into extra time. Lansdowne subbed in a variety of recently signed younger legs while Doxa’s bench was not as deep.
“However, a quick counter attack, an outside of the right foot switch to the right wing and a cross and finish in box resulted in Lansdowne’s end to the EPSL season.”
Dambelly connected in the 110th minute.
Said Doxa coach Paul Grafas: “We defeated the best semi-pro team in the country hands down, and it was and will never be easy to accomplish this. I know Lansdowne will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best.”
The Bhoys have one more match to play. They travel to Horsham, Pennsylvania, on Father’s Day, June 16, to defend their Fricker Cup title against West Chester SC.
