Westchester Flames Tie Opening Game

The Westchester Flames learned the hard way Saturday night that the game is not over until the final whistle. With just seconds remaining in added time, the Long Island Rough Riders scored on a corner kick to tie the game 1-1. Twenty additional minutes of play provided no winner.

Forward Evaud Thompson picked up where he left off in the championship match of 2003, scoring for the Flames in the 43rd minute with an assist coming from midfielder Fredy Nava. Providing most of the offense for the Flames, Thompson took 5 shots on goal. Forward Costea Decu was nearly as productive, garnering 4 shots.

The defense was the story of this game. Newcomer Mario Gallo has already shown to be a great addition to the team for 2004. Any Rough Rider making a run down the right side ran into the solid Gallo, who usually got the better of the play. On the other side of the field, Frank Gizzo and his substitute, Julian Kapaj, were able to keep the Riders on their heels.

But, it was in the middle of the backline where the true defensive beauty took place. Captain Laurence Piturro and fellow defender Mersim Beskovic took control of the game, with Beskovic always being in the right place at the right time to strip away the ball or head it out of danger. Too many to count were the attacks by the Rough Riders that were stymied by either Beskovic or Piturro. And when a shot was taken, it was goalkeeper Guillermo Valencia who was always there to make the save, totalling 11 for the game.

This game gives the Flames one point in the standings and in their effort to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup tournament taking place later during the summer.

The Westchester Flames open their home season on Saturday, May 1st, 5:30 p.m. at City Park Stadium, New Rochelle, against Northern Division rival New Hampshire. The Phantoms will be looking to avenge the playoff loss to the Flames last year.

04/25/2004