• O’Neill’s charges keep perfect record going
• Howell hat trick inspires Green
• Late Nascimento winner lifts Legends

Sean Glynn, Amar Daved and Conor Doherty each scored for Shamrocks 1960 on Sunday evening at Randall’s Island to extend the team’s perfect start to their Metro 2 season.

It was yet another shut out for Robbie O’Neill’s men as they eased to a 3-0 win over Beyond FC Metro, bringing their overall goal tally to 17 without concession of a goal.

“I’m very happy with the win against a good side,” said O’Neill.

“I’m delighted with another clean sheet and three points. We’ll be looking to continue the momentum next Sunday against FC Ulqini. It was a brilliant performance from the whole squad.”

Shamrocks Green are also perfect, their 6-0 triumph over NYC United at St Michaels on Sunday morning was their third win of the season.

Mikaela Howell scored a hat trick to bring her season tally to five while there were also goals from Teresa Ferraro-Gosse, Jo Belluardo and Chloe Wheeler.

“I’m very happy with that win today,” said coach Paddy Geraghty.

“We had a couple of injuries that we hope won’t be too serious. Of the 13 goals we’ve scored this season, 10 have come in the second half so it shows our fitness is making a difference.”

The second game of the double header did not go the way of the Rocks as the White team succumbed 3-0 to Celtic Aces

“Another tough loss for the ladies,” said coach Keith Perez. “We are improving game after game but just haven’t had things fall our way. We will look to build on the positives starting at Tuesday training.”

The Shamrocks Legends won a thriller against Gjoa at Dyker Beach Park on Sunday morning, Marcus Nascimento scoring a superb winner in injury time to spark wild celebrations.

Legends goalscorers Donal ‘Ducky’ Kelly, Justin Stanford and Marcus Nascimento
pictured after helping their team to a 4-3 win on Sunday

The Rocks were 1-0 down in the first half and 3-2 down in the dying minutes but kept battling to secure a second win in a row and an unbeaten start to the season.

Justin Stanford’s clinical finish leveled the game after 30 minutes and Nascimento scored a second half penalty to make it 2-1. But Gjoa then began to enjoy a purple patch and deservedly swung the game to 3-2 in their favor.

The Shamrocks dug deep in the final ten minutes, however, and pressed their hosts. A Cris Silva corner flicked on by Nascimento was headed home from close range by Ducky Kelly who was superb throughout.

And then the introduction of veteran Eoin Sweeney to the Rocks attack completely confused Gjoa, allowing Nascimento space to run on to a John Riordan pass and push the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

The Shamrocks Legends pictured with Gjoa after a well played contest at Dyker Beach Park

“Incredible win,” said Riordan. “We never gave up. We were missing some important players so to come away with all three points is a massive boost for our team spirit.

“The game was played in a very good spirit also. A really good advertisement for the Over 39 Division.”

There was disappointment on Saturday evening for the first team at Randall’s Island where the Greek Americans overcame Kevin Grogan’s men with a deserved 4-1 victory.

It had been a bright start for the Rocks, a well taken Dan Giorgi goal giving the home side a well earned lead after a great assist from Sam Huteson

But the Greeks responded almost immediately with a penalty scored by Charlie Ledula. Pat McCann made it 2-1 after 57 minutes with a great finish and Ledula made it 3-1 five minutes later to effectively end the game as a contest. A fourth was added in injury time.

“The honeymoon period of winning the first two games is definitely over,” said Grogan.

“We now need to regroup and go back to basics. Work ethic is always the foundation then we win the first ball, anticipate the drops, mark, track and tackle, see the danger at the back, make the ball stick up top, movement to create passing lines, move the ball in a quicker more decisive way.

“We must win the battle first in games and then we play. We need to go and get a result against Hoboken who have had a fantastic start to the season. It will be a dog fight. We need to get to bed early and be prepared.

“I’m fed up of people talking about play-offs. What a load of nonsense. We survive first and then see what happens. We need to get into survival mode. The rest will follow. The greats have a survival mechanism ingrained into them. That’s why they are great. This challenge is not for everyone.”

Shamrocks Reserves tied Greek Americans in the curtain raiser, a scoreless result which saw Dan Meola’s men edge it in terms of goal chances.

“This game was a war of attrition,” said Meola. “From minute one, we were behind the eight ball for reasons I’d rather not get into. We were reduced to 10 men after 15 minutes and from then on the lads played one of the most complete games I’ve seen. First to every ball, playing for each other, and working hard to earn a point against the league leaders. I’m honored to coach these lads, especially after games like this.”

Shamrocks Over 30s lost 2-1 to Between Rivers FC with yet another John McGeeney goal being the only bright spot for Sean Mc Mullan’s men.

NEXT SUNDAY’S SCHEDULE

CSL DIVISION 1
Hoboken FC 1912 v Shamrocks (Stephen R Gregg Park, 12pm)
CSL DIVISION 1 – RESERVES
Hoboken FC 1912 v Shamrocks (Stephen R Gregg Park, 10am)
CSL METRO 2 – SOUTH
Shamrocks 1960 v FC Ulqini (Randalls Island 74, 12pm)
CSL OVER 30 DIVISION – EAST
Manhattan Celtic Legends v Shamrocks Over 30s (Pier 40, 9pm)
CSL OVER 39 DIVISION
Shamrocks Legends v Banatul (Randalls Island 74, 10am)
NYMWSL DIVISION A
Celtic Aces v Shamrocks Green (Leif Erickson, 6pm)
NYC United v Shamrocks White (Randalls Island 70, 7pm)

“They have had a very good start to the season,” said Sean Mc Mullan. “But we have to be confident because we have players returning to the squad after missing last week’s win. It’ll be interesting to see what they are like. They are an unknown quantity as they are to the league but we’ll focus on ourselves and that should see us through.”

On Saturday evening, the first team will look to bounce back from a bruising defeat at Division 1 leaders Cedar Stars when they take on the new look Greek Americans at Randalls Island Field 70 at 8pm.

Newly installed coach Stephen Roche has guided the Greeks to a win and a draw while Rocks gaffer Kevin Grogan has lead his men to six points from nine.

“We had a good friendly game against Irish Rovers on Thursday in preparation for the Greeks,” said Grogan.

“It’s another big big game. We have played three of the top four teams in our first four games and it’s been a great barometer for us. I personally can’t wait for the game. Game day is the best day of the week by far.

“We have the squad to deal with a few injuries that we currently have. Concentration levels are key on Saturday.”

Rocks reserves will face what coach Dan Meola described as their “toughest test so far” in the 6pm kick-off.

“Every year, the Greeks have a highly competitive squad and this season is no different. They have had an unbeaten start to the season and are averaging close to five goals a game. It will be a statement game for both teams and one that we are looking forward to.”

The Shamrocks women’s teams will have a double header at St Michaels on Sunday with Shamrocks Green taking on NYC United at 11am and Shamrocks White playing Celtic Aces at 1pm.

Shamrocks Green are 2-0 thanks to a great 5-2 victory over Magic last Sunday and coach Paddy Geraghty has urged his players to keep the impressive run going.

“We have had tough games against United in the past,” said Geraghty. “If we bring the same level this week we’ll be hard to beat.”

Celtic Aces will be a tough challenge for Shamrocks White who are still seeking their first win of the season.

“We will be looking to rebound from two tough defeats,” said coach Keith Perez. “They are a good squad but we have the talent to match. I am hoping we rise to the occasion to bring in our first win.”

The late game on Sunday will see Beyond FC take on Shamrocks 1960 at Randalls Island Field 75 at 6pm.

“I’m looking forward to continuing our good run of form,” said coach Robbie O’Neill. “We’re playing a good Beyond FC side but we’ll be aiming to take another three points this weekend.”

The unbeaten Shamrocks Legends will head for Dyker Beach Park on Sunday morning to take on SC Gjoa.

“We always have a good battle with Gjoa and Dyker Beach Park is always a tough trip,” said John Riordan. “We’re missing a couple of key players in Ger Shivnan and Ryan Thompson but we added to the squad this week and we’ll approach the game positively.”

• Geraghty’s Green rout Magic
• Tough loss for firsts at Cedar Stars
• 1960 and Over 30s perfect through three
• Legends record first win of season

Georgia Frost was the standout player of the day on Sunday, her four goals helping Shamrocks Green roll past NY Magic on a 5-2 scoreline at East River Park.

Leslie Fajfar scored on her debut to ensure Paddy Geraghty’s team have started the league with two wins from two.

“A great win,” reacted Geraghty. “To beat the defending champions 5-2 while missing several starters and our goalkeeper took a massive effort and everyone stepped up.

“Probably the most satisfying win so far as a coach. We had quality debuts from Leslie Fajfar and Bridgette McCalla and a top performance from our midfield three with Georgia Frost scoring four goals.”

Earlier at the same venue, Shamrocks White lost 2-0 against Rovers.

“It was an unlucky result after the positive energy coming off the first game,” said coach Keith Perez. “We will be looking to bounce back from this loss.”

Meanwhile in CSL Division 1, it was also a tough day for Kevin Grogan’s first team who came out on the wrong end of a dominant 5-0 victory for Cedar Stars Academy at Ramapo College.

“We got beaten badly by a professional team but our season goals were neither achieved nor shattered,” said Grogan who will use Thursday night’s friendly against Long Island’s Irish Rovers to prepare for Saturday evening’s big game against the Greeks.

“It’s a long season. We win or we learn. On a positive note we got minutes for Steven Hutchison who is returning from a bad knee injury and we got Sam Huteson minutes too – he looks a real player. We also got Chris, Gabriel and Joey Zorbo minutes. We have an important two weeks ahead against the Greeks and Hoboken.”

There wasn’t much joy either in the reserves curtain raiser for Dan Meola for whom Darren Coleman’s penalty ultimately earned a draw after CSA’s late equalizer.

“Dominating the game and leaving with only a point was a tough pill to swallow,” said Meola.

“The lads controlled everything in the first half and should have been two up. A moment of loss in concentration allowed them to get back into the game but even from there we created the better chances. All in all, away to Cedar Stars, 9am Kickoff and only 12 men, we have a lot to be proud of. We are nowhere near our best and still difficult to beat. That bodes well for the weeks ahead.”

Both the 1960 and Over 30s teams have kept their perfect starts going.

Robbie O’Neill’s Metro 2 men secured another clean sheet as they overturned Barnstonworth Rovers 2-0 at Randall’s Island courtesy of goals from Hughie McGowan and Dan Meola.

“I’m delighted with the win,” said O’Neill. “It was a good competitive game. Special mention to Eric Doyle who pulled of some fantastic saves and also to Hughie McGowan who they had no answer for. The whole team played unbelievably well. We’re on to another tough game next Sunday evening against Beyond.”

It wasn’t easy for the Over 30s against CPR but a pair of goals for Johnny McGeeney early on in both halves ensured a valuable 2-1 win against a potential title rival.

“I was very happy to get the three points today against a very good and organized CPR team,” said assistant coach Paddy Mc Carry.

“They have three or four brilliant players and played well as a team. We were not at our full strength and we were missing a few big players. We did not play as well as we did the last two weeks but we got the three points and we are still unbeaten and have full points from three games.

“So a good day at the office – it’s a sign of a good team when you don’t play well and still get the win. The boys battled and fought for everything and got what they deserved.”

The Shamrocks Legends got their first win of the season on Sunday, a 2-1 win over Barnstonworth Old Boys at Randalls Island.

It was a come-from-behind victory which arrived courtesy of second half goals from Marcus Nascimento and Ryan Thompson.

“i couldn’t be happier with the win,” said John Riordan. “It wasn’t easy but we battled all the way to the end. We’re still getting used to each other but to be unbeaten after three games is a great start.

“Brilliant to have Ryan Thompson back and getting on the scoresheet and it was also a huge boost to have Brendan Donoghue returning as well.”

Shamrocks striker Kurt Cameron has been named player of the week by the Cosmopolitan Soccer League heading into Sunday morning’s daunting trip to New Jersey to take on league runners-up Cedar Stars Academy (Ramapo College Athletic Complex, 11am).

After a double against his old club Doxa last Sunday, Cameron now has three goals and will face the other form forwards in the league, Christopher Katona and Bledi Bardic.

“It definitely means a lot,” said Cameron, “because this league has a lot of great players. But getting the win is always more important. Cedar Stars are one of the hottest teams right now and we’ll have to bring our best game against them. We’re focused and will be ready to play for Sunday.”

The Shamrocks are joint top of the league with Pancyprians but Cedar Stars have only played one game – a 6-1 win demolition of Zum Schneider in week one – while also clinching the Rapaglia Cup last weekend.

“Sunday will be our hardest game so far,” said Coach Kevin Grogan.

“They have a squad full of professionals on loan. We can’t wait for that challenge because it allows our players to prove they are at that level. The NYCFC scout will be in attendance so it’s a chance for our players to showcase themselves. We have a good chemistry and team / club spirit at the moment and that counts for a lot on game day. Steady wins the race.”

It will be a 9am kick-off for the reserves who will face a team boasting an impressive streak of wins.

“Cedar Stars are growing into one of the elite teams in the CSL,” said Coach Dan Meola.

“Their first team has strengthened a great deal which means their reserves will have added quality as well. Last season, they won eight of nine to end the season and they have carried that form into this campaign. It will be a tough game, an early game, but the lads have to be up for it.”

Shamrocks 1960 have scored 12 goals in their first two games but gaffer Robbie O’Neill has cautioned his team against being over confident as they prepare to take on Barnstonworth Rovers on Sunday afternoon (Randalls 74, 2pm).

“We’re looking forward to the game but I believe it’ll be a tougher test for us,” said O’Neill.

The Over 30s can make it three from three if they overcome Central Park Rangers Old Boys in Sunday’s first game (Randalls 75, 8am). With a pair of victories each secured with a trio of goals, three is proving the magic number for Sean Mc Mullan’s men.

“We have had a strong start but we are very much focused on keeping the run going,” the Over 30s boss said.

It will be a Shamrocks double header at Randalls 75 with the Legends following the Over 30s at 10am, Barnstonworth Old Boys the opponents for John Riordan’s men.

“We have a few players back available to us which is encouraging,” said Riordan. “We are very much targeting that first win which would have us in great shape after three games.”

Meanwhile, in the Metropolitan Women’s Soccer League, Shamrocks White and Shamrocks Green will be at the newly revamped East River Park for games against Rovers (9am) and Magic (1pm) respectively.

“We always have a tough game against Magic and I’m sure this will be no different,” said Geraghty. “We are missing a few players too so it increases the challenge but it gives others a chance to prove themselves.”

• Howell double wins club derby for Shamrocks Green
• Cameron brace inspires come-from-behind D1 victory
• Rocks 1960 goal rush sinks Brooklyn North
• Over 30s make it two from two

Mikaela Howell scored twice for Shamrocks Green, one in each half, as the Rocks Women Derby ended in a 2-1 victory for the team in green at St Michaels on Sunday morning.

After Howell’s brilliant opener, Cassie Esposito leveled the game to 1-1 for the newly promoted Division B champions – now going by Shamrocks White – before Howell regained the lead for her team in the second half.

Shamrocks Green and White pictured before Sunday’s game (Photo credit Joe Zorbo)

“Both teams showed they can challenge for trophies this season,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “Our goal was to have two teams that could beat anyone on their day and we think we have that. It’s early days but a very positive performance by both teams today.”

Meanwhile, the men’s first team secured their second 3-1 win in a row to make it a 100% start for Kevin Grogan’s men.

Kurt Cameron scored a double either side of Dan Giorgi’s penalty after Doxa had taken a surprise lead.

Shamrocks first team pictured before their 3-1 win over Doxa (Credit: Kailey Walsh)

“It was a good three points but we need a lot of work as a team,” said Grogan.

“We played well in patches but we need more consistency and our passing needs to be tighter. Very happy to get Gabriel Vargas in for his Shamrocks debut. He is only 18 but he showed he has a good temperament.”

The Reserves won 4-0 in the curtain raiser. On the eve of his 30th birthday, Darren Coleman opened the scoring with a free kick while newly returned James Hudson scored twice and John McAleenan grabbed his first goal for the club.

“I couldn’t be happier for the lads after a tough night in front of goal last weekend,” said Dan Meola.

“It was an open game with a lot of chances coming our way. We were fortunate enough to take them and the scoreline could have been anything as the game went on. We move on to next week with good momentum and a good spirit.”

Meola was in free scoring form at the start of the day when his hat trick inspired Shamrocks 1960 to a 10-0 demolition of Brooklyn North in a Metro 1 clash at Bushwick Inlet Park.

The Shamrocks 1960 team that secured a 10-0 over Brooklyn North (Credit: John Riordan)

It was 4-0 at half-time thanks to an impressive brace from Cathal Monaghan which arrived between Hugh McGowan’s opener and Luke Kelly’s first strike for the Rocks.

There was no let up in the second half with Meola making it 5-0 after great work from Steve Hutchison, Kelly and McGowan. Steve Carlin and James Horan scored before Meola completed his hat trick. Joey Flynn capped a great performance with the tenth and final goal.

In the other early kick-off, Shamrocks Over 30s made it two from two thanks to a 3-0 victory over Manhattan Celtic Bhoys.

Brendan Smith opened the scoring after 22 minutes from an Aidan Morton assist before Neill Doran made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half after being set up by Johnny McGeeney. Man of the match Paddy Geraghty’s 70th minute header secured the three points and the flawless start to the season.

“Another good win,” said Sean Mc Mullan. “It was a good performance with a new formation.”

The Legends took a depleted squad to the Bronx for a late game against the Greek American Legends but managed a battling point in 1-1 tie.

John Riordan scored after 55 minutes to give his side a deserved lead but the Shamrocks were unlucky not to take all three points after the Greeks scored a 65th minute penalty.

“We could have had a great result but happy with the draw considering we were missing a lot of players,” said Riordan. “A lot to be encouraged by and we are really enjoying ourselves which is the main point!”

Sligo-based JAKO Ireland has become the new kit supplier for the NY Shamrocks.

With the Courtyard Ale House stepping up as main club sponsor, a fresh new jersey design will be worn by all seven teams when the 2018/19 season kicks off in ten days.

(CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SHAMROCKS ONLINE STORE AT JAKO)

The new Shamrocks kit worn by, from left, Teresa Ferraro-Gosse, Stephen Skonieczny and Zachary Gosse. (Photo credit: Eoin Sweeney)

Shamrocks Club President Teresa Brink welcomed the partnership with the sports apparel company whose HQ is in Germany. JAKO Ireland is latest in a long line of Top Quality German designed and engineered Team Wear brands.

“We recently launched the jersey at the annual Sunnyside Gardens and it proved a big hit,” said Brink of the recent JAKO unveiling (pronounced Yako).

“Our proud tradition of wearing green and white remains strong since 1960 and we are very excited to be associated with a growing company like JAKO.

“I want to also thank Pat Burke and the Courtyard Ale House for their continued support of our club and the entire committee is especially appreciative that our headquarters on Queens Boulevard has increased their sponsorship. We look forward to celebrating more great wins there in the near future!”

From left, Mark Roche, Teresa Ferraro-Gosse, Stephen Skonieczny, Colleen Kavanagh and Zachary Gosse. (Photo credit: Eoin Sweeney)

There will continue to be two alternative kits, black and white, while the ‘RW CEATHAIR DÉAG’ design remains as an ongoing commemoration of the late Robbie Walsh who passed away in November 2016. The Keith Buckley design features the Irish translation of Robbie’s retired number, 14: ceathair déag.

“Jako Ireland are proud to be partners with NY Shamrocks for the 2018/2019 Season,” said Nick Broujos, CEO at JAKO Ireland. “The Shamrocks Committee impressed us with their commitment and passion towards developing the club. They are the flagship team in the area and a vibrant part of the community. As with all our clubs, we cannot wait to see the Shamrocks teams and fans wearing our customized JAKO products for this season.”

At present JAKO is the number one team wear brand in Germany where Soccer is the number 1 sport. With seven different Teamlines that have nearly every color combination, JAKO Ireland offer clubs a product that will make their members stand out in a crowd. JAKO Ireland keep 95% of their products in the Catalogue in stock at a huge Team Centre Warehouse to deliver every team order right away.

https://www.jako.ie/shop-by-team/ny-shamrocks-sc-official-merchandise

For more information on any jersey or other kit sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Paddy Geraghty at (917) 560-4114