Flames Get First Win of Season Over Long Island

The heat of the day did not stop the Westchester Flames as they defeated the Long Island Rough Riders 4-1 on Saturday, to garner their first win of the season. Unfortunately, other results within the league did not go their way and the Flames have been eliminated from US Open Cup Competition for 2004.

A bit of a revamped lineup for the Flames came out firing and it didn't take long for forward Evaud Thompson to find the back of the net for his 2nd goal of the season. A defensive miscue in the 9th minute from the Rough Riders gave Thompson all the space he needed to pounce on a loose ball and put it past Rough Rider goalkeeper Tobias Fuchs.

Though the Rough Riders had several good opportunities during the half, the Flames made it 2-0 as midfielder Alex Tobon-Villa received a ball from forward Costea Decu and scored his second goal of the season in the 37th minute. The score held into half time.

In the 46th minute, Decu was fouled in the penalty area and referee Michael Constantine awarded a penalty kick. Decu stepped up and made the shot, giving the Flames a 3-0 lead. Four minutes later, midfielder Roberto Esquivel scored his second goal of the season as Thompson assisted, giving the Flames a 4-0 lead by the 50th minute.

As the heat subsided, the Rough Riders began to play better, and netted their lone goal in the 75th minute as Derrick Etienne was able to get one by Flames goalkeeper Guillermo Valencia. He was assisted on the play by Colin Marshall who had just come into the game for Derrick's brother Darrell.

The Flames resume play on Saturday, May 22nd, 5:30 p.m. at City Park Stadium, New Rochelle, when the Northern Virginia Royals come to town. The Royals are winless this season, but they took the league-leading Charlotte Eagles to overtime Saturday night before losing on a golden goal.

05/18/2004