• • Grogan & team ready for biggest week in Rocks history
  • Excitement building for league semi & State Cup final
  • Reserves eye top-seeded NYAC in final four
  • Over 30s host CPR on morning of State Cup finals

The Shamrocks Soccer Club is proud to confirm that we will host the CSL Division 1 semi-final in St Michaels on Wednesday May 31 at 8pm against Pancyprians.

Just over one year after dramatically avoiding relegation, Kevin Grogan has guided the Rocks to arguably the two biggest games in the 57-year history of the club after achieving second place in the regular season while also advancing to a first ever State Cup final.

Five massive Shamrocks games will be played out over a six day period beginning with Tuesday’s reserves league semi-final and culminating on Sunday June 4 with the hotly anticipated State Cup final between the Rocks and rivals Lansdowne. That will be preceded by the Women’s State Cup final between Paddy Geraghty’s treble chasing team of Invincibles and fellow NYMWSL Division A side Rovers.

The first team’s 13th league win of the year was one of their most impressive – last Saturday’s 4-0 demolition of Cedar Stars Academy which sent CSA tumbling out of the play-off spots.

Two goals each from Nick Laurent and Andy O’Connell ensured that the Shamrocks head to the semis with confidence although Grogan is wary of focusing his players on the tough task ahead.

“It was a fantastic win against Cedar Stars,” said Grogan.

“It was a very entertaining game. We are peaking at the right time. I’m happy with the squad rotation over the last five weeks. It keeps everything fresh.

“I feel our full squad is healthy and hungry now for Wednesday. It’s the biggest game because it’s the next game. No one will like playing us at this point. We have a work ethic and discipline about us and we have a lot of expansive minded players going forward. Staying calm on Wednesday is important. We will play with a smile!”

Meanwhile, the other teams are preparing for their dates with destiny. The reserves will be up against a major challenge when they face top seeded NYAC on Tuesday at Randalls Island 74 (7pm kick off). The Over 30s are seeking a third league championship in a row and they will need to overcome CPR Old Boys in the semi-final on Sunday June 4 – an 8am kick off at Randalls 70. And the women’s team will look to round off their season in style when they seek to complete the treble with a big State Cup final showdown at Verrazano – also on Sunday June 4 (11.50am).

Shamrocks supporters are encouraged to join us at Verrazano Soccer Complex on Sunday June 4 as we look to make history for both our men’s and women’s teams. It should be a great day out for the entire family! Up the Rocks!