NY Shamrock – First

A long trip to Ramapo, New Jersey to face Cedar Stars Academy was just the start to a tough day for Kevin Grogan’s First Team. James Whyte scored his fourth goal in three games for his new club after applying a clinical finish to a superb Ethan Evans cross at the back post. An early 1-0 lead for the Rocks was dampened by a long range Cedar Stars equalizer, as well as the loss of defensive stalwart Charlie O’Loughlin through injury before half time. Injured winger Kwesi Mills-Odoi followed O’Loughlin off the pitch in the second half, leaving the traveling Rocks with an uphill battle in blazing conditions. The home side took the lead shortly after the 70^th minute mark, and added a third in the dying moments of the game to seal a 3-1 victory – their first of the new season. “We are not having any luck with injuries,” said Grogan. “We have not had everyone available for selection yet this season. I must say though, we worked very hard today in extreme heat. We just need to retain possession better and take our chances with a better end product. It’s a work in progress. We have a tremendous group with last year’s players and many new faces. We have all the potential a club could wish for but there are two big games coming up. All focus on Doxa at home on Saturday night.”

NY Shamrock – Reserves

In the early kickoff, Shamrock Reserves braved the heat to head back home with a hard fought 1-0 win. Despite constant pressure and dominating possession for much of the first half, the Rocks found it difficult to find the opening goal of the game. Brendan Lane marked his return to action with a decisive display of passing, but an equally impressive performance in goal from the Cedar Stars ‘keeper kept the game deadlocked at the break. In the second half, Cedar Stars controlled the tempo for long spells, but an Alex Wasilewski goal, his second of the season, saw the visitors grab a 1-0 advantage. From a Cedar Stars free kick, the Rocks counter attack proved too quick to resist, with Wasilewski shooting across the onrushing goalie and into the back of the net with 20 minutes to play. Cedar Stars pushed for a late leveler, but a masterclass in defending from Rob Gaynor and Tim Fetherston ensured all three points.

NY Shamrock – 1960

Despite their best performance of the season, Shamrock 1960 still remain winless in Metro Division One after a 2-1 loss to BW Gottschee. On a day where fresh legs and fitness would prove to be the difference, the 1960’s fought tooth and nail with a short bench in 90 degree heat. Dan Meola scored his second goal in as many games off a Conor Doherty through ball with just five minutes gone in the opening half. The early goal set the tone for the Rocks, who created set piece opportunities and defended with purpose for a 1-0 half time lead. An open contest in the second half, the home side could not put the game to bed with the all important second goal. With 20 minutes remaining, Gottschee equalized after a shot from distance was tipped onto the upright from goalkeeper Eric Doyle and eventually trickled over the line. The visitors later grabbed the go ahead goal with just minutes remaining on the clock, after a series of neat passes found their striker in space to slot home for a dramatic winner.

NY Shamrock – O-30’s

The Shamrock Over-30’s had perhaps their best result of the season on Sunday, ignoring the steamy conditions while missing quite a few players to beat Hoboken FC. As Coach McCarry has been saying, “Since day one, this is the best squad we have put together. All twelve today put in a great shift.” The Rocks found themselves one goal up after 35 minutes after a shot from Stephen Ampuero was blocked by the ‘keeper to an onrushing Pat Kelly, who finished well. Moments after half time, Dave Harvey picked up a pass from Bingo O’Driscoll and drilled a shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards out to double the lead. With 20 minutes left in the game, Neill Doran made certain of all three points by scoring his first of the season – a bicycle kick – from inside the box to the top corner of the net off another assist for O’Driscoll. Dominick McCartan was the Man of the Match for the Rocks, who earned another clean sheet victory to make it three wins from three.

NY Shamrock – Legends

It was a first loss of the season for the Shamrock Legends on Sunday afternoon, a tough 4-1 result to CSL newcomers America FC. A talented America side pounced on early Shamrock mistakes for a quick two goal lead. Despite a gritty performance from the Legends, along with Justin Stanford’s first goal of the season, the pressure and fitness from America proved to be too much. A long unbeaten run, dating back to the beginning of last season’s second half, had come to a close for Emmett Harvey’s men, who will look to rebound quickly after facing three difficult opponents on the hop.

NY Shamrock Women – A 

Coming off a strong win last week, Shamrock Women’s ‘A’ Team kicked off at 3pm at Icahn stadium against last season’s State Cup rival, Rovers.  The first half was evenly matched but Rovers scored on a break away to end the half 1-0 to the home team.  The second half was much more in the Rocks favor, applying pressure to the Rovers defense looking for an equalizer.  With 15 minutes remaining, Captain Chloe Wheeler picked up the ball on the left wing and sent it into the side netting of the far post.  Despite much of the possession and a great effort from Denise Wilson, the Shamrocks weren’t able to grab a late winner.  Without a regular ‘keeper, Anna Spangler and Caroline Carter both played a half in goal.  Paddy Geraghty commented, “A draw was probably a fair result against a strong Rovers side. I was very pleased with our resolve to grab a late equalizer and when we simplified our play we were much more effective.  We have a lot to work on to raise our level, but we’ll start again at practice and be better in our next game.”

Chloe Wheeler scored the equalizer for the Rocks.

NY Shamrock Women – B 

The Lady Rocks ‘B’ continued their winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Appletown FC with Sara Gomez netting the only goal of the contest.  A delighted Coach Keith Perez stated, “We had some early injuries and late arrivals that left us playing without substitutes, but the ladies stayed composed as a team and were able to take a 1-0 lead about mid way into the first half. We played the ball through the wing and the ladies put themselves in the right spots and that led to our goal. We dominated the second half with a great team effort.  The defense was composed and steady. The midfield play, especially through the wings, was phenomenal and led to plenty of chances offensively.  While this wasn’t reflected in the score line, I was very happy with our performance in the second half. We will be looking to continue that form in the games to come.”