First Team
The first team lost to first place Cedar Stars Academy by a score of 3-0, despite not having a goalie. After a series of unfortunate events starting with Bernie moving back to Australia, and all other keepers being away or injured, the Kickers took the field against the first division leaders with the New Jersey version of Jorge Campos Jake Mann between the pipes. The Kickers defended much of the first half, getting lucky a few times, but also getting forward a few times of their own, and went into halftime only down 1-0, the lone goal sneaking by Jake's outstretched hand. The Kickers started the second half with more energy, transitioning better between defense, midfield and the two forwards. The Kickers would give up a second goal on a small blunder on their own defensive line, but spent the middle 20 minutes of the second half counter-attacking well, earning many free kicks around the 18-yard box. Cedar Stars ultimately tapped in a loose ball around the 85th minute to put the game out of reach, but a resilient first team will take away many positives competing for 90 minutes against one of the top amateur teams in the nation.
Second Team
The Second team battled Cedar Stars Reserves but came up short, falling 2-1. They also played without a goalie, and club legend DJ Stewart stepped in goal to keep the game close and competitive throughout.
Over-30 Legends
It was a beautiful night for the beautiful game. Scott Conti was clearly inspired as he single-handedly took Barnstonworth Vets to the cleaners with his hat-trick. Scott scored with a volley and two headers, his three goals complemented by Dylan Dodd's sizzling first time finish and Jesse Vozick's give-and-go with Gilad Bloom in the box to make it 5-0 for Kickers Legends by half-time. The passing was crisp and sublime and in the first half, looked like that other City team that plays in Light blue. Second half was not as pretty as Barnstonworth Vets rallied to take more control of the game and the Legends slacked off, but John Balson ended his goal drought for the Kickers' 6th goal. Tim Petersen, with a rare appearance in goal, kept a clean sheet with a couple of good saves and Scott Conti then added to the "Best Game of His Life" by stepping into goal, and making a save from a lobbing shot. Legends stay top of the table with this win, and has the chance to confirm a playoff spot as early as the next game with a win.
Over-30 Premier
The Kickers Over-30 Premier picked up a good win on the grass at Randall's #81 vs. the Brooklyn Gunners. Ardian Hasko (MVP Honorable Mention), scored in the 2nd minute, assist from Nick Bill. Then (MVP) Seamus Kelly took over and scored the next four goals for the Kickers (10th, 50th, 70th, 80th minutes, Ardian, Khouri, Khouri, Colin on the assists). Brooklyn would get two back on miscommunications in the backline. There were nervous moments, but this match was never really in question.