Championship Match Revisited, Round One

New Rochelle, NY - The Westchester Flames take on defending champion, Wilmington Hammerheads, on Saturday, June 12, 2004, 5:30 p.m., City Park Stadium, New Rochelle, NY. This is the first of two games this season between the opponents, and the first time Wilmington has visited Westchester.

Coach Gus Skoufis says, "This is a big game for us, one we're hoping to win to feel better after the last one."

The Flames lost to the Hammerheads in double overtime August 23, 2003, in Wilmington, NC, in the Pro Select League National Championship. Forward Evaud Thompson scored the lone goal for the Flames, while the Hammerheads were the fortunate recipients of an own goal in the 76th minute to tie the game. Hammerhead Jo Johnson scored the winning goal in the first minute of the second overtime period.

Westchester, 3-2-2, 11 points, second in the Northern Division, comes into the game with several key injuries. Two players from last year's championship game are out. Defender Mersim Beskovic is preparing for knee surgery; forward Costea Decu is still nursing a hamstring injury.

The Hammerheads, 3-2-1, 10 points, second in the Southern Division, have had injury problems as well, with midfielder Johnnie Keen having just had knee surgery of his own. However, Wilmington sees the return of Junior Zarate this weekend. Zarate had 6 goals in 2003.

Practice has been spirited this week in preparation for Wilmington.

According to team captain, Laurence Piturro, "Everyone is excited for the opportunity to redeem ourselves from last year's final. This is the biggest game of our regular season. We're hoping for a great crowd to cheer us on."

All fans attending this game will receive thunder stix to help cheer on the Flames.

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., with tickets going on sale at that time. Prices are $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids under 16. Children under 5 get in free. Refreshments and snacks are available at the field.

In other news, USL announced that our own Evaud Thompson was named as the Player of the Week in Pro Soccer League action for Week 8. Thompson received the same honor in 2003 Week Two. He has already been named to the Team of the Week twice this season.

Thompson's game winning goal from Sunday was also named the Goal of the Week by BigAppleSoccer.com, the most comprehensive website about soccer in the New York metro area.

06/10/2004