Phantoms edge Long Island
Own goal proves winner
Saturday, April 29, 2006
PLAINVIEW, NY -- The Long Island Rough Riders had begun the day with a lot more promise than the wash-out of last week’s postponed home opener. The only part of the evening that fell short was the fact the Rough Riders lost 1-0 to the New Hampshire Phantoms on a fluke own goal in the 36th minute.
With both teams making major roster changes in the off-season, the majority of the first half saw a lot of choppy play with neither team seeming to take control or develop a serious attacking scheme.
The play leading to the goal started from deep in New Hampshire’s side of the field. Two players went up to head a booming 60-yard ball from the Phantom’s back line. Veteran defender Darrell Etienne had the ball just glance off his head backwards, but it was enough to get over the charging goalkeeper Eric Masters and roll into the empty Rough Riders net.
With the temperature cooling, and windy conditions throughout the game, the Rough Riders came out stronger in the second half. Long Island began to gain the majority of possession, spreading the field and looked to put pressure on New Hampshire. The closing minutes saw Long Island have a few strong chances, but nothing where they could get the final scoring touch.
An enthusiastic crowd of 1,725 had come to Mitchel Athletic Complex to celebrate the new season on “Adidas Night”. Each fan entering the game received a free size-5 Adidas soccer ball after passing through the team’s new “Fan Fun Zone”.
The Rough Riders will play there next two USL Second Division regular season games on the road, going to Richmond and New Hampshire. The Rough Riders return home on May 27th to host the Richmond Kickers, who were finalists last season in the USL 1st Division. For team and ticket information, please contact the Long Island Rough Riders at 516-622-3900 or check out the team’s website at www.liroughriders.com.
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