• McKinley the hero as 1960 reach Saunders quarter-finals
• Beyar scores on debut as Rocks Women beat Magic
• Women B move within two points of leaders Beyond

Shamrocks 1960 are through to the quarter-finals of the Saunders Cup after Saturday’s dramatic penalty shoot out win over Manhattan Kickers Reserves.

Ryan McKinley saved three penalties and scored one of his own in sudden death to set up the 6-5 victory. Substitute Dylan Wallace had given the Rocks the lead in normal time but the hosts quickly leveled from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 after 90 minutes.

The Rocks 1960 team that overcame Manhattan Kickers Reserves on Saturday. Photo by John Riordan

Neil Mannion, Dave Harvey, Dylan Wallace, Joe Flynn, Ryan McKinley and Anthony Carabotta were all on target as the Rocks came back from an early 2-0 deficit to deservedly advance to April 9’s last eight showdown.

“The lads showed tremendous grit in horrendous playing conditions,” said a proud assistant coach Neil Mannion. “To get through in such a dramatic fashion makes it all the more sweeter. But we deserved that bit of luck on the balance of play.”

CELTIC OUTGUN LEGENDS

The Legends were unlucky to exit the Over 30s League Cup in a 4-1 loss against Manhattan Celtic Legends on Sunday afternoon, also at Randalls Island.

Emmett Harvey’s men were 3-0 down before they had the chance to get going but proceeded to take the game to their Over 30s opponents. Ney de Oliveria’s brilliant strike late in the first deservedly narrowed the gap to 3-1 but in spite of dominating the second half, Celtic’s goalkeeper saved several chances and a late fourth put an unfair slant on the result.

“That was a very strong Manhattan Celtic Legends team but we were helped by having Sean Riley, Ivani ‘Ney’ de Oliveria Leo Coimbra and Tayfun Gokmen from our Over 30s,” said Harvey.

“After two mistakes and a bad offside call the Legends were 3-0 down after 30 minutes. We pushed really hard in the second half and only for some fine goalkeeping by Manhattan Celtic kept the score at 3-1. Some fine performances from John Riordan in midfield and Keith Buckley in defense along with Sean, Ney ,Leo, Tayfun and Marcus in attack.

“The way each of my players battled and played shows that we will give any team a game on the day, I’m very happy with the way we played in the second half and now we can look forward to returning to league action in two weeks.”

WHEELER SETS WOMEN ON WAY TO WIN

Meanwhile, league leading Shamrocks Women secured a 3-1 victory at home to NY Magic Reserves thanks to goals from Chloe Wheeler, Teresa Ferraro and new signing Carly Beyer.

Shamrocks goalscorers pictured after the in over Magic – from left, Chloe Wheeler, Teresa Ferraro and Carly Beyar. Photo by John Riordan

“We had a solid win this week against an improved NY Magic team,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“While our composure needs a few games to come back, our fitness was the key. Our defense was solid with Allie Cacciotti brilliant in goals. Some of our returning players have come back stronger and Carly Beyar marked her debut with a well taken goal. It’s a good start to the spring and a tough game like that will stand to us as we go forward.”

The Shamrocks Women’s A team pictured before their 3-1 win over Magic at St Michaels on Sunday. Photo by John Riordan

It was a vital 2-1 win for Shamrocks Women B in the curtain raiser against league leaders Beyond who were reeled back to a two-point advantage at the summit of Division B.

Top scorer Cassie Esposito at the Rocks on their way with a superb effort that saw her burst past three defenders before hammering the ball home. Denise Wilson followed up with a strike early in the second half before Beyond struck back late in the game.

The Shamrocks Women’s B team pictured before their 2-1 win over Beyond FC at St Michaels on Sunday. Photo by John Riordan

“This was a well-earned victory over the leaders,” said coach Keith Perez. “The ladies played excellently in every position on the field and the hard work and dedication over the winter showed in both returning and newly added players. We have set the tone for this spring with this victory and we’re looking to continue that success!”

Bidding farewell to Michaela Newell outside the Courtyard Ale House on Sunday. Photo by Braden Ruddy