• Firsts down Greeks in Met Oval thriller
• Shot stopper Frankie’s heroics prove key
• Wheeler brace clinches Rocks Women win
• Reserves march on, set up Lansdowne semi
• Over 30s keep back-to-back bid alive

The Shamrocks can contest four State Cup finals in June after a thrilling weekend that saw the firsts, reserves, Over 30s and women’s team all advance to the next round.

It was almost midnight on Sunday when Frankie Tsasse saved a second penalty in a dramatic 7-6 shootout victory that sparked wild celebrations and sent the Rocks through to a June 4 Manning Cup showdown against CSL rivals Lansdowne.

Frankie Tsasse

That Irish Derby will pair two teams that have never won this trophy and it is sure to be a memorable occasion. And Kevin Grogan will be encouraged by this impressive performance against a highly talented Greek outfit.

90 minutes of attacking football at the historic Met Oval could not separate two evenly matched sides – an early Andy O’Connell penalty put the Rocks a goal to the good after the superb Giuseppe Barone was taken down in the box but a Zachary Gosse own goal leveled it after half-time setting up the dreaded penalty shoot-out.

Sean Reilly, Andy O’Connell and Chris Uy scored the first three and both teams missed their fourth opportunities. Emil Thomsen made it four before a Laurie Child miss was evened out by Tsasse’s first save. Captain Gosse, Kwesi Mills-Odoi and defender Dan Giorgi all dispatched confidently before Tsasse ultimately denied that crucial final effort.

Giuseppe Barone and Sean Reilly starred in central midfield

“Amazing victory,” said the delighted Grogan.

“Very proud of the players. The work ethic was phenomenal and the discipline was excellent.

“It was an end-to-end game and the Greeks are a very good team as you would expect. Frankie pulled off two great penalty saves. I’m delighted for the club to be in a State Cup final. Well deserved. Great win. Great club! I feel privileged to be involved.”

COLEMAN EXCELS FOR RESERVES

There will also be an Irish Derby for the reserves in the next round after their 6-0 win over East Hampton in Long Island on Saturday earned a D’Arpino Cup semi-final for John Riordan’s men.

Darren Coleman tore the East Hampton defense apart in the second half after a scoreless first half, the Tipperary man netting twice and setting up two more as the floodgates opened.

It was 0-0 at half-time in spite of an early disallowed goal for birthday boy Nikle Guzijan. Coleman got the scoring underway five minutes after the break and then he set up fellow striker and team captain Paul McDaid who made it 2-0.

Darren Coleman scored twice for the Shamrocks Reserves during their 6-0 win over East Hampton.

Sean O’Neill had been barely sprung from the bench when he scored with almost his first touch and he then completed his brace five minutes later. Coleman set up Johnny Hayes for 5-0 before scoring his second after an assist from O’Neill.

“We made hard work of it initially and the conditions didn’t help but that second half was very enjoyable,” said coach John Riordan.

“We knew we had to be patient and get that first goal. I’m glad our fellas enjoyed it and that we came away from a potentially tricky game with a big win. We’re looking forward to the semi-final now. It should be an exciting game!

“I also want to thank our founding members, Tony and Noel Halpin, and Paddy Rooney who all came out to support us. We enjoyed the celebrations at TJ Halpins after the game!”

The Shamrocks Reserves visiting Tony and Noel Halpin (front left and right) at TJ Halpins in Centereach.

OVER 30s SURVIVE STIFF PORT JEFF CHALLENGE

Elsewhere, Marth Cup champions Shamrocks Over 30s marched on to their own semi-final thanks to a hard fought 3-0 win at Port Jefferson in Centereach.

Top scorer Johnny McGeeney scored twice while there was also a strike for Brazilian forward Leo Coimbra, sending Paddy Mc Carry’s men onwards as they bid to keep their back-to-back dream alive.

“This was without a shadow of a doubt the most physical game I have ever been involved in,” said Mc Carry.

“We held our composure and did not react and eventually we finished them off. It was a real battling performance by the whole squad.

“Lonan Maguire had a great game today for us in center mid and Johnny was his usual self, a lot of work up top and two great finishes.

“This is our cup and this team intends to hold on to it. I’m very pleased to be in the semi finals.”

THAT LEFT FOOT THOUGH…

Meanwhile, Chloe Wheeler scored two stunning strikes to send the Shamrocks Women’s team through to the final four.

The Shamrocks Women’s team that beat CPR Whites 2-1 on Sunday. Picture by Aoife West

In what was a hotly anticipated clash of the two Division A high fliers, the current champions CPR took a lead after an error at the back.

But the Rocks gathered their composure and equalized through a brilliantly worked play involving Wheeler and captain Teresa Ferraro which allowed the team’s top scorer to rifle home a left-footed strike.

The Rocks deservedly took the lead in the second half, another left footer from the Californian which sealed a memorable win for Paddy Geraghty’s charges on what was a special day for the club legend, celebrating his 40th birthday back at the Courtyard Ale House.

Coach Paddy Geraghty celebrating his 40th birthday at the Courtyard Ale House with the Shamrocks players.

“This was our toughest match of the season and a true battle for 90 minutes,” said captain Teresa Ferraro.

“They came out strong and tested us with an early goal. Everyone stepped up, we found our composure and fought back for a hard-earned W. Excellent win. We’re looking forward to the semi-final now.

“It was a team effort but Chloe’s goals proved what she is all about… that left foot though!”

Unfortunately, Shamrocks Women B could not gain a foothold in their title race, succumbing 4-2 to now outright leaders NY United. Cassie Esposito and Shannon Fitzpatrick were on the mark for the home team.

The Shamrocks Women’s B team that took on United at St Michaels on Sunday.

In the Saunders Cup quarter-final, Shamrocks 1960 were unlucky with injuries, conceding three second half goals in a 3-1 loss to Koarbi in Staten Island. Dave Harvey had ensured a half-time lead for the Rocks.

“No complaints,” said player assistant coach Neil Mannion. “We’ll see out the league campaign now.”

• First team one win away from play-offs
• Rocks Women on verge of clinching title
• Over 30s grind out victory in Irish Derby
• Last minute penalty keeps Legends in the hunt

The sun shone on six Shamrocks successes on Sunday, setting up multiple intriguing finales as the Spring season finally took off.

With next weekend bringing cup showdowns into play, all six league wins earned over the weekend will ensure the prospect of exciting run-ins after the Easter break

Kevin Grogan’s first team can clinch a play-off spot with one more win after a 3-1 result against Polonia steadied the ship ahead of Sunday evening’s Manning Cup semi-final at the Greeks (Met Oval – 9pm).

Cork born Shamrocks midfielder Andy O’Connell scored twice during Sunday’s 3-1 win over Polonia in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 1 game at Randall’s Island. They were his first goals for his new club. Picture by Dennis Schneidler

Andy O’Connell was on target twice, opening his account for his new club with a majestic first half header and a clinical second half penalty, as the tricky Greenpoint-based opponents ultimately proved no match for the hungry visitors.

Chris Uy’s delightful goal made it 2-0 five minutes before the break, the skillful forward deftly taking the ball past the keeper after beating the offside trap with a clever run.

After Polonia pulled a goal back, O’Connell was fouled in the box, earning the spot kick which he himself scored. Polonia missed a late penalty but there was never a doubt as the Shamrocks closed it out comfortably.

Chris Uy scored the second goal of Sunday’s 3-1 win over Polonia in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 1 game at Randall’s Island. His first goal of the season. Picture by Dennis Schneidler

“Most important win of the season,” declared the gaffer.

“It was not a pretty performance but a massive win in our bid to make the play-offs.”

ZORBO, McDAID DOUBLES INSPIRE RESERVES

Earlier, in the reserves curtain raiser, John Riordan’s men comfortably dispatched Polonia’s secondary outfit as the Shamrocks continue to keep pace with the division’s top three sides.

Joe Zorbo and captain Paul McDaid both recorded impressive doubles while there was also a second half goal for the side’s top scorer, Alex Wasilewski.

Cutting in from the right, Zorbo won a 20th minute penalty when he was fouled in the box, rising to convert for his opening salvo. He then doubled his tally with a great strike from 15 yards.

Shamrocks Reserves captain Paul McDaid scored twice during Sunday’s 5-1 win over Polonia’s second team in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 1 Reserves game at Randall’s Island. Picture by Dennis Schneidler

McDaid made it three just before half-time, a wonder strike from 30 yards while Wasilewski fought hard for the fourth. McDaid rounded it off with a tap-in from a Wasilewski cross. The game was long over by the time Polonia notched a late consolation goal.

“This was a great response to the draw at NYAC,” said John Riordan.

“All the players contributed and each of the goals were well worked. We’ll head to Long Island next week for the State Cup quarter-final against East Hampton and that’s where the focus is now.”

30s SURVIVE CELTIC BATTLE

The title defending Over 30s came back from 1-0 down to defeat Manhattan Celtic Bhoys 2-1, Ney de Oliveira and Dominick McCartan helping to clinch what Paddy Mc Carry described as a “very hard earned three points” against a well organized Celtic side.

“We went a goal down 15 mins into the game when we failed to clear the ball away,” he added.

“It was a well taken strike by them. But we hit back through Ney 30 mins in. Great work by Seán Riley with a great pass to find Ney who smashed the ball home. The winner came 20 mins into the second half. It was a great cross by Hatzer who found Bingo. His cushioned header knocked it down for Domnick to finish.

The Shamrocks Over 30s team which beat Manhattan Celtic Bhoys 2-1 at Randall’s Island on Sunday.

“Three of the back four combining to set up the winner. Man of the match performance by new signing Pat Kelly in center midfield but overall, a real hard battle and the whole squad came through in the end.

HUGHES THE HERO FOR LEGENDS

There was late drama in the Legends game as Emmett Harvey’s men secured a last minute victory at the home of conference leaders Gjoa, a vital 2-1 success which keeps the team’s Over 37 Divisional play-offs hopes alive.

On a day of penalties earned and scored, Karol Hughes was taken down by the Gjoa keeper with a minute to go. He confidently stepped up and rifled the ball to the top corner, sparking wild celebrations for the Legends.

Ducky Kelly had put his team deservedly ahead with just 10 minutes on the clock, pouncing on a Marcus Nascimento shot which rebounded off the post.

But the home side pulled it back to 1-1 late in the second half, a result which would have effectively ended the Shamrocks season.

But they never gave up, setting up an exciting climax which gave a platform for Hughes’ heroics.

“Since the Shamrock Legends were formed last season, this was the best win we’ve had,” said a delighted Harvey afterwards.

“We came up against a very strong SC Gjoa side but after Ducky got us the lead, we pushed on and played some brilliant football, Gjoa’s equalizer was a tough blow but we know we are a good side and the determination and the fight in this team showed. It paid off with a few minutes to go as Karol Hughes converted from the penalty spot.

“Ten points from four games shows how much this team has improved but it is the character and togetherness of this team that pleases me the most. Just a great bunch of lads to manage. Kudos goes to every single one of the players. We have two weekends off which we will enjoy and then our focus will be on the next game against Manhattan Kickers Legends.”

1960 UNDONE BY KORABI

Korabi’s 4-2 win over Shamrocks 1960 was a bruising one in Staten Island with Hughie McGowan and Anthony Carrabotta getting themselves on the scoresheet for the visitors.

The two sides will renew acquaintances this coming Sunday as they face off once again in the Green Belt Recreational Center for a chance to advance to the Saunders Cup semi-final.

“We had some good spells in the game but we didn’t really keep possession of the ball well enough to get a result,” said player / assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“The four injuries we got certainly didn’t help matters but we’ll get another crack at them this weekend and look to build on those positive passages of play.”

BIG WINS FOR ROCKS WOMEN

Meanwhile, in NYMWSL Division A, the Rocks racked up another important victory as they prepare for season-defining back-to-back games against title rivals CPR White.

A 6-0 hammering of Celtic Ladies, earned off the back of goals from Sinéad Hennessy (two), Chloe Wheeler, Georgia Frost, Jarielle Uter and Teresa Ferraro, maintained the league lead for Paddy Geraghty’s charges.

“We had a solid win which keeps us clear at the top,” he said.

“But the real season starts now with a State Cup quarter-final next week followed by a league game against our closest rivals after Easter. Those two games are massive for us.”

Denise Wilson’s superb solo effort midway through the second half was the deciding factor in the last game of the day as Shamrocks B moved joint top of Division B thanks to a 1-0 win over Sirens at Pier 40.

That important win, paired with a 5-2 success for United against title rivals Beyond FC now means that Keith Perez’s team have destiny in their own hands as they prepare to welcome fellow league leaders United to St Michaels on Sunday. Both teams are now one point ahead of Beyond with seven games remaining.

“We put together a solid performance in what is a rivalry match-up against the Sirens,” said Perez.

“Every single one of them worked hard and contributed to putting us in a position to win the game offensively along with stifling them defensively. We’re very happy to be sharing top spot in the league and we are taking that into the biggest game of the season next week. Up the Rocks!”

• Players praised after positive week at training
• Over 30s ready for first game of 2016
• Irish Derby for Rocks Women & Celtic Ladies
• Legends face Gjoa challenge

The Shamrocks first team will be aiming to bounce back this weekend when they visit CSL Division 1’s last placed Polonia at Randalls Island 75 on Sunday (kick-off 2pm).

Last week’s loss at NYAC – just the second of the season for Kevin Grogan’s men – allowed Lansdowne open up a five-point gap at the top of the standings.

And Polonia will be expected to be tough opposition having held Manhattan Celtic last weekend as they continue their struggle to survive in the top flight.

Former Ayr United and Cork City player Andy O’Connell (pictured below left) and recent Adelphi University graduate Emil Thomsen both made their debuts for the Shamrocks last Sunday and will be ready to go again this weekend.

The reverse fixture in October ended in a 3-1 win for the Rocks but coach Kevin Grogan is wary of the threat posed by the Greenpoint men.

“I’ve been very happy with the atmosphere this week in training on Tuesday and Thursday,” he pointed out.

“The players look hungry for the weekend. It’s an extremely tricky game on Sunday against Polonia. They are notoriously difficult to play against. We will tweak the formation in anticipation for their game plan.”

The reserves game will kick off at 12pm and will pit John Riordan’s men against a side that suffered a bruising 9-0 defeat back in October when the two teams met at St Michaels.

Nikle Guzijan (below left), who starred against NYAC, will miss this one as will Larry Slaughter (below right) and Brendan Lane however, a good 18-man squad is expected to keep the pressure on leaders Lansdowne.

Nikle Guzijan

Larry Slaughter

“The lads played well at NYAC and it was good to come away with a point,” said Riordan.

“Playing Polonia, we have different expectations and there is no reason why we can’t meet those. We’re missing a couple of key players but the squad is very strong nonetheless.”

TOUGH TRIP FOR 1960

Meanwhile in Metro 1, second-placed Korabi will host Shamrocks 1960 in Staten Island at the Green Belt Recreational Center (kick off 11am).

Korabi have been on an impressive streak, undefeated since the Rocks overturned them in early October. Last week, a top of the table thriller against Williamsburg ended 4-4.

“We’ll need to improve a great deal on last weekend’s performance to trouble a strong outfit in Korabi,” said assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“But we’re capable of beating anyone in this league, as it showed in the reverse fixture. It’s just a question of which 1960s shows up on the day.”

OVER 30s BACK IN ACTION

And in the Over 30s Division, Paddy Mc Carry’s double champions will finally kick of 2017 when they host Manhattan Celtic Bhoys at Randalls Island 74 for the early 8am kick-off.

A forfeit and a weather postponement have delayed their restart but the team is in confident mood as they face into a key month in their defense of both the league and the State Cup.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to it after a very long winter break,” said Paddy Mc Carry.

“We are in very good shape for the Spring, a really strong squad of players competing for places very high which is great for us.

“It’s all about the three points Sunday. We are missing a few but I have a very strong 18 to choose from. The boys can’t wait to get back into it. Three of the four new signings will be available for Sunday’s clash. Kevin Walsh is the only one of 4 missing.”

MUST-WIN FOR LEGENDS

Elsewhere, the Shamrocks Legends will make the long trip to Dyker Beach Park to take on conference leaders Gjoa in a must-win game that will define their play-off hopes (kick off 9.30am).

The Shamrocks Legends team which beat CPR Legends 6-0 last weekend.

Emmett Harvey has a full squad to choose from and the Legends are coming on the back of a good win last week against CPR legends.

“This is a fixture we are looking forward to,” said player-coach Emmett Harvey.

“Although the odds are stacked against us and Gjoa are a very strong team, we will go down to Brooklyn with the belief that if we play well, then we will give Gjoa a good game.”

IRISH DERBY FOR ROCKS WOMEN

There will finally be a women’s soccer Irish Derby with the Division A showdown of the Rocks and Celtic Ladies at St Michael’s on Sunday (kick off 1pm).

“They are the only team to take points off us this season so we’ll be looking to improve on that result,” noted Paddy Geraghty.

“We have a strong squad to choose from so there are no excuses.”

And in Division B, last year’s title rivals NYC Sirens will welcome Shamrocks B to Pier 40 for a 9pm game.

“Although we are coming off a big win, we cannot get comfortable in our pursuit of the league leaders,” said coach Keith Perez.

“The ladies will have to come prepared to put forth their best effort, as every game is a must win from here on in.”

The NYMWSL Division A leading Shamrocks Women’s team solidified their table topping form with a big 6-0 win over Manhattan Kickers at East River Park on Sunday.

Top scorer Chloe Wheeler chipped in with a brace of goals while the other four arrived courtesy of Jo Belluardo, Jackie Pounder, Caroline Carter and Sharon Odofin.

Coach Paddy Geraghty praised the Rocks women who had gone into the game depleted and missing some key players.

“We did a good job winning tackles and closing down space,” he said.

“We needed a bit more composure on the ball and we would have created better chances. But we’re five points clear at the top now and we have a great chance to push on from here.”

Two of the goalscorers in the Shamrocks Women’s team’s 6-0 win over Manhattan Kickers on Sunday: Jackie Pounder (left) and Chloe Wheeler. Picture: Braden Ruddy

Meanwhile in Division B, Keith Perez’s charges were too strong for Manhattan Kickers / Scala / Phoenix, hammering home 11 goals without reply.

Sara Gomez’s hat trick supplemented by two goals each from Anastasia Hagan and Denise Wilson led to the impressive haul which was bolstered by Cassey Esposito, Carly Beyar, Emily Iwamoto and Paige Osborne.

“I’m really proud of the players,” said Perez. “We want to keep the pressure on Beyond and then hopefully things keep going our way.”

Earlier, in Travers Island a very impressive NYAC first team set out their stall in their bid to avoid the drop to Division 2 by coming from behind to beat Shamrocks 2-1.

Kwesi Mills-Odoi had the Rocks ahead just before half-time but NYAC leveled soon after the break. The winner was scored with 20 minutes to go.

Lansdowne’s win over Zum Schneider pushed the champions five points clear at the summit with an extra game played.

The Shamrocks first team squad pictured prior to their 2-1 loss at NYAC in Travers Island on Sunday. Back row, left to right, Santiago Rigby, Sean Reilly, Stuart Colbert, Teddy Spanos, Kwesi Mills-Odoi, Stevie Doyle (assistant coach). Middle row, left to right, Kevin Grogan (coach), Giuseppe Barone, Emil Thomsen, Joseph Connolly, Erik Rengifo, Andy O’Connell, Damian Lopez, Joe Zorbo, Frankie Tsasse. Front row, left to right, Laurie Child, Dan Giorgi, Zachary Gosse (captain), Alejandro Fritz Ruenes, Chris Uy. Picture: Dennis Schneidler

“The honeymoon period is over now,” said Kevin Grogan.

“We were average at best today. Three players tried to grab the game by the scruff of the neck but others seemed too laid back about the whole situation.

“Maybe some players are believing the hype. You’re only as good as your last game and today we were very poor. The really good players and the winners take it personally and bounce back in the next game. ”

Reserves captain Paul McDaid (below left) and Joey Aronovsky (below right) had the Rocks reserves ahead 2-0 at half-time in the curtain raiser but the hosts rallied well to grab a share of the spoils.

“At half-time, I wanted us to kick on because we knew the next goal was going to be very important,” said John Riordan.

“It wasn’t to be. They did well in the second half to make it uncomfortable for us and a draw was a fair result overall. It keeps us a point behind them and once we get rid of some unforced errors from our game, we’ll be in good shape,”

Elsewhere, the Shamrocks Legends fired six past CPR Legends to stay in the hunt for a play-off spot in the Over 37s Division.

Goals from John Riordan and Eoghan McParland gave the home side a deserved 2-0 lead at half-time and then Emmett Harvey’s men kicked on thanks to strikes from Colin Lee, Marcus Nascimento, Ducky Kelly and another from Riordan secured a deserved victory.

The Shamrocks Legends squad pictured prior to their 6-0 win over CPR Legends at St Michaels  on Sunday.

“We had a very strong squad to choose from and we opened up the floodgates,” reflected Harvey.

“A great performance and everyone of my guys played great, The commitment and the togetherness of the squad is brilliant to see.

“The return of Brian O’Connor and the addition of David Symington and Marcus has really strengthened our squad. The tone of the game was set by the brilliant John Riordan in midfield and the pace of Brendan Donahue and Eoghan McParland on the wings.

“The return and pace of Eoin Sweeney at left back caused CPR all kinds of problems and Kevin Mc Partland and Joe Connelly kept the clean sheet between them. It was a wonderful win and our focus now is against the leaders SC Gjoa on Sunday.”

In Metro 1, Shamrocks 1960 lost 3-1 against Gotham Argo. Dave Harvey had the consolation goal.