Westchester Flames Lose to Western Mass Pioneers

(Ludlow, MA, May 8, 2004) - Able to hold off the Western Mass Pioneers for only so long, the Westchester Flames succumbed to the pressure and allowed a goal in the 66th minute. This goal held up for Western Mass and gave the Flames their first defeat of the season 0-1.

The Pioneers came out of the gate firing on all cylinders. Within the first five minutes of the game, they had several prime chances at goal. The Flames defense held tough. Barely able to get the ball out of their own half, the Pioneers beat the Flames to the ball, intercepted many passes and throw ins, and swarmed around any Flames player with the ball.

The Flames didn't get off their first shot of the match until a direct free kick was awarded in the 25th minute of the match. And it was at least another 5 minutes before getting off the first shot in the run of play.

Striving to make it to the half without giving up a goal, the Flames were able to maintain control long enough to slow down the pace and begin to play their game. Two second half substitutions of defenders Danny Parkin and Julian Kapaj made a huge difference in the flow of play, not to mention the rain that fell during halftime and created a more slippery surface, unlike the longer grass that appeared to hamper many players on both teams.

Parkin, playing his first minutes for the Flames this season, made his presence felt immediately by taking over the defensive midfield spot. The entire team seemed to respond to his energy. Kapaj, replacing Frank Gizzo who went down with a mild knee injury in the first half, was also able to help the Flames keep control of the ball. But, as has been the case throughout this young season, it was defender Mersim Beskovic who was always in the right place at the right time and even took several runs into the offense to try to get the equalizer.

With only five total shots on goal, three of them came off direct free kicks taken by Costea Decu. Decu, known for his booming long-range shot, had near misses on all attempts, with the final one just missing over the cross bar.

Physical play abounded on both sides, with the Flames taking the worst of it. In the 83rd minute, midfielder Alex Tobon-Villa went down with an ankle injury and needed to be helped off the field. It is presently unknown how severely he is injured and for how long he will be out of action.

With this loss, it appears that the Flames are out of contention in US Open Cup qualifying. Only one qualifying game remains and Westchester can only get five total points for their efforts. Though statistically not yet eliminated, it will be very difficult for the Flames to make it into Cup play in 2004.

This last qualifying game will be played on Saturday, May 15th, 5:30 p.m. at City Park Stadium, New Rochelle, when the Long Island Rough Riders come to town in a rematch of the opener on April 24th.

05/09/2004