Westchester Flames Tie New Hampshire Phantoms 3-3

In a game of firsts, the Westchester Flames opened their 2004 home schedule with a very spirited match against the New Hampshire Phantoms, the 2003 Northern Division champion. Ousted in the playoffs by the Flames, the Phantoms came out with a vengence, scoring early and setting the Flames on their heels. Down by two heading into the half, Flames forward Costea Decu blasted in a beauty from over 20 yards out to bring the Flames to within one at the break. The Phantoms came out and scored after the half, once again putting them up by two. Then the Flames kicked it into gear and got the equalizers. Six goals scored provided for a very entertaining match for the opening day crowd.

The Phantoms were led by Bjorn Hansen and Richard Fleming. Hansen put the Phantoms on the board in the 21st minute off a feed from Fleming. Fleming would provide the assist three minutes later when Ryan Ackerman gave the two goal advantage back to New Hampshire. Undaunted, the Flames fought back.

The Flames came out strong in the second half, providing much of the excitement, but the Phantoms quieted the crowd early in the 52nd minute when Anthony D'Angelo put them up by two, again. This goal angered the Flames and in the 57th minute, forward Kwame Richardson scored his first goal of the season, with the assist going to midfielder Alex Tobon Villa, his first. The Flames had several other good chances that missed the mark, until newly acquired midfielder Roberto Esquivel (pictured) scored his first goal of the season in the 77th minute, with forward Evaud Thompson having provided the service. This brought the Flames back to 3-3, and there it remained through overtime.

The Flames next go on the road to visit the Western Mass Pioneers next Saturday, May 8th, in Ludlow, MA. They return home on the 15th to take on the Long Island Rough Riders once again.

05/01/2004