• Doyle “proud” after 1-1 draw at Pancyprians
• Over 30s edge Dinamo in 4-3 thriller
• Rocks 1960 hit four past Brooklyn
• Reserves back to winning ways
• Dominant women win again

The Shamrocks have locked in fourth place going into the all important second phase of CSL Division 1 after a day of mixed emotions.

Sunday brought four wins, a draw and a loss but that 1-1 draw at Pancyprians will live long in the Shamrocks memory.

The league leaders and 2015 runners-up were outplayed by a superbly organized Shamrocks side which ultimately earned a valuable point although it could so easily have been three.

Chuong Tran’s excellent second half goal – set up brilliantly by Nick Zorbo – was just reward for a team display that combined great play and superb grit. But the league leaders broke Rocks hearts in the 95th minute with a scrappy equalizer which proved to be virtually the last kick of the game.

Goalscorer Chuong Tran

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE GAME CAN BE FOUND HERE

In those dying moments, with the Rocks reduced to ten men after Nick Zorbo’s second yellow, the hosts threw everyone forward for a free kick against the ten-men Rocks and scrambled the ball home at the back post.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the lads,” said Stevie Doyle.

“We deserved to win and while we are certainly happy with the performance, I feel we left two points behind. And that’s something I didn’t think we would be able to say.

“The boys were brilliant from the back line out and they dominated a lot of the game. We need to keep producing like that throughout the next six games.”

Importantly, wins elsewhere for Lansdowne and Everton Westchester ensured the Shamrocks stay fourth, fending off United FC and Manhattan Celtic, teams which they will also avoid in the final six games of the season.

Center backs Stu Colbert (center) and Tom Manz were solid throughout (Dinos Avlontis)

It was confirmed Monday morning, that the Spring schedule will consist of games against Pancyprians, Lansdowne, Everton Westchester, Polonia, the Greek Americans and CPR Whites. Dates of each game will be announced later this week.

John McGuigan (center) and Micky McGreevy (right) dominated midfield (Dinos Avlontis)

RESERVES MOVE LEVEL WITH LANSDOWNE

A 3-1 win at Pancyprians’ reserves provided a perfect start to the day.

Mo Fofana (below left) had the Rocks 1-0 up just before half-time, latching onto a loose ball to slot home. Marc Vilson (below center) scored early in the second half while Pierre Meloty-Kapella (below right) marked his return to the Rocks with a well taken finish after a nice through ball from Darren Coleman.

With Lansdowne losing at United FC, both teams are now tied for second behind NYAC with the Bhoys edging on head-to-head.

“We needed that result after last week,” said Doyle.

“I’m glad the lads responded so well. We executed those chances well and we probably should have kept a clean sheet. It’ll be good to keep pressure on the leaders. Very pleased.”

FOUR-GOALS SEND ROCKS 1960 FIVE POINTS CLEAR

In Metro 2, Shamrocks 1960 tightened their grip on the lead at the top of the East with a 4-0 win at AO Brooklyn.

Dylan Wallace scored twice while Danny Meola and Hughie McGowan were also on the scoresheet.

“The perfect response to last week’s debacle,” said assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“We got the result and performance we were looking for. They tried to beat us with their fists but we showed great maturity and played them off the park.”

The victory means that the Rocks are now five points ahead of Gotham City who have a game in hand.

OVER 30s DOWN DINAMO IN 4-3 THRILLER

Elsewhere, the Over 30s deservedly took a vital win away from a barnstorming game at Dinamo with Tayfun Gokmen netting a brilliant winner in a 4-3 slugfest.

Conceding very early to a talented Dinamo outfit, Gokmen leveled proceedings after 15 minutes.

Johnny McGeeney’s debut for the Rocks was marked by a great headed goal after 30 minutes, making it 2-1 at half-time.

Dinamo equalized from a corner but Paddy Geraghty made it 3-2 with a superb free kick.

It was hotly contested throughout and after the hosts made it 3-3, Gokmen sealed the win with just ten minutes left.

“Great team performance by all 15 lads,” said Paddy Mc Carry. “I’m very proud of them because Dinamo are an excellent side. In my opinion, they are the best side in the league after us. I can’t give man of the match cause there were so many brilliant performers!”

LEGENDS UNLUCKY AT BARNSTONWORTH

The Legends were unfortunate to lose 1-0 at home to Barnstonworth.

“We dominated the game with most of the possession,” said assistant coach Eoin Sweeney. “They scored with their only shot on goal. We threw everything at them but it was one of those days when the rub of the green was not on our side.”

The Shamrocks Legends team that took on Barnstonworth on Sunday – Back row, left to right, Pat Burke (Shamrocks Vice President and club sponsor, Courtyard Ale House, Emmett Harvey, Brendan Donoghue, Joe Connolly, Justin Stanford, Keith Buckley, Eammon McParland, Ger Shivnan, Eoin Sweeney. Front row, left to right, Randall Friedman, Colm Madden, Bruno Angelucci, Conal Molloy, Eoghan McParland, Karol Hughes, Donal Kelly, Gary Flanagan.

HENNESSY ON FIRE AS WOMEN WIN AGAIN

In the Metro Women’s League, the Shamrocks needed a win and they more than delivered: 14-0 against Appletown in St Michaels.

Sinead Hennessy scored a stunning five goals while Chloe Wheeler continued her perfect start with her fourth goal of the season.

There was a hat trick for Jarielle Uter, two for Christina Beck and one each for Teresa Ferraro, Brittany Meade and Paige Osborne.

Thank you to Dinos Avlonitis for sharing the following photos from the 1-1 draw away to Pancyprians in an exciting CSL Division 1 game at St John’s Belson Stadium on Sunday March 20.

Center backs Stu Colbert (center) and Tom Manz (right) were solid throughout at the back. 

Joe Connolly played brilliantly in the lone striker role.

Micky McGreevy (left) and Nick Zorbo (right) pressure their opponent.

Shamrocks players Chris Uy, Frankie Tsasse, Laurie Child and Nick Zorbo defending a corner

Zach Gosse clearing acrobatically in the first half

Belfast pair John McGuigan (center) and Micky McGreevy marshaled the midfield superbly

Shamrocks goalscorer Chuong Tran watches closely

Chris Uy and Nick Zorbo paired up brilliantly on the right flank

Frankie Tsasse saves brilliantly

• League leading Pancyprians welcome Shamrocks to St John’s
• Rocks 1960 visit Brooklyn for crucial Metro 2 showdown
• Over 30s bidding to dent Dinamo’s surge
• Double header at St Michaels for Women and Legends

League leaders and 2015 runners-up Pancyprian Freedoms will host the Shamrocks weekend at at Belson Stadium on Sunday in what is sure to be a difficult away trip for Kevin Grogan’s men (kick-off 2pm).

With the final series of games in the first round of CSL Division 1 games set to determine the Spring schedule, Rocks coach Grogan will be keeping one eye on fixtures elsewhere this weekend.

In order for the Rocks to stay in fourth place, they’ll need a win Sunday against Pancyprian Freedoms or they can also maintain that position if United FC lose at home to Lansdowne Bhoys and Manhattan Celtic drop points at Westchester Eagles.

The second round of games will last just six games and will be scheduled according to how teams did in their first 10 games. A fourth place finish would mean the Shamrocks taking on the teams in the following spots: first, second, third, eighth, ninth and tenth.

“This is a big game against a big club,” said Kevin Grogan. “The Pancyprians are undefeated this season and are a powerhouse of the league. It will be a great barometer for where we are as a squad.”

The reserves curtain raiser will be a chance for the Rocks to right the ship after last week’s bruising League Cup loss at the Greek Americans’ first team (kick-off 12pm) .

“We are looking for a big response this week,” said Doyle. “We need three points to stay in contention with the top two. We have a very talented squad and we are looking to focus on a run to push for the league with a win this Sunday.”

Meanwhile, the Over 30s Division leading Shamrocks have a tough game at Westchester Dinamo on Sunday evening (Randall’s Island 85 – 5pm) as they embark on an exciting six-game run-in to the culmination of the season.

Dinamo have one six games in a row in the league and will be keen to narrow the nine-point gap between them and Paddy Mc Carry’s men.

“We had a brilliant first half of the season, winning all our games in both the league and the State Cup baring a 1-1 tie in the Irish derby,” said Mc Carry.

“But that will mean nothing if we don’t go on and finish the job. Both of the CPR teams are pushing us all the way and Dinamo are still not out of it which makes our first game against them huge. Of course, we can only take it one game at a time and see were it leads. We have added a few players to the squad and we are delighted to have Johnny McGeeney join us.

“I’d be lying if I said I did not want to win the State Cup. I would love to get our hands on that trophy. We will be doing everything in our power to win every game that’s left. i have the players to do it and they play extremely hard for me and their team mates. They are a credit to our club.”

Metro 2 leading Shamrocks 1960 will also be looking to recover momentum after a tough defeat in the League Cup when they visit AO Brooklyn at Abraham Lincoln High School on Sunday at 2pm.

Andy Connolly’s men are five points ahead of their third-placed opponents and will be keen to win in order to maintain their two-point lead over Gotham City. A 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture back in October will also be fresh in the minds of the players.

“We suffered a deadly blow last week,” said Connolly. “But like Lazarus, we will arise this Sunday and walk in the path of divine glory. Of course, sandals are not permitted by the ref. But I hope our players realize that and don’t take the metaphor too literally. Basically, we’ll bounce back, get them early doors, and let them know we’re there. If we get a chance around the box, we’ll have a ping and test the keeper.”

In the Over 36 Division, the Shamrocks Legends will host Barnstonworth Rovers at St Michael’s for a 3pm kick-off as Emmett Harvey’s men bid to start climbing up the table.

“We are really looking forward to Sunday,” said Harvey. “We are playing at home and with some players returning from injury we should have a very strong squad. If we play the way we did last Sunday against Hoboken the results should go our way.”

Elsewhere, in the Metropolitan Women’s Soccer League, the Shamrocks will host Appletown (St Michael’s – 1pm)

With seven league wins and one loss, Paddy Geraghty’s charges are two points ahead of Sirens and six points ahead of Appletown, making this a must-win-game for the Girls in Green.

“We had a great performance last week and we are looking for more of the same on Sunday,” Geraghty noted. “Our defense has been outstanding lately and we worked on creating chances for two hours in training on Tuesday so hopefully it’ll pay dividends this week.”

The Shamrocks team that advanced to the quarter-finals of the CSL League Cup. They will face NY Greek Americans on Sunday April 10 at Met Oval. (Picture courtesy Eoin Sweeney)

Back row, left to right – Sean Mc Mullan (Club President), Anthony Tagliaferri, Joe Connolly, Stuart Colbert, Franck Tsasse, Tom Manz, Darren Freeman (captain), Zach Gosse, Stevie Doyle (assistant coach), Kevin Grogan (coach).

Front row, left to right – Michael McGreevy, Nick Zorbo, Chuong Tran, Joey Zorbo, Chris Burns, Chris Uy, Mustafa Alobeidy.

Missing from team photo who played against Beyond: John McGuigan.

• Rocks women open out lead at top of Division B
• First team advances to League Cup quarter-final
• Legends push Hoboken until the end

The Shamrocks women picked up where they left off in what could prove to be a historic league campaign with a brilliant 5-0 victory over title rivals NY Skulls on Sunday.

Chloe Wheeler (pictured below left) marked her first game for the club with a stunning hat trick while a goal each from Jackie Pounder (below center) – her ninth of the season – and Brittany Meade (below right) helped guide the charges of Paddy Geraghty and Tricia Reed towards a crucial three points.

The Rocks are now five points clear at the top having only lost once all season, that defeat arriving in a previous encounter with Skulls during Week One.

Chloe Wheeler

Jackie Pounder

Brittany Meade

“This was our biggest game of the year and I’m very proud of how our team responded,” said Paddy Geraghty.

“I’m delighted for Chloe to start off so well with us but even she will tell you it was the players around her that made it possible for her. We’re looking forward to playing at home next week and we can be confident going into every game now.”

Meanwhile, new signing John McGuigan also enjoyed the perfect start to his Rocks career, a well executed second half goal helping his new side earn a comprehensive 4-0 win over Beyond in Randall’s Island on Sunday afternoon.

Kevin Grogan praised his side as they marched on to the quarter-finals of the League Cup at the expense of the Division 2 outfit on the back of goals from Joey Zorbo, McGuigan (pictured below right), captain Darren Freeman (below left) and Tom Manz.

Darren Freeman

John McGuigan

“It was a good win,” said Grogan afterwards. “Four goals and a clean sheet. We showed good discipline. We tried a few different things with players and we learned a lot.”

Joey Zorbo opened the scoring early with a good finish but the Rocks really let loose in the second half. Belfast native McGuigan, who joined the club during the week, showed great movement up front and was rewarded with a great goal which he dinked over the advancing keeper.

A cracking free kick by Freeman from distance made it 3-0.

And then Tom Manz celebrated his return from injury with the fourth and final goal after brilliant work from Joey Zorbo and Mustafa Alobeidy.

Observed Grogan: “Stuart Colbert was a class act at center back today in terms of discipline and concentration and the two Zorbo brothers showed great work ethic and attitude. Darren Freeman captained us and he played like one. These are exciting times,” he added.

Rocks coaches Kevin Grogan and Stevie Doyle speaking to their team after the win v Beyond

Earlier in the Over 30s Cup, the Shamrocks Legends succumbed 2-3 to the Over 30s team of Hoboken, also at Randall’s Island in a well contested game that showed good promise for the league campaign ahead.

Eoghan McParland scored in his first game for the team, an excellent finish early in the game that had the Rocks 1-0 up. At 3-1 down, Tyrone Kent rocketed home from distance but it was too little, too late.

The Shamrocks Legends that took on Hoboken in the Over 30s Cup on Sunday

“A tough loss,” said player coach Emmett Harvey. “We scored two brilliant goals but gave away a penalty and two easy goals. It was very tight at the end and we threw everything at them for the last 20 minutes.

“Great game and great battling by everyone of my players but we just came up short in the end. We have a very strong squad and we are now focused on finishing as high up in the league as possible!”

Meanwhile in the Saunders Cup, Shamrocks 1960 were knocked out by Williamsburg International, losing 6-0 to a talented set of opponents. And in the late game, the Greek Americans were much too strong for Stevie Doyle’s reserves, putting eight past the Rocks with only Psul McDaid and Marc Vilson responding for the away side.

• Top-of-the-table clash for Rocks Women
• Rocks 1960 launch Saunders Cup defense
• Double header for first team and Legends
• Met Oval appointment for Doyle’s reserves

After a long three-month break from soccer, there’s a welcome return to the fray this weekend ahead of a crucial ten-week campaign that will hopefully turn out to be truly memorable 55th season of the NY Shamrocks Soccer Club.

League Cup action has four of the club’s teams back up and running on Sunday while the Shamrocks women’s team face their biggest game of the season in Brooklyn.

While all eyes will be on the triple header of cup showdowns at Randall’s Island for the first team, the Legends (2pm and 12pm respectively at Field 90) and Rocks 1960 (Field 73 at 4pm), our thoughts will be with NYWMSL Division B leading Rocks women who will be taking on fellow title challengers NY Skulls in New Utrecht at 1.30pm.

“We start with our toughest game of the season against the only team to beat us in the league so far,” pointed out women’s coach Paddy Geraghty.

“We’ve had a solid preseason and we’re ready to give it our best shot. We are still playing for two trophies so the ladies are very motivated. We’ve added Chloe Wheeler and Olivia Nadon to the squad and both have been excellent so far. We can’t wait to get started!”

As for the men, Kevin Grogan’s first team will be taking on Division 2 strugglers Beyond FC – formerly Nieuw Amsterdam – in a CSL League Cup clash that will serve as welcome preparation ahead of next weekend’s tough league game at unbeaten leaders Pancyprian Freedoms.

The Rocks warmed up with a friendly against high flying Division 2 leaders Zum Schneider on Tuesday night and have been preparing well for what is sure to be a gripping spring for the fourth-placed Rocks.

“We are delighted to be back in action this weekend after a good pre-season,” said Grogan.

“The League Cup gives us a chance to evaluate everything before we start the all important league campaign on the 20th. As always the league is our priority.”

Sunday’s curtain raiser will see a replenished Legends outfit take on the Over 30s team of Hoboken in what will be a tough workout ahead of the resumption of the league.

“We are really looking forward to the second half of the season,” said player-coach Emmett Harvey.

“We have strengthened our squad over the winter period and we have some players returning from injury. We hope to finish as high up in the league as possible. We won our last two pre-season games against CPR and Manhattan Celtic. Hopefully we can get a good result against Hoboken and go on a bit of a cup run.”

Later in the day, over on Field 73, Shamrocks 1960 will launch the defense of the Saunders Cup which the reserves won so memorably back in June.

This game will be a clash of two of the in-form Metro 2 teams as East division leaders Shamrocks 1960 take on Williamsburg who are riding high in the West.

Williamsburg have lost just once in the league and lie just a point behind leaders Gottschee who dramatically knocked the Rocks out of the State Cup in early December.

“It was a proud day winning the Saunders Cup and we are very much focused on reclaiming it for the club,” said player/assistant coach Neil Mannion.

“Naturally the league is our main aim and I’m sure it’s the same for them but both teams will benefit from the game. We enjoyed a good friendly Thursday night, beating Galicia 2-0 so the lads are looking forward to the season finally getting under way.”

With the Over 30s still involved in the State Cup, the only other game will see Stevie Doyle’s reserves head to the historic setting of the Met Oval for a late game Sunday evening away to the Greeks.

“It’ll be a tough game – they have really recovered from a tough start as expected,” said Doyle. “But this will be a good test for us and a very good workout.”