- Geraghty’s Invincibles add second trophy
- Legends wrap up season with nine goals
- Over 30s secure 14th league victory
The Shamrocks Women won the NYMWSL Division A Cup final on Sunday at East River Park, adding a second trophy to their undefeated season.
Jo Belluardo and Chloe Wheeler scored second half goals to ensure a well deserved 2-0 win against Rovers, a team that they’re going to get to know well over the next couple of weeks.
Scoreless at half-time, Belluardo opened the scoring five minutes after the break when she pounced on a perfect Wheeler through ball, beating the goalkeeper at the near post with a low drive.
Wheeler then sealed the win with a header ten minutes later, captain Teresa Ferraro’s corner finding the top scorer with the perfect cross.
The Rocks will try to keep their unbeaten run going next weekend when they face Rovers again in the league before the same opponents line up for the State Cup final on Sunday June 4.
The victorious Shamrocks Women’s team celebrating after their win over Rovers on Sunday. Photograph by John Riordan
“The ladies did a great job today,: said Paddy Geraghty.
“After having hitting the crossbar twice in the first half we thought it could be one of those days. But credit to them they kept at it and eventually made the breakthrough. Our defense gets special mention today. They kept Rovers without a shot on target and possessed the ball well.”
“We were missing a few key players, but we had a number of women that stepped up and had a major impact,” said winning captain Ferraro.
“We’re excited with today’s result, but we have to remain focused on our goals. We have a State Cup final on June 4th, and we’re hungry for the triple crown!”
Rocks players (left to right) Jackie Gawne, Jackie Pounder, Sharon Odofin, Christina Beck, Chloe Wheeler, Tara Kiernan, Caroline Carter and Teresa Ferraro pictured after their win over Rovers on Sunday. Photograph by John Riordan
RESERVES DOWN BHOYS IN DERBY
Meanwhile, the Shamrocks Reserves recorded a 4-2 win over Lansdowne Bhoys at St Michaels on Saturday.
The fourth-placed Rocks put a dent in Lansdowne’s bid to top the reserves division but will have to wait a week before they know their semi-final opponents.
NYAC have moved into first after a win on Sunday paired with a defeat for the Greeks. The team finishing top will play fourth-placed Shamrocks in the semi-final at the end of the month.
Andrew Scott opened the scoring early in the first half while captain Paul McDaid marked his return to action with the second, latching on to a Nikle Guzijan knockdown from a Larry Slaughter free kick.
Top scorer Sean O’Neill made it three from the penalty spot and Scott scored his second of the night after a George Lara assist.
“A lot of players really stepped up,” said reserves gaffer John Riordan. “The conditions were horrendous and we showed some of the grit I know we’re capable of.
“It’s a win that gives some extra confidence but it counts for nothing unless we can bring a display like that out in the league semi-final.”
NINE GOALS FOR LEGENDS
Also on Saturday, the Shamrocks Legends rounded out their season with a huge 9-1 win at Hoboken in Elizabeth, NJ.
Unfortunately their seventh league win in a row was not enough to see them through to the play-offs, missing out by a point after Manhattan Kickers won their Sunday game.
Top scorer Karol Hughes scored four and there was one each for Eoghan McParland, John Riordan, Brian O’Connor, Stevie Doyle and Colin Lee.
30s HAMMER CPR
Johnny McGeeney scored four goals for the second week in a row as the Over 30s routed CPR Old Boys 5-1 at Randalls Island on Sunday morning.
Kevin Walsh also got himself on the scoresheet in the impressive win, a result which means the western conference belongs to the Greeks who moved up to first place on Monday due to a forfeit going in their favor next weekend.
“It was a great team performance,” said Sean Mc Mullan who coached and played in goal, saving three times in one-on-one situations.
“We have one more game before the play-offs so this is very good preparation.”
In Metro 1, Shamrocks 1960 lost 4-2 to Ridgewood Romac in Staten Island – Hughie McGowan and Anthony Carrabotta on the mark for the Rocks.
DIVISION 1 UPDATE
While Kevin Grogan prepared to send his team into the fray against Lansdowne for a league game on Wednesday night, the play-off picture became a little clearer.
A win at Verrazano Soccer Complex will push the Rocks top with one game remaining – Saturday’s game against Cedar Stars Academy (St Michaels, 8pm).
But after Pancyprians surprisingly lost at Doxa on Sunday, the Rocks are now guaranteed to finish no lower than second place, thus securing a home semi-final against Pancyprians on possibly Wednesday May 31 (TBC).
Cedar Stars must win on Saturday or hope the Greeks lose in order to be sure of finishing fourth after they failed to beat Manhattan Celtic.
That 0-0 draw gave Celtic a lifeline and it will be a winner takes all affair on Saturday night as Celtic and NYAC battle for survival – one or other team risks joining Polonia in Division 2 next year.
NY Shamrock SC 