Flames-Rangers 2-1

New Rochelle, NY—Flames midfielder Josh Trott was no doubt the player of the game in the Flames win over the Rangers on Saturday night. The Westchester Flames (1-8-3) and the New Jersey Rangers (2-5-2) met once again after the Rangers defeated the Flames a week ago.

The Flames arguably played their best soccer on Saturday then they have throughout the season. Flames’ defenders Peter Antoniades and Huigens Garcia kept their defense intact. Their offense looked flawless with midfielder Josh Trott and forward Jose Dos Santos creating scoring chances.

The Flames were first to strike when a foul shot by Josh Trott found Jose Dos Santos in the box and scored in the 31st minute. Jose Dos Santos has scored three goals in the last two games. The Rangers held the ball for most of the 1st half and couldn’t take advantage of their chances. The Rangers got on the board late when a nice ball from midfielder Erik Vendola set up forward Marko Ciklic to tie the game 1-1 in the 42nd minute.

The Flames stepped up their game in the 2nd half and moved quickly. The Rangers were pressuring the Flames’ defense, but goalkeeper Dario Cabanas denied them coming up with huge saves. The Flames would take the lead when midfielder Edison Bayas put up a beautiful cross for Josh Trott to finish it off and score in the 62nd minute.

“We played a very good game and I’m proud of players today” said head coach Gus Skoufis. The Flames go away with their second win of the season and improve to 2-8-3. The Flames will be in action in two weeks when they go against their arch rivals the Brooklyn Knights.

By John Tolis

6/27/09