Flames Travel to New Hampshire

(New Rochelle, NY - 05/27/2004) - The Westchester Flames travel north on Saturday to play division rival New Hampshire Phantoms in the second match of the season between the two clubs. In the first one, the Flames (2-1-2, 8 points, second place) tied the Phantoms (2-2-1, 7 points, third place) 3-3 in an exciting U.S. Open Cup qualifying match. The result of that game helped the Phantoms advance into Cup play, while the Flames were left out, once again. The Flames are looking to avenge that outcome.

The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Souhegan High School in Amherst, NH.

The Flames enter the game on a two game winning streak, while the Phantoms just lost 2-0 Wednesday night in Albany to Blackwatch.

Missing from the lineup will be key defender Mersim Beskovic (pictured) who injured his knee on Wednesday. The extent of his injury and prognosis is unknown at this time.

Desiring to continue their winning ways, the Flames are looking forward to the competition level presented by the Phantoms. Always a tough side, the Phantoms will be a good test for the Flames after easily defeating the Northern Virginia Royals 3-1 last Saturday at City Park in New Rochelle, where they utilized a similar lineup that dominated the Long Island Rough Riders 4-1 a week earlier.

The injury to Beskovic may force defender Danny Parkin into action earlier than expected. Parkin, himself rehabilitating from off-season knee surgery, has not played more than 45 minutes in any one game this season.

Flames captain, defender Laurence Piturro, said about the Beskovic injury, "This is a tough break for Mayo, and for the team. He and I have played together for so long that we pretty much know where the other is going to be on the field. We will all need to adjust our play now that he is out indefinitely. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Returning to action for the Flames will be forward Costea Decu who missed the Royals game for the Christening of his daughter.

The Flames return home on Sunday, June 6, 5:30 p.m. when the Brooklyn Knights come to City Park. A long-time rival from their PDL days, the Knights have picked up several former Rough Riders players this year, which should make this a very spirited game. Tickets will be on sale at the gate.

05/27/2004