Shamrocks – First Team

The Shamrocks first team got back to winning ways on Saturday night with a 2-1 win over Zum Schneider at St. Michael’s. Last season’s top scorer Kwesi Mills-Odoi opened his account for the new season with a first half goal. After latching on to a James Whyte clearance when defending a Zum corner, Mills-Odoi knocked the ball past his marker and then the advancing keeper to slot home from close range. Midway through the second half, Sean Reilly, who was returning from suspension, was fouled in the box. Whyte was handed the penalty which he converted, making it three goals from two for the Scot. The visitors would go on to score a late consolation despite being reduced to ten men, but the Rocks were comfortable winners in the end. “A very valuable three points,” said Coach Kevin Grogan. “We didn’t necessarily play to our potential on the ball but we did work hard off the ball and we hunted in packs and defended the space very well. We will get better each week.”

Shamrocks – Reserves

Earlier, the Reserves opened up the proceedings with their own victory over Zum Schneider. From the onset, The Rocks piled pressure on their opposition which resulted in an early opening goal. From a Darren Coleman corner kick, midfielder George Lara attempted an overhead kick from just outside the penalty spot. The acrobatic effort caught the visitors off guard and found the forehead of Conner Lachenbruch, who scored his second goal in as many games. Despite Zum responding well, the Rocks were constantly on the front foot and looked to get forward every chance they could. An interception at the back by Chris Burns sent Joey Aronovsky on his way down the left flank, and after skipping past two defenders, a low driven cross found the foot of Andrew Scott who doubled the lead. Aronovsky then scored the goal his performance had deserved, cutting the Zum Schneider defense to ribbons before beating the keeper at his far post. 3-0 up at the break, the Shamrocks never looked back.

Shamrocks – 1960

Shamrocks 1960 will have to wait at least another week to earn their first points of the new campaign, succumbing to a 4-1 defeat to NYFC Iliria. Dan Meola opened the scoring for the Rocks before the 10 minute mark, when the forward stepped up to take a free kick just outside the area. Meola curled the ball over the Iliria wall, which hit the underside of the crossbar and dropped over the line to give the Rocks a 1-0 advantage. However, the celebrations were short lived, as moments later, the home side earned and converted a penalty. An evenly contested first half saw Iliria take the lead just before the break. Despite valiant defending from Neil Mannion, Mick McAnea, and Captain Ruari Lavery, the Albanians pressure was too much to handle. With a short bench and injuries forcing players off, the 10 men Shamrocks piled forward in an attempt to salvage something from the game. In spite of their efforts, the hill was ultimately to steep to climb, with Iliria running out 4-1 winners.

Shamrocks – Over 30’s

Paddy McCarry’s Over-30’s eventually came out on top against a very well organized Megas Alexandros side at Randall’s Island. In what was a hard fought opening half, the Rocks defended with purpose and attacked with patience to earn the opening goal. With the game yet to see its first goal and nearing the last quarter of an hour of play, last season’s top scorer Johnny McGeeney broke the deadlock from a Dave Harvey corner. Harvey would then double his assist tally on the day from another well taken corner, this time finding the head of Dominick McCartan, who finished at the near post. McGeeney would add his second goal of the game and his fifth of the young season off the back of a Sean Riley assist. “All the boys put in great shift in very tough conditions, very happy with clean sheet and two wins from two games” said Paddy McCarry.

Shamrocks – Legends

The Legends played to a well-earned 2-2 draw away to Manhattan Celtic Sunday night at Pier 40. Trailing two nil with 15 minutes to play, it appeared that missed chances, a saved penalty, and Celtic efficiency in front of goal would prove the end of a 10-game unbeaten run going back to last season. But the never say die attitude of the Rocks Legends surfaced when required. A well-placed volley by Richie Brennan, from the center of defense with 12 minutes remaining cut the Celtic lead in half. Tyrone Kent then scored the leveler with five minutes remaining to give the Rocks a valuable point gained. Tireless running by John Riordan and the leadership of Emmet Harvey in midfield epitomized the Shamrock spirit on the night. Having answered tough away challenges early in the season, the Legends will be looking forward to their return home at the weekend.

Shamrocks – Women’s ‘A’ Team

After drawing their opening game of the season, Shamrocks Women’s ‘A’ kicked off at St. Michael’s against newly promoted NYC United.  While the Shamrocks dominated the first 45 minutes, they only found the net once off a corner connection from Chloe Wheeler to Georgia Frost.  The defense was excellent possessing the ball at the back and Jackie Gawne and Erin Cullen stepped up to each play a half in goal. The second half started with an early goal from United against the run of play.  With 30 minutes remaining, Frost played a through ball to Jackie Pounder who lobbed it over the keeper to restore the Shamrock lead.  Shortly after, Caroline Carter picked up the ball on the left wing and played Wheeler through. Wheeler proceeded to beat three defenders before breaking the net to make it 3-1. After chasing after the ball for much of the match in humid conditions, United began to break down. Frost scored the fourth from a Pounder assist. Pounder added her second from a low driven cross from new signing Gianna Smith. Smith was again the provider as Pounder completed her hat trick in style with a glancing header, sealing a 6-1 victory.  Coach Paddy commented, “It was a tight first half and we were level in the early stages of the second half, but the ladies displayed great resilience, patience, and determination.  Those factors ended up being too much for the other team and we were able to open the game up.  We still have a lot to improve on but it’s good to come out with three points at the end of day.”

Jackie Pounder led the rocks with a hat trick and an assist

Shamrocks – Women’s ‘B’ Team:

The B Team took a 1-0 early lead and played tough in the midfield and defense to take that lead to half time. The rocks went up 2-0 off a header from a corner kick.  The opposing team was able to get a goal back shortly after to make it 2-1.  The lady Rocks finished strong though to take a 3-1 lead before capping the game with a goal off a free kick right outside the box to make it 4-1. The games goal scorers were Paige Osborne, Brandi Daniels, and two for Cassey Esposito. Coach Keith Perez said “The ladies followed up on last weeks victory against NY skulls. We played well the first half, but really displayed our talent and teamwork in the second half.  We will continue to grow as a team and the positive results should continue.”

 Coming Weekend Schedule: