9/23 Game Recaps

First Team

The Kickers first team suffered their first loss of the season, losing 4-2 to Stael Maelic. The Kickers started slow, went down 1-0, but eventually crawled back to a 2-1 lead after a beautiful volley from Brian Morris and a cross played across the box ricocheted off the foot of a defender and into the net. For the last third of the game, the Kickers failed to press high up the field and allowed a mediocre opposing midfield to turn half-chances into three soft goals, and steal three important points.

Second Team

The first half was dominated with composed possession for the Kickers. Stal Mielec pretty much allowing free movement through the midfield made for some nice Kicker combinations. However the combination play would always break down in the final third as a result of overpassing and no shots. The second half continued with strong pressure on the Stal back line with more shots on goal. The Kickers breakthrough happened on a free kick from 40 yards out 10 minutes into the second half. Jared H. hit a driven ball to the back post connecting with returning Kickers legend Michael Kahn, who was able to head the cross back to the far post of the goal. Pressure was kept on as 2 minutes after the opening goal, co-coach/player David won the ball wide in the Stal half. He was able to drive the ball to the goal line and provide a low cross back to the top of the box where Tommy was positioned to have a pass in goal and put the kickers 2-0 up. It must be said that kickers intensity dropped momentarily after the second goal. Stal’s only goal of the game came as a result of a (very avoidable) goalie error. Chris passed back to fill in keeper who picked the pass with his hands. Stal took advantage and took a quick free kick to score. The Kickers kept composure and were able to utilize the wings to feed crosses into the box. One of those crosses was spilled by Stal’s keeper and pushed in by Jared L.

Over-30 Premier

The Kickers started with 11-players with several players playing out of position. Hoboken had time and space in the midfield most of the first half taking shots from inside the 18 with nary a defender in sight to prevent the easy look at goal. Hoboken punished the Kickers four times in the first half, we looked lifeless. The only answer the Kickers had in the first 45 minutes was a nice service ball from Marko (Honorable Mention) to Nick Bill (MVP) for the convincing strike.

In the Second Half, the Kickers showed some they had life. When newcomer Niccoslo Ball, crossed it into the box where Nick Bill headed it home. A few minutes later, Marko Loncar would hit the free kick strike from 30 yards out to the low post and the Kickers were back in it. A few minutes later, Marko would strike home the PK equalizer after Hoboken was called for a hand-ball in the box. The come-back was complete. Our confidence was up and a few minutes later, Nick Bill's thrown-in would be headed home by Seamus Kelly for the go-ahead goal. The Kickers were on-top of it again with 10 minutes to go. But those 10 minutes were precarious as Hoboken pushed forward and had several quality looks at goal. Ulrich Lehmann was steady down the stretch between the pipes until the 89th minute when Hoboken caught the Kicker defense on the back foot and slipped the equalizer to the back post and that's the way it ended (5-5).

In spite of the courageous come back, we feel like we left points on the field. With one or two more quality players, this match would have tilted the Kickers way. With all the injuries and missing starters from our run at the Cup last season, we are not a complete team and need to find a way to get points when the opportunity is there for the taking.

Over-30 Legends

Kickers Legends managed a resounding victory over 0-39s debutant, and former 0-30s Champions, NYGreek Americans today at new home ground Bush Terminals, recording a 6-1 win. Although the first half was a frustrating affair with the skillful and well organized Greek Americans parking the bus well to deny Legends any goals in the first 40 minutes. Jesse Vozick surging forward from center back position had three excellent chances denied by the surprisingly agile if rotund keeper; two diving headers and an open goal. It was left to Dylan to open scoring with a 40 yard daisy cutter to give Legends to slim lead at the half. But the Greek American spell was broken and Legends poured in the goals.John Balson started the rout in the 3rd minute of restart, lobbing the keeper from close range. Kevin followed up with a cracker of a first time shot from the top of the box off a one-two with Scott. Joe did not miss on being slipped in by Yadh. Wale curled one into the right, and then finished another on the line, magnanimously conceding it to Yadh, whose placed shot was creeping in anyway. Greek Americans managed to get a consolation goal through a well placed free kick that fell fortunately to their striker. Final score 6-1. All played well with special mention to Dave Stopforth in midfield, and the return of John Slover.

Three Wins and a Wild One at Pier 40 - 9/16 Kickers Recaps

First Team

The Kickers first team got their second win in two games against an organized and energetic FC Japan side. Over 90 minutes, the Kickers created the majority of the chances, while Japan spent most of the game defending without creating anything near the Kickers' goal, save for a few set pieces. It took until the second half for the Kickers to break through when Jesus sent a quick turnaround shot toward the back post that found the back of the net. From there, Brian Morris broke through the defense and slipped a ball around the keeper to make it 2-0, then found the foot of Almir on a low cross across the 6-yard box for the Kickers’ third. In the last few minutes, with space open all over the pitch, Fooki dribbled around the goalie and slotted home from a tight angle to make it 4-0.

Second Team

The Kickers came out victorious with a 3-0 defeat over FC Japan Saturday evening. The Kickers set up with their best ball winners occupying the midfield to capitalize on the sloppy possession from the opponents. As expected, the game began frenetically, with plenty of possession turnover. The Kickers dominated what possession there was to have, but the breakthrough came on a turnover pounced on by Dennis, who rounded the keeper and squared it to Aussie Danny for an easy tap-in. This took the Kickers into halftime with a 1-0 lead.

The Kickers started the second half sharper, but again their next goal game from a turnover high up the field. Again, Dennis latched onto a lose ball that ricocheted off Pat's head, and this time buried the chance himself.

The last goal was rewarded after waves of Kicker attacks. After a bit of chaos on the box, the ball came wide to Pat who volleyed a square cross to Michael Kahn, on his return debut after a year and a half out injured, who lashed it into an open net from close range.

Over-30 Premier

Due to the previous game running behind, the Kickers Premier Over-30 started late vs. Celtic Legends at Pier 40. They played a full, 45-minute first half but only 20 minutes of the second half because another group showed up with a legal permit. At this point they were behind 4-2. The other group walked out onto the field in the middle of the game—which was still in full action—and refused to let us finish the final 20-25 minutes. After about 10 minutes of discussion, the referee decided to suspend the match. This result of the game will be sent to the league arbiter and the Kickers are expecting a full match replay.

Over-30 Legends

Kickers Legends’ new campaign got kick started by today’s 7-3 drubbing of reigning champions Doxa FC Legends.

In the first few minutes, returning vet David Stopforth’s first touch of the ball slid it across the penalty box for Wale Bakare to score, also with his first touch of the ball. Wake would score again minutes later by rounding the keeper after out running the champions’ back four. Christian Huguenot would add a third in the 15th minute to stamp Legends’ dominance. Some complacent passing in the back gave the ball up for a Doxa screamer to put them on the scoreboard. But the chaotic Doxa keeper soon allowed the ball to run under his feet, to be slotted into an open net by Joe Whiteman. Lax defending would cause the Kickers to concede a second goal for a halftime score of 4-2.

With sun and wind now at their backs, Legends resumed play in second half with strong possession, allowing Scott Conti all the time in the world to lob the Doxa keeper. Miscommunication between reassigned centerback Wale and Bruce would give up the third and final goal, before Wale made amends by first timing a corner kick cross into the Doxa net for his well deserved hat trick. Christian would end the day by stealing the ball from a surprised defender for his second and Legends’ seventh. Final score 7-3.

New Season, New Kickers - 9/9 Game Recaps

First Team

Back in the second division, the Kickers first team looked to set the tone for the Fall season, with ambitious goals after a disappointing end of the first division Spring season. That plan got off to a rocky start, as the Kickers went down 2-0 to NY Ukraine, who caught the Kickers defense off guard on a cross for the first goal, and a tough handball call in the box awarded them a penalty kick.

The Kickers changed things around a bit, perhaps used to defending for much of last season, and aggressively pushed forward on the attack, winning loose balls in the opponent's half, and putting each other in better positions to score. It paid off. The Kickers scored 5 unanswered goals, 3 by Brian Morris alone. Things got a bit hectic toward the end of the game but the Kickers defense did all it needed to keep the team out of any real danger. Final score: 5-2 win.

Second Team

The Kickers second team lost 2-0 in unfortunate circumstances. They hit the bar three times, moved the ball well and kept NY Ukraine mostly pinned with their backs to goal for the entire second half. Unfortunately, the soccer gods were cruel on this day to the reserves.

Over-30 Premier

The Over-30 Premier lost to their rivals 3-1. The score was not indicative our how the game went. Both teams were sloppy with ball, but it was the Shamrocks that took advantage of a Kicker turnover in the 10th minute to hit the perfect strike to the back post from 10 yards out to take the lead 1-nil. The Kickers would respond on a great finish by Nick Bill in the 25th minute. Both teams had opportunities but nothing to show for it at halftime.  

The second half was much of the same. Injuries to Khouri and Seamus meant the Kickers were playing a man down for nearly 25 minutes of the second half. In the 70th minute, the Rocks would earn a corner and would find a man unmarked on the back post to flick the header home and take the 2-1 lead. The Kickers would get the opportunity just five minutes later to even the match when the referee called for the hand ball in the box, but Adrian's PK was saved by the Shamrock keeper and with it the momentum went out of the Kicker sails. In the 80th minute, the Rocks would get one more when the free kick would catch the Kicker defense napping and the subsequent pinball would get knocked around the box before finding the back of the net. 

Over-30 Legends

The Kickers Over-30 Legends gave up a freaky goal in first 10 minutes, then dominated and pressed for the rest of the game but struggled to connect in wet, slippery conditions. Eventually, they lost 0-1 to CPR Legends. 

First Team Wins 3-1, Over-30 Premier Wins 1-0

First Team

On a foggy, slick Saturday night on Randall's Island, the Kickers first team jumped out head of NY Shamrock SC for a 2-0 lead at halftime. The first goal was scored when Jake Mann beat a defender and whipped a shot off the near post that found the feet of Lucas Shanks alone in the box who neatly slotted the ball home. Just before halftime, the Kickers were rewarded a penalty for a handball on a cross, which Bryan Baracaldo converted to go up 2-0. In the second half, the Kickers did a bit of defending, eventually conceding a penalty on a debatable handball of their own, and Shamrock pulled it back to a one-goal game. Just as the Kickers were looking to let their lead slip away, a corner kick skipped off the head of Chris Smith and onto the head of Mokrane Ait Belkacem waiting on the back post. At 3-1, the Kickers were able to kill off the remaining 10 minutes with possession and secure three much-needed points.

Over-30 Premier

The Kickers Over-30 Premier faced the Manhattan Celtic Bhoys tonight for a place in the League Cup Finals. In the 5th minute Ardian Hasco found Khouri Mullings with the square ball through the penalty area and this time, Khouri found the back of the net. As it would turn-out, that is all the scoring the Kickers would get in this match. But, that was also all the scoring the Kickers would need as Team Defense would take center stage the rest of the way. Celtic was limited to shots from distance which Fitzgerald was able to hold too as the Kickers held onto the victory.

5/13 Game Recaps - Tough Loss For First Team, Top Spot For Over-30 Premier

First Team

The Kickers first team lost a hard fought match against NYAC 2-0. A swerving volley put NYAC up 1-0 but the game remained mostly tight until the 80th minute when an unfortunate miscommunication saw the ball distributed to the feet of a NYAC striker who easily slotted home the second goal, and stole any hope the Kickers had of tying the game and stealing a point.

Over-30 Premier

When the Kickers Premier started an Over-30 team 10 years ago, winning Division titles and playing in Championship games was a right of passage  In last few years however, it's been nothing short of a struggle and disappointment (last season not even making the playoffs).  This season is different. With the infusion of new players (Filip, Marko, Mike, John, Aaron, Seamus), the Team is playing like the Premier side of old. Today was no different.  

Facing our bitter divisional rivals (the NY Shamrocks), the Kickers Premier needed a win or draw to claim the title but we knew this was no easy task, the Shamrocks are a quality side (representing the CSL in the NY State O-30 Cup Final vs. Germania of the EDSL). In the 5th minute, the Rocks would get the first look at goal, as a looping service ball found the feet of Riley on the 6-yard line. But Riley's one-touch strike was saved away by FitzGerald.  

The rest of the match would be a back and forth affair with both sides having opportunities but nothing to show for it. The Kickers best chance came on the 80th minutes when Ardian squared the ball just inside the penalty area to Khouri for a one touch strike to the corner but the Shamrocks GK anticipated well and got down for the save. The Rocks would get one more quality look inside the six yard line (85th minute) but the point blank shot hit FitzGerald squarely in the chest and when FitzGerald claimed the follow-up volley, the Rocks threat was over. 

This is how the match ended and how the Kickers claimed the top spot in the division.

No Contest for First and Second Team, Over-30s Split

First and Second Team

The Kickers first and second team both scrimmaged Zum Schneider on Randall's Island on Saturday night—a win and a loss, respectively—though since no referees showed up, the games will have to be replayed.

Over-30 Legends

Kickers Legends beat Barnstonworth Old Boys 2-1 with goals from Scott Conti and Christian to clinch the Division lead going into playoffs.

Over-30 Premier

Kickers Over-30 Premier lost 1-0, suffering their first loss of the season. The Kickers were hard pressed to score a goal in this one, GK Mike Fitzgerald made several incredible saves to give his any team hope at all.

Kickers Play Goalkeeper Shuffle: First/Seconds Lose, Both Over-30s Win

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. 
 

Reserves Move On In Midweek State Cup Tie

MKFC Reserves 4 - 0 Manhattan Celtic Reserves

After several days of administrative buffoonery, the Manhattan Kickers finally stepped out onto the field against the Manhattan Celtic Reserves to play a long-awaited make-up match at Randall’s Island’s field 75, on a temperate mid-week evening. The match began evenly, with the Kickers, of the First Division, holding the ball well and creating some dangerous chances. Despite moving the ball well, the Celtics seemed to putter out in the offensive third, cheaply giving away possession at the crucial moment. When the Kickers made the breakthrough mid-way through the first half from excellent wing play, the Celtic heads began to drop. That is not to say that it went all the Kickers’ own way. Had the Celtic been slightly more clinical in the opening stages, the game could have gone quite differently. By the time Almir collected his second goal of the game, off of an incisive central pass, the game started to look more and more like a possible rout. As tensions continued to build within the Celtic team, late tackles began flying in, leading the Kickers to take an equally assertive position. Through a little poor match management, the referee conspired to create an outright hostile situation, with Celtics players showing studs and exaggerating contact all overt the pitch. Both teams were lucky to go in at half time without any major injuries. The second half started much like the first, with the Kickers keeping their shape and defending strongly against an impotent Celtic frontline. When Tommy scored a wonder chip from deep in the left corner, roughly at the edge of the 18-yard box, it became clear that the Celtics were unlikely to make much of a comeback. By the time the fourth goal scored by Fabrizio Lepiz went in, though, the Kickers lost sight of their shape, and had to withstand wave after wave of tepid, Celtic fury. With the game ending 4-0, the Kickers must look ahead to the next round, while the Celtics can rest easily knowing that, at least in this universe, the result was never likely to go any other way.

3/25 Recaps: First Team/Second Team Stumble, Premier Win, Legends Tie

First Team

The first team tied CPR 0-0 on Sunday night at Randall's Island, taking only a point from a game where they could have really used all three.

Reserves

The Kickers reserves battled tired legs and some uncharacteristic defending against a few tricky opposing players and ultimately fell 6-0 to CPR reserves.

Over-30 Premier

With CPR Orange only fielding 9 players, this was going to be an easy one for the Kickers.  The only questions was- how many goals would we score? Aaron Vernnand got the scoring started in the 18th minute. Seamus Kelly took over and scored at hat-trick (25th min, 60th min, 85th min).  CPR would not get a single shot on goal all game.

Over-30 Legends

Kickers Legends were rusty at the outset and were not able to keep possession well, while SC Gjoa had a more controlled game. However, there was little threat to Guillermo in goal as the back four of Dave, Kevin, Jesse and Tim staved off the SC Gjoa offense easily. Kickers created few chances until the 44th minute when Christian Huguenot put his head down at the top of the box and booted in a dipping shot into the lower right corner out of reach of the diving keeper. A great goal for the lead. 

Legends, having shaken off the rust, started the second half very confidently and kept SC Gjoa pinned in their own half for the entire first 15 minutes before a counter-attack by Gjoa, which was stopped in the box resulted in a dubious penalty call. Against the tide, SC Gjoa equalized from the spot. 

Legends would press for the win, but Gjoa’s defense was well packed, and their speedy counter kept Kickers on their toes for a nail-biting end of the game, when points were shared.

A Win and a Win and a Draw - 3/18 Game Recaps

First Team

The Kickers first team took a point from Doxa SC in a cold, windy game that could have went handily in either direction. The Kickers were on the unfortunate side of a questionable penalty kick in the middle of the first half and had to dig their way out of a 1-0 hole. Late in the first half Brian Morris scored a turnaround volley to tie the score at 1-1. With the wind at their backs, the Kickers pressed forward, creating numerous chances around the box but lacking the final finish in all instances. The Kickers spent much of the 2nd half on their heels, but luckily the Doxa SC attackers were equally as poor in front of goal and couldn't find the game winning goal.

MOTM: Mokrane Ait Belkacem

Second Team

In one of the best performances of the season, the Reserve team got revenge the Doxa Reserves. Having faced the Kickers in the first split when they could only muster 10 players after a horrendous injury to Rodney Laveau, the Doxa Reserves seemed to come into the game expecting a similarly easy game, sitting back and allowing the Kickers to play. With plenty of time and space, the Kickers thrived, with the central midfielders thriving in particular, spreading the play and running Doxa ragged. Plenty of chances were created only to be stopped either by the referees questionable offsides calls or by our own mistakes. A good passage of play lead to Antonio Ruiz bursting through down the middle with the defenders grasping at any opportunity to stop him. Unfortunately, the only opportunity to do so was literally grabbing him, and down Antonio went, earning a penalty which designated penalty kicker Almir Hot dispatched with ease. Unfortunately for the Kickers this was not the only penalty decision in the game with one of the few Doxa attacks ending in a powerful if mistimed challenge by Fabrizio Lepiz. There was renewed vigor and urgency from the Kickers and specifically Fabrizio, determined to make amends in the second half when he barreled into and through his defender (legally) before laying a perfect cross onto the boot of Jared Lichtarge to power into the gaping net to earn the Kickers a comfortable 2-1 win.

MOTM: Jonas Jensen

Over-30 Premier

Same team, same time, same place and nearly the same result. The Kickers opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Seamus Kelly found Ardian Hasko for the nice finish. The Kickers would hit the post twice and keep the pressure on the opposition. Hoboken, with the help of a 20 mile an hour wind at their backs would get a few good looks of their own, but the defense lead by Filip Loncar and Mike Zaborki held them at bay.  In the 30th minute, Hoboken broke through but FitzGerald would get a "bear-paw" on it to push the shot aside. In the 52nd minute, Ardian would find Nick Bill for nifty flick to take the 2-nil lead.  In the 60th minute, Ardian would pay one back to Seamus, who would score for the 3rd goal of the match. In the 80th minute, Nick Bill would return the favor to Ardian for his 2nd goal of the match. With today's victory, the Kickers moved back ahead of the Shamrocks by 2 points and still have a game in hand.

MOTM: Ardian Hasko
 

SPRING KICKOFF - 3/11 Game Recaps

First Team

The Manhattan Kickers first team played the late game Sunday night vs. NY Greek Americans at Met Oval. The Kickers fielded a mixed lineup of new and old players, and managed not only to stay with the Greeks, but keep them on their heels and defending for much of the first half. A lack of execution in the final third kept the Kickers off the board, and the game was there to take away. Early in the second half, the Greeks scored back to back goals on weak shots that were deflected into the net by defending Kickers, and first team would eventually lose 4-0 to open the Spring portion of the season.

Second Team

In a game of two Almirs, Manhattan Kickers FC Reserves came from 2-0 down to grab a dramatic 2-2 tie against NY Greeks, on a brisk and clear Sunday evening at the Metropolitan Dome. The opening stages unfolded with the Greeks on the front foot. With five at the Back, The Kickers seemed like a team negotiating a promising but complicated formation. Despite several excellent opportunities for the Kickers, the Greeks capitalized on some exceptional build-up play of their own, and scored two quick goals. With the game firmly in hand, the Greeks took their foot off of the gas, killing the game off slowly without creating any clear chances. Meanwhile, the Kickers kept up a high energy counter attack but simply could not find the finishing touch. By halftime, the Kickers reasonably felt like the score did not reflect the balance of chances. Starting the second half by switching to 4-4-2, the Kickers attacking prowess began to pay off. Early in the second half, Almir had an guilt-edged chance to put the Kickers within touching distance, but he fluffed his lines and sent the ball just over the bar. But, with the unwavering confidence of Harry Kane, Almir just a few minutes later managed to exploit a high press; in the center of the pitch, he intercepted a truly awful pass across the back line. With the keeper in the soccer equivalent of No Man's Land, Almir effortlessly curled the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. The Greeks, who had been pretty confident up until this point, began to implode. Simple passes started going out of bounds; tackles missed entirely; the coach's blood pressure entered into the red zone. With one wave of pressure after the next and little support from the midfield, the Kickers created one chance after another. Eventually, their left back made a crucial error, losing his marker at the decisive moment. In an attempt to recover, he sprinted back towards his goal, only to be nutmegged by a pass from the right mid to the overlapping Jared Hirschowitz. Out of frustration and impulsiveness, he bumbled into the player, right inside the box. The referee did not hesitate before pointing directly to the spot. Almir, having just scored, marched to the spot, as the opposition bench howled and cursed at the official. In a matter of steps, the score was tied, Almir completed his heroic pathway to redemption. The ensuing ten minutes led to a series of opportunities that could have easily sealed the game for the Kickers. It's a shame that there wasn't just a bit more time, because the Greeks seemed much more likely to boot the ball into their own net than they did to score a winner. All said, 2-2 felt like a fair result, with both teams walking away with lots to build upon.

Over-30 Premier

Marko opened the scoring in the 12th minute after a nice build up from Seamus and Alex Petrovic.  Ardian followed 3 minutes later from some nifty give and go with Marko.  In the 25th minute, Anton earned the PK and Khouri converted to make it 3-nil.  David Reischfield would make it four just before half-time on some nice build up play from Anton and Khouri. Hoboken would see a little daylight but with some good defense, strong hands by FitzGerald and some poor execution from Hoboken the opponent was kept off the score sheet.  Hoboken pressed in the second half, the Kickers held strong and added one more for good measure when Mike Zabroski took the ball down the line and squared it too Seamus Kelly for the tap-in for the 5th and final goal.

Week of November 4th Results

First Team

On Sunday, The Kickers first team lost in disappointing fashion to Central Park Rangers. Despite a strong roster, the Kickers lacked an energy going forward and created little to no offense. Central Park Rangers scored once in the first half on a defensive miscommunication, and again in the second half during a scramble in the box, for a final score of 2-0.

Two days later, the Kickers first team traveled to Tibbitts Park in Yonkers to face Lansdowne Bhoys in the rain for a 3rd consecutive game. Lansdowne found space all over the field, amassing a 4-0 lead by halftime and converting on nearly every opportunity. The Kickers would fight back in a much closer contested second half, even sneaking forward for a goal of their own, but would ultimately fall 6-1 to the league leaders.

Second Team

The Kickers reserves suffered a demoralizing 4-0 loss due to lack of intensity, seemingly having lost their style of play they had developed throughout the Fall season.

Over-30 Premier

In the 5th minute, CPR would pounce on the ball at the top of the penalty area and strike one by FitzGerald for the 1-nil lead. That lead was short lived when (MVP) Ardian Hasko took the pass from Aaron Vennard and put it away for the early equalizer. 10 minutes later, Khouri Mullings (Honorable Mention) found Ardian for his second score of day. But CPR would find some daylight of their own just inside the penalty area to bring the match even once again (30th minute). Just before half-time, the silky combination play of Seamus Kelly to Khouri Mullings and the square ball to Alex Petrovic for what would be the game winner (35th min), ended the scoring at half-time.

Filip Loncar opened the scoring in the second half, putting one away from the Nick Bill throw-in (50th min). Seamus Kelly would get one of his own in the 55th minute from Alex Petrovic. Mike Zorborski put one past the CPR goaltender from Filip Loncar in the 60th minute. Khouri Mullings would finish the scoring on the day with two more goals (70th & 80th) both assists from Ardian Hasko. The Kickers O-30 Premier would cruise to the final 8-2 score.

Over-30 Legends

Legends continue to top their Division despite losing games, this one being 4th in the negative streak. Barely fielding a starting 11, Legends took the lead from a Jesse Vozick header. Celtics Masters came back with a top right corner strike, and then countered successfully to go 2-1 up at half-time. Without any subs, Legends struggled to make much headway, and conceded another in an unlucky corner. Final score 3-1 to the opponents. 

Everyone Slips, First Team Slides - 10/19 Recaps

First Team

The Kickers first team failed to convert a number of chances in the first half in the heavy rains on Sunday evening at St. John's University. Down 1-0 in the second half, the Kickers ran out of gas against a disciplined and patient Pancyprian Freedom team and ultimately lost 3-0.

Second Team

The Kickers reserves won a thrilling 2-1 win in the ridiculous conditions at St. John's University, holding off Pancyprian Freedom for the majority of the game and finding a late winner.

Over-30 Premier

The weather was the great equalizer as the Kickers were unable to play their typical ball control game. Khouri Mullings scored a PK in the 20th, but Megas pounced on the loose ball in the box and equalize shortly after. Marko Loncar scored a brilliant strike in the 30th minute, and again Megas found a strike of their own inside the penalty area to equalize before half. Khouri Mullings scored his second PK in the 50th minute, and Megas, yet again, pounced on a rebound in the 65th minute, and the game ended 3-3.

Over-30 Legends

Kickers Legends showed up thin against the #2 team in the other division and played competitively for the first half, missing an opportunity to take the lead when an open goal chance was tapped over the cross bar from two feet out. That missed opportunity would be punished in the second half when a miscommunication by the center backs resulted in the opposing striker getting behind the defense and slot home the opening goal for America FC 1927. Kickers Legends pressed and missed another opportunity in the goalmouth in the slick conditions, as well as hitting the bar twice. A soft penalty call on a collision in the box gave them an PK, which they converted, and ran away with the 2-0 win. Kickers Legends stay on top of the Division despite dropping points.

Quiet Kickers Weekend - 10/22 Game Recaps

First Team

The Kickers first team did not play this weekend. They are back in action vs. Pancyprian Freedom next Sunday on Randall's Island.

Second Team

The Kickers reserves fought hard against Lansdowne Bhoys reserves on Saturday afternoon up in Yonkers, but were unable to tally in a 3-0 defeat to one of the top teams in the league.

Over-30 Premier

The Kickers Over-30 Premier took care of the 3rd place CPR Orange at Grand Street, affectionally know as "the beach" (because of all the sand). Khouri Mullings started the scoring in the 10th minute on the assist from MVP Ardian. Ardian followed with three straight goals before half time (15th from Russ, 20th from Marko, 30th from Marko).  

In the second half, it was all Kickers. Khouri scored again in the 50th minute on an assist from Marko, Alex Petrovic scored in the 65th minute and Khouri scored again from a free kick in the 80th, capping off the 7-0 victory for the Kickers. There was nothing much for FitzGerald to do in this match as the stellar defense kept CPR off the score sheet helping to maintain the best goal differential in the division.

Over-30 Legends

The Over-30 Legends suffered a 4-2 loss at the hands of Cozmoz.

State Cup Forfeits, O-30s Split - 10/15 Game Recaps

First Team

The Manhattan Kickers first team advanced to the next round of the Manning Cup after NY Polet had to forfeit because their roster blew away in the wind and they could not find a new one until the ref had already called the match. This is not a joke. This really happened.

Second Team

The Manhattan Kickers second team also advanced on a forfeit because their opponent could not field a roster.

Over-30 Premier

The previous undefeated Cosmoz held their own against the Kickers Over-30 Premier in the first half at Buswhick Terminal Park in Brooklyn. The Kickers were the more dominate side, but Cozmoz had their opportunities. Then in the 39th minute, Ardian found pay-dirt on the cross from Colin O'Banion. Up 1-nil at halftime, this was still anybody's game.

Early in the second half, Filip Loncar (MVP) hit home on the assist from Mo Osman. Then in the 51st minute Cosmoz were awarded a PK. FitzGerald held his line and made the save. The tide turned and the spirited Kickers secured a PK of their own when Ardian drew the penalty and Khouri Mullings (53rd) converted. From that point forward the Kickers opened up the scoring; Khouri from Marko (64th), Filip from Nick (71st), Marko's beautiful strike (73rd min). The Cosmoz would get one back on a counter in the 85th but the Kickers would respond in the 89th with Filip Loncar completing the hat-trick.

Over-30 Legends

CPR Gray were a competent enough team, with their number 11 the main play maker, which the Legends found out when he was left with enough time to open scoring from distance (30 yards), lobbing Guillermo. The Legends did manage to threaten but not convincingly, as both sides created few chances. Yadh had a great run into the box that would have given the Legends the equalizer, but the keeper got a hand to it. The first half should have ended like that, but CPR Grays capitalized effectively on a soft backward pass to counter down the right, feeding an unmarked forward for their second goal just before the half-way mark. Two down, but with new resolve, Kickers Legends came out strong in the second half with formation changed to 3-5-2 and around the 55th minute, executed some classy passing that started with Kevin and ended with a DJ cross to Joe to nod in the start of the comeback. Kickers Legends continued to press for the equalizer and it finally came at the 75th minute from John’s deflected shot. At 2-2 and 15 minutes to play, CPR Grays pushed forward and caught them thin in the back, and scored two goals in which an offside player was involved. The Kickers Legends 2017 cup campaign was over, losing 4-2, and their focus shifted back to the league.  

First Team Stumbles, O-30s Thrive - Match Day 10/8

First Team

The first team battled hard against an organized NY Shamrock club and nearly came away with a draw, but a roster disparity and some questionable officiating ensured the Kickers would be handed a frustrating 2-1 loss instead. It was the Kickers who got on the board first, when a booming punt from GK Bernie Sheary skipped over the heads of the Shamrock defense and was headed over the goalie by Brian Morris. The Kickers would take the 1-0 lead into the second half, despite defending most of the game. Later in the second half, the referee awarded an indirect free kick after a deflected ball was ruled to be an intentional back pass, which Shamrock converted to tie the game at one. Shamrock would nab another goal from a set piece when a corner kick was headed back across the goal toward another attacker who nodded the ball into the net. The game could have ended 3-1, but GK Bernie Sheary made an amazing save on a penalty shot, unjustly awarded after a 50/50 collision in the air. The Kickers first team compete in the first round of the State Cup next weekend.

Second Team

The Reserves struggled to connect through the midfield on the wet pitch as it rained heavily in the first half. Managed to stay sound defensively until around the 35th minute, where we lost the ball at midfield and were subject to a counter attack. NY Shamrock outnumbered us heading into the box and Jared Hirschowitz was forced to make a tackle that resulted in a penalty. 1-0 at the half.

Within the first few minutes of the second half, NY Shamrock crossed a ball high over our keeper and made its way to the head of a trailing runner to put them up 2-0. The Reserves began to pay better as the second half progressed, stringing more passes together and producing more opportunities on goal, but the 2-0 deficit was too far away from us as we could not produce a goal. 2-0 loss on the day. 

Over-30 Premier

7 minutes in and the Kickers Premier were up 3-nil on goals from Khouri Mulling (Ardian assist), Nick Bill (unassisted), Filip Loncar (unassisted). In the first half, Brooklyn managed just one shot on target, straight at GK Mike FitzGerald, and one through ball which FitzGerald also snuffed out. The defense handled the pressure and kept Brooklyn off balance. By halftime, the Kickers made it 4-nil on Khouri's second (assisted from Marco).  

The Kickers took their foot off the pedal after a goal from Adrian and allowed Brooklyn to find space inside the penalty area where they nicked one off the post, bringing the score to 5-1.  Nick Bill would restore the five goal lead with another assist from Marco., and that's the way it ended.

Kickers O-30 Legends

The Kickers Legends got off to a shaky start vs. Doxa as their speed and apparent youth in their attack denied Legends their normal calm and possession in the first 10 minutes. But  Kevin, Jesse, Dave and DG showed they were up to the task of containing the Doxa threat. John opened the scoring around 20 minutes, and Yadh came on to assist Gilad with a settling second goal. In the second half, after taking a breather, Joe came back on to stun the Doxa chattering sideline with a solo slaloming effort into the box. The Kickers still had to endure a few scares, but Fitz showed safe hands, and with the game secured. Later, the Kicker Legends played some pretty team football, missing several chances, until DJ showed his true winger pedigree by streaking down the left flank, hitting a low cross for Gilad to thump home for his second goal, the Legend’s 4th of the night.

3-0. Three Points. Match Day - #3 9/24 Game Recaps.

First Team

The first team got their first win of the season, beating Zum Schneider 3-0 on Sunday night at Randall's Island. Both teams traded scoring opportunities throughout the first half, each breaking through the opposing back line on multiple occasions. It wasn't until late in the first half when a well-shaped ball from Bryan Baracaldo found the head of Lucas Shanks and put the Kickers up 1-0. In the second half, the Kickers maintained much of the possession, and the tireless work of Brian Morris as the lone striker up top finally paid off when he controlled another through ball from Bryan Baracaldo with his head and slotted home the Kickers second goal. The back line kept the tiring Kickers organized and Bernie Sheary made a few key saves to keep Zum Schneider off the board. A late break gave the Kickers one last chance, and Diego Reinero was on the back post to slot home the third and final goal to secure all three points.

Second Team

The Kickers second team gave up a 1-0 lead and took away only a point from Zum Schneider reserves. The goal was scored by Gio LoMonaco and assisted by Dennis Kachintsev.

Over-30 Premier

The Kickers Over-30 Premier got on the board first in the 5th minute when Tim Peterson's cross hit Nick Bill in the head and opened the scoring. In the 20th minute, a cross from Khouri Mullings was neatly finished off on a smooth header by Seamus Kelly. The Freedoms would break down the wings and slip one through the Kickers normally-impenetrable defense to bring the score to 2-1. Khouri would restore the Kickers 2-goal lead in the 35th minute with a solo shot.  

The Freedoms would continue to press and test GK Mike FitzGerald and the Kickers defense for the better part of the 2nd half, but the Defense (MVP) held their ground and Fitzgerald made a few key saves to preserve the lead. Alex Petrovic would finish off another Khouri Mullings shot in the 75th minute, and Stu Kaiser would head home Nick Bill's long throw-in the 80th minute for the final goal for the 5-1 win, in a game that was much more closely contested than the score might indicate.

Kickers Over-30 Legends

It was mid-summer hot, with temperatures topping at 87 degrees, and sun blazing. Barnstonworth Vets, the home team, showed up late and the Kickers Legends could have won with a forfeit, but sportingly chose to play the game, despite the other team not even having their jerseys until half time. The defense of Dave, Jesse, Jon and Eddie (plus Christian) had to cope with the twisting and turnings of Paul Cowler, who was, in the end, easily contained. The Kickers Legends dominated from the start, with John and DJ controlling the centre, Scott and Christian, and then Yadh and Fred on the wings, and Joe and Gilad up top. Although often dominating against a slower opponent, the Kickers often gave up the ball unnecessarily, the slick passing of the first game a distant memory. Eventually, a Gilad cross found DJ unmarked for a simple header to take the lead. In the second half, some brilliant play put DJ in the box one-on-one with the keeper, who finished to give the Kickers some much-needed cushion. The game ended 2-0 to Kickers, placing them atop the table, with Doxa dropping points.

9/10 Match Week 1 - 1st Division Kicks Off

First Team

The Manhattan Kickers first team kicked off their 2017-18 first division campaign after being promoted in the Spring against a familiar opponent—Doxa F.C. The two teams battled for promotion in the second division over the last two seasons, even facing off in the State Cup final. On Sunday, it was the Kickers who started off the stronger side, building a 3-0 lead by halftime with goals from Toric Robinson, Mohamadou Diaby and Brian Morris. In the second half, Doxa F.C. would find three goals of their own and both teams would take a point in the opening game, tying 3-3.

Second Team

The second team lost 1-0 to a feisty Doxa F.C. reserve team.

First Team Wins Promotion - Kickers 5/21 Game Recaps

First Team

The Kickers first team secured the top spot in the league as well as promotion to the first division with a scrappy 3-1 win over second-place Hoboken FC. The Kickers fell behind 1-0 after an opposing cross was nodded in from near the penalty spot. Down 1-0 in the second half, the Kickers continued to create more quality scoring opportunities when finally Brian Morris ended the Kickers' offensive woes by tapping in a loose ball to tie the game at 1-1. A few minutes later, Albi took advantage of the space on the left side of the field, getting in behind the defense for the 2-1 go-ahead goal, and Hoboken transfer Chris Hall scored the third goal against his former club on a turnaround shot that slipped under the Hoboken keeper. The Kickers easily killed off the final minutes of the game as things got chippy, stealing all three points in Secaucus.

Second Team

The Kickers reserves tied 1-1, conceding off of a rebound in the 80th minute only to come right back down the field and score through a beautiful Seamus Kelly one-time volley off a corner.

Over-30 Premier

The Kickers Over-30 Premier had a strong finish to the regular season with a solid win on Sunday, in spite of only having 11 players for most of the match. The Kickers went ahead in the 20th minute when Nick Bill scored, then a few minutes later Alex Petrovic scored to give the Kickers the comfortable 2-nil lead. Mike Fitzgerald and the defense would keep the Gunners off the board after some threatening scoring opportunities. In the 70th minute, Colin O'Banion scored to give the Kickers the 3-nil lead and they never looked back.

Over-30 Legends

The Kickers Over-30 Legends lost 0-5 in its semi-final League Cup game against Manhattan Celtic Legends. They're looking forward to the Division championship semi-final play off on June 4th against Cozmos.