• Grogan praises “amazing first half of season”
• Super keeper Frankie puts Rocks in driving seat
• Over 30s deadly dozen punishes Partizani
• Reserves and 1960 stay in touch with leaders

The Shamrocks ended the year on a perfect note with five brilliant victories on the final day of Cosmopolitan Soccer League action before a three-month winter break.

The first team and the Over 30s will head into spring as league leaders after impressive successes on Sunday while the reserves and Rocks 1960 solidified top four berths with eight league games to go.

Popular winger Jamie Clarke will depart the club as top scorer after his clinical first half strike sent the Rocks on their way to a superb 3-1 win over Pancyprians at Belson Stadium.

Shamrocks players bidding farewell to Jamie Clarke who will be returning to Ireland to line out with his native Armagh Gaelic Football team in next year’s GAA Ulster Senior Football Championship. Pictured after their 3-1 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 1 win over Pancyprians were from left, Conall McGrandles, Kwesi Mills-Odoi, Jamie Clarke, Charlie O’Loughlin, Anthony Tagliaferri, team captain Zachary Gosse and Joey Zorbo. Photograph by John Riordan 

The result meant Kevin Grogan’s men sealed a unique double over the CSL giants while also providing a huge boost to the club’s play-off push in just their second season back in the top flight of New York amateur soccer..

It was the team’s fifth win in succession, opening out a four-point gap over second-placed Lansdowne who have a game in hand after being held to a 1-1 draw at home to the Greek Americans on Saturday night.

Goalkeeper Frankie Tsasse produced the best performance of his Shamrocks career, two penalty saves and several other crucial stops proving critical for his team in what was ultimately a comfortable win.

Goalkeeper Frankie Tsasse (left) saved two penalties and talented midfielder Giuseppe Barone scored one to hand the Shamrocks a 2-1 lead. Pictures by Dinos Avlonitis

After Clarke pounced to knock home a rebounding Alejandro Fritz effort with almost 25 minutes on the clock, the Shamrocks struggled to add to their advantage and Pancyprians leveled with ten minutes left to the break.

In a game which saw a total of four penalties awarded, Ibrahim Diaby’s missed effort was made up for when his fellow midfielder Giuseppe Barone stepped up to the spot ten minutes later, converting his first goal of the season in style.

With just over a quarter of an hour left on the clock, the Rocks secured the result with an excellent counter attacking goal involving brilliant passes from Cónall McGrandles and Kwesi Mills-Odoi setting up Diaby who brilliantly chipped the advancing goalkeeper..

The Shamrocks squad pictured after their brilliant 3-1 win over Pancyprians in Sunday’s Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 1 game at Belson Stadium. Photograph by John Riordan

“Amazing first half of the season,” reflected Kevin Grogan.

“An amazing club with a quality structure behind the scenes. It’s every manager’s dream to be at a club like the Shamrocks.

“We want to thank Jamie Clarke for his contribution to the club. We wish him all the best for the future. He left with a touch of class today with a goal and an amazing speech after the game. He said he made friends for life and that sums this club up in a nutshell.

“We will regroup now over the holidays and then structure the new year so we can maintain success.”

STONE & SLAUGHTER INSPIRE RESERVES

The reserves also won 3-1, dominating the curtain raiser against their struggling Pancyprian counterparts thanks to goals from Sean O’Neill, man of the match Mike Stone and captain Paul McDaid.

The Rocks played a stylish opening half but were unfortunate to be only one goal to the good at the break, Joe Connolly’s saved shot tapped home by his strike partner O’Neill after 25 minutes.

After Stone was pushed from right back to right wing, he made the most of the move, turning in on his left to send a blistering strike to the top far hand corner of the net. After McDaid tidily finished a great move with ten minutes to go, the game was over as a contest although there was time for the home team to convert a late penalty.

This fifth league win in a row ensured the Rocks stay within four points of leaders Lansdowne and, crucially, opened out a nine-point gap back to fifth-placed Cedar Stars Academy with the top four qualifying for the play-offs.

“We really clicked as a team – that was the most encouraging thing,” said coach John Riordan.

“Joe Kennedy was brilliant at center back and I thought Larry Slaughter played one of his best games of the season. Mike Stone was incredible and I was glad he got rewarded with a goal. Sean O’Neill was superb up front too and he could have scored a hat trick.

“They are a pleasure to work with and they are all hungry for success. They don’t want this winter break – that’s how much they’ve gained confidence in each other. But we’ll come back in March ready to push home for the play-offs and then anything is possible.”

McGEENEY & RILEY PUNISH PARTIZANI

Meanwhile, the Over 30s braved the sleet of Sunday evening to fire 12 goals past Partizani without reply at Randall’s Island.

Their tenth win of the Fall was inspired by an incredible five goals from Johhny McGeeney and four from Sean Riley, the duo now level with each other at the top of the club’s scoring charts with 15 each. The other strikes arrived courtesy of Nei de Oliveira, Alex Berne and an own goal.

“I’m very happy with the performance, the three points and a clean sheet,” said coach Paddy Mc Carry.

“The big score leaves us top of the table on goal difference. Our front men will cause any team trouble and they were on top form. Riley and Johhny were top class.

“It was a great team performance in very bad conditions. To be top of the league and in the last eight of the State Cup, that’s a great way to finish the first half of the season. All credit to the players – they have been great once again.”

Dave Harvey scored twice for Shamrocks 1960 in a 3-1 win over struggling Deportivo Sociedade at Flushing Memorial Park, a result that kept Andy Connolly’s men fourth in the Metro 1 standings. The game also heralded Johnny Hall’s first goal for the club.

The scheduled trip for the Legends to Banatul was forfeited by the home side, handing Emmett Harvey’s men an automatic 3-0 win to round out their year, sending the team up to third in the conference.

• Grogan warns of Freedoms backlash
• Fetherston returns for reserves
• Rocks 1960 face winless Deportivo
• Legends and 30s share Randalls Island double header

Kevin Grogan has sounded a note of caution ahead of a tough trip to take on CSL Division 1 rivals Pancyprians this coming Sunday (St John’s University, Belson Stadium – 2pm)

The Rocks gaffer warned that the league kingpins would be still smarting after their heavy defeat at St Michaels last month, a 5-2 victory which kept his team riding high at the top of the table.

A further worry is that defensive stalwart Charlie O’Loughlin will miss out due to having picked up two yellow cards during last week’s State Cup win over East Hampton.

Defender Charlie O’Loughlin a big loss for Rocks. Picture by Dennis Schneider

However, the addition of new signing Lerthon Theuma, who just completed a stint at Hofstra University, will provide a huge boost to the team.

This weekend will also herald the final game for our popular standout winger Jamie Clarke who will return to his native Armagh to restart his top level GAA career.

“The Pancyprians are one of – if not the – biggest clubs in the history of the league and they will be fuming that we beat them 5-2 last month,” said Grogan.

“We have gone through all the emotions this season that a team needs to go through so whatever is thrown at us on Sunday, I anticipate that we will not panic and we will stick to the game-plan that has served us very well so far this season.

“Charlie will be a massive loss to us but he will still be there on Sunday, in amongst the squad, and he will use his tremendous presence to help us try and get a result.”

FETHERSTON RETURNS FOR RESERVES

In the opening game at the Queens venue, the reserves will look to make it six wins in a row when they try to replicate last month’s twin successes over the men in blue.

The Pancyprian reserves have lost five games in a row including November’s heavy league defeat to the Rocks and a subsequent State Cup reversal. But John Riordan said his team is expecting a much improved set of opponents this weekend.

“We’re a missing a few big players so I’m not exactly comfortable going into this game,” he admitted, adding that the welcome return of veteran center back Timmy Fetherston from a long injury lay-off will be a huge plus for the squad.

“It’s a great place to play football and it’s very much suited to our style of play. We need the win to keep in touch with the top three and I want us to be comfortably in play-off contention when the season starts up again.”

PARTIZANI OBSTACLE FOR OVER 30s

There will be a double header for the elders at Randalls Island on Sunday evening with the Legends and the Over 30s facing into games at 6pm and 8pm respectively.

Paddy Mc Carry’s champions take on bottom side Partizani who have only managed one win in their nine games thus far.

“We go into Sunday night’s game looking for the three points that will keep us top of the league going into winter break,” said the Donegal man.

“We did not play great last week in the cup but we still won. We will be looking for a far better performance this week, that’s for sure. After the Manhattan Celtic defeat, we talked about winning all our games leading into the winter break. If we win Sunday, we will have done that and that’s a credit to all the boys. They have put in a huge effort.”

LEGENDS BIDDING TO BEAT BANATUL

Emmett Harvey is also targeting a win for his Legends when they go up against Banatul, also on Field 70.

“We plan to finish the first half of the season on a strong note,” he said.

“We have had some results that did not go our way so far this season but with a strong squad to choose from on Sunday, we will do our best to pick up some points. The commitment shown by all my players throughout the first half of the season has been fantastic.”

1960 AIMING TO STAY FOURTH

Meanwhile, Shamrocks 1960 are back in action after a couple of weekends off. They take on winless Deportivo Sociedade at Flushing Memorial Park with a 2pm kick-off.

“We’re still dealing with a few injuries so the break will come at a good time,” said assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“But we have enough quality throughout the squad to get the required result.”

Ibrahim Diaby and Jamie Clarke inspired a superb 5-0 Manning Cup victory over East Hampton on Sunday at St Michaels, the talented duo scoring two goals each to set up a springtime State Cup semi-final showdown with the Greek Americans.

The game was over by half-time and maybe even by the time Diaby’s deflected opener set the Rocks on their way. Clarke followed up with goals two and three, sending him to the top of the team’s goalscoring charts, bringing his tally to six in all competitions.

Ibrahim Diaby scored twice for the Shamrocks first team in their 5-0 State Cup win over East Hampton at St Michaels on Sunday. Picture: Dennis Schneidler / NY Shamrocks

The Armagh man’s first was a well-placed low left-footed half volley and his second resulted from a run that cut in from the right, allowing him to beat the visiting goalkeeper at the near post with another left-footed shot.

The free flowing Diaby made it 4-0 long before half-time allowing Kevin Grogan to ring the changes. Substitute Alex Wasilewski made it 5-0 with 15 minutes to go, his composed finish from ten yards out resulting from what was his first touch of the game, shortly after coming on.

Alex Wasilewski stepped up to Shamrocks first team action at the weekend and scored on his debut for Kevin Grogan’s men after arriving into the game as a substitute. Picture: Dennis Schneidler / NY Shamrocks 

“I’m very happy with the win,” admitted Grogan.

“We dominated the first half. We lost a small bit of rhythm because we made a few substitutions in quick succession. We would usually stagger subs in order to keep that rhythm.

“I was very happy to see both of the Zorbo brothers on the field at the same time and I was delighted for Alex to get a goal on his first team debut. All focus on next week’s league game against Pancyprians now.”

McGRANDLES FIRES RESERVES TO VICTORY

Cónall McGrandles scored twice to help the reserves record a narrow 2-1 win their D’Arpino Cup Round of 16 game against Division 1 rivals Zum Schneider.

Conall McGrandles scored a brilliant brace for the Shamrocks Reserves in their 2-1 State Cup victory over Zum Schneider. Picture: Dennis Schneidler / NY Shamrocks

Guesting at center midfield due to being cup tied to John Riordan’s team, McGrandles made the most of a first half free kick which he rifled straight and low, outsmarting the Zum goalkeeper and ensuring his side took a deserved 1-0 lead into the break.

The German outfit rallied, however, and were full value for their equalizer midway through the second half, an unstoppable shot that flew past Jesse Corke into the top right hand corner.

The reserves regrouped and made their pressure pay with ten minutes to go when McGrandles allowed himself enough time to place a perfect shot to the bottom right hand corner.

“It wasn’t a great game but it feels good to be through to the quarters now,” said Riordan. “They pressed us and disrupted our flow and they were impressive in the second half. They’re a dangerous team and we have to be happy with a win, no matter how we get it.”

Shamrocks Reserves coach John Riordan. Picture: Dennis Schneidler / NY Shamrocks

The reserves will now play East Hampton’s seconds with the winners set to face either Lansdowne or Manhattan Celtic in the semi-final.

TOP SCORER RILEY’S WINNER KEEPS CHAMPS’ HOPES ALIVE

Meanwhile, in the Over 30s Marth Cup Round of 16, there was a win and a loss for the club with Paddy McCarry’s champions edging out Integral 3-2 at Randalls Island and the Legends going down bravely 2-1 away to Glen Cove.

In what was a dramatic cup game, Integral took an early 1-0 lead but the Rocks leveled it ten minutes later when Alex Berne pounced on a rebound following a superb Johnny McGeeney free kick.

Integral then went out in front again after an excellent long range strike but they were reeled back again after failing to deal with a dangerous cross which caused a visiting defender to send the ball into his own net, making it 2-2 at the break. Sean Riley’s brilliant winner arrived with 30 minutes left on the clock, forcing the Rocks to dig deep until the full time whistle as they held on to their slim margin of victory.

“Today was a real battle for us,” said Mc Carry whose team will now travel to Port Jefferson in the quarter-finals.

“We were very rusty after our three-week lay-off and Integral certainly came to play. We had to cope with a lot of pressure for the last 20 minutes but our defense held strong.

“Tayfun Gokmen and Johnny Mc Geeney put in a hell of a lot of work and running. It was not pretty and we did not play well but as usual, this team dug deep for each other and we got the win and are through to the last eight in the spring. Great team effort from all 14 of them – very proud of the boys!”

STIGLICH’S LAST GAME ENDS ON A HIGH NOTE

Matteo Stiglich’s late consolation goal for the Legends was a silver lining at the end of a tough game, the Peruvian marking his final game with the club in perfect style before heading home to South America.

Dominant Glen Cove were deserved winners, taking a 2-0 victory into the dying stages before the impressive defender capped off a good display with that late strike.

“We traveled out to Long Island with confidence and belief because we know on our day we can give anyone a game and we did just that,” noted player-coach Emmett Harvey.

“On a terrible pitch against a strong team which is unbeaten in a competitive league, we knew we were up against it but played wonderful and battled brilliantly. With five minutes to go and losing 1-0, we knew we had to go for it. We bombed forward with the belief that we could get a result but Glen Cove hit us on the break to make it 2-0. Man of the match Matteo Stiglich signed off with his last game for the Legends and the last kick of the game with a brilliant finish to the bottom corner to make it 2-1. I am very proud of these guys and the commitment and effort was brilliant to see from every player. Special mention to Robbie O’Neill, Tomas Maher and Marcus Nascimento.”

PROUD PEREZ PRAISES ROCKS B AS EDGERLY STEPS UP TO SECURE A POINT

Elsewhere, the Metro Women’s League Division A cup semi-final was forfeited by Fuel FC, sending Paddy Geraghty’s league leaders through to the final and thus ensuring that last season’s Division B league and cup champions will round out 2016 undefeated.

Emily Edgerly’s late leveler salvaged a point in dramatic circumstances for Keith Perez’s Shamrocks B side, securing a well deserved 3-3 draw away to NYC United at East River Park.

The Rocks had taken an early lead with a goal from Colleen Cavanagh which was set up by Denise Wilson but United returned with an equalizer and took the lead after converting a penalty. Wilson then herself scored thanks to an assist from Valery Lux but the home team took the lead again at the end of the half from a set piece. A tight second half ended in perfect style for the Rocks, however, as Edgerly pounced to score her second of the season and salvage a point for her team.

“We battled hard on both ends of the field and created some great chances on the offensive end while holding the opposition scoreless in the second half,” said Perez. “It was a hard fought effort and I am very proud of them for not giving up and continuing to fight which resulted in Emily’s late goal.”

• Tough task for firsts as in-form East Hampton visit St Michaels
• Reserves aiming to topple Zum Schneider
• Champion Over 30s hosting Long Island’s Integral
• Geraghty targeting advance to Division A League Cup decider

The Rocks will be up for the cup this weekend with four State Cup games on Sunday combined with a League Cup showdown for the women’s team in what should be an exciting day of action.

The Manning Cup quarter-final clash between Kevin Grogan’s first team and top Long Island Soccer League outfit East Hampton is arguably the biggest game of the weekend across all competitions (St Michaels – Sunday at 1pm).

The CSL Division 1 league leaders welcome an East Hampton outfit which boasts an almost identically impressive record in their own campaign with the Long Island men having only lost one game on their way to a 7-1 record which has them out in front at the top of their conference.

Stu Colbert (left) and Cónall McGrandles are cup tied for the reserves.
Photos by Dennis Schneidler

East Hampton arrive into this one on the back of two 1-0 wins – both at home – over CSL sides, Zum Schneider and NYAC. But their trip to Queens will be a step-up in class and although Grogan won’t be able to count on cup tied duo, Cónall McGrandles and Stu Colbert, confidence in the camp is high as the winter break approaches.

“We are very excited about this big State Cup quarter-final,” said Kevin Grogan.

Kevin Grogan

“I keep saying that game day is the best day of the week and it is. Those game day butterflies through anticipation for the kick-off and then the rollercoaster of emotion during a game.

“And of course knowing that if everyone does their best in terms of work ethic that we have a chance of winning because we have so much quality in the squad.

“We need work ethic to be our foundation. We can’t forget why we are doing well this year. It starts with hard work, discipline and concentration levels.”

RESERVES SEEKING REVENGE

The curtain raiser at the Astoria venue is the D’Arpino Cup Round of 16 clash of Shamrocks Reserves and Zum Schneider Reserves (St Michaels – 11am).

John Riordan’s men are hoping to avenge a remarkable league game between the teams back in late September when the Rocks relinquished a 3-0 lead, ultimately downed 5-4 by the top flight newcomers. However, the German side have failed to win a CSL game since with their only highlight throughout October and November being a 3-0 success over Cedar Stars in the previous round of the cup.

McGrandles and Colbert will offer the reserves a solid presence through the middle while the return of Brendan Lane, Mike Stone and Johnny Hayes all ensure this will be the most competitive reserves squad of the season.

“We’ve put together a nice run – four wins in a row – so the players are enjoying themselves,” said Riordan. “It will be a big headache picking the team on Sunday but moving on to the next round is a major target so that’s more important than anything this weekend.”

CHAMPS TAKE ON INTEGRAL

Marth Cup champions, Shamrock Over 30s, will host Long Island’s Integral at Randalls Island 70 on Sunday and the 12pm kick off is sure to produce a hard fought tussle.

Shamrocks Over 30s pictured after June’s Marth Cup final success. Photo by Eoin Sweeney

With four wins and four losses, Integral are second from bottom in the West Conference of the Over 30s Division in Long Island but they are in a good run of form, winning three of their last five league games while also securing an impressive 3-0 victory over Lansdowne in the previous round of this competition.

In spite of all that, coach Paddy Mc Carry is confident that his cup holders can march on to the quarter-finals.

“We have an extremely strong 16-man squad to chose from,” he said.

“It’ll be great to welcome back both Johnny Keogh and Eugene Reynolds from injury. We are defending champs and we know we have a huge target on our backs – everybody wants to beat the holders. But all our boys take the State Cup very seriously and we want to be back in that final in June. Integral will have to bring their A game on Sunday. I expect a battle – they are a good side – but we are raring to go for this one.”

LEGENDS VISIT GLEN COVE

Meanwhile, Integral’s conference rivals, Glen Cove, will host the Legends in the other Marth Cup clash involving a Rocks team (Brookside Jr HS – 9.30am).

“The State Cup is a competition we are taking very seriously and we would like to continue this cup run for as long as we can,” said player-coach Emmett Harvey. “Although we are missing a few key players such as John Riordan, Tyrone Kent and Randall Friedman, we have put together a really good squad and we are looking forward to this next challenge.”

WOMEN EYEING ENTRY TO FINAL

Elsewhere, there will be a double header for the women’s teams at East 6th St on Sunday afternoon with a Metro Women’s League Division A Cup semi-final against Fuel FC (1pm) preceding a Division B league make-up game between the Rocks and NYC United (3pm).

“It’s a big game for us on Sunday,” said coach Paddy Geraghty of the first match-up.

“We have a chance to make it to the cup final and also finish the fall season unbeaten. We have a very strong squad for the game so we have a great chance. We are starting to create more chances and be more patient in possession.”

It will also be the final match-up before the winter break for Keith Perez’s B team and the coach’s aim is to be in a solid position to fight for a share of top of the league when play resumes in the Spring.

“We are expected to be at full strength and look to continue to build off our team dynamic and hard work ethics,” said Perez. “The ladies will be prepared to put on a great performance which will hopefully lead to another victory before we break for the winter.”