Long Island Rough Riders News Release -- www.liroughriders.com
Saturday, July 30, 2011
SOUTH HUNTINGDON, N.Y. -- The Long Island Rough Riders won the 2011 PDL Eastern Conference Championship after a 3-2 victory over Mid Atlantic Division rivals the Jersey Express on Saturday night. Forwards Keith Detelj and Dominick Sarle each secured a goal in the first half, while midfielder Stephan Barea hammered home the winning goal in the 84th minute.
From the moment the Rough Riders stepped onto the pitch, they sought to seize all goal scoring chances, as they held majority of possession during the first half. Jersey attempted to play defensively, keeping numbers in their half, in hopes of warding off offensive pressures.
The Rough Riders broke through in the seventh minute, as captain Danny Kramer played a ball into the penalty area from 30 yards out on the right sideline. Detelj reached the ball in time to head it toward the far post.
Despite the warm weather conditions, Long Island continued to apply pressure on Jersey’s defense. In the 33rd minute, a pass by Detelj was deflected off a defender into open space on the right side of field. Sarle sprinted to the ball and advanced to goal, laying the shot to the far post past Jersey goalkeeper Ryan Meara.
Even with a two-goal advantage the Rough Riders did not ease up for the remainder of the first half. In the 36th minute, fans were on the end of their seats when Detelj played a ball to Sarle on the right side of the box. Sarle launched the shot, only to see the effort hit the far post and bounced out.
For the start of the second half Jersey unleashed one of their best players, forward Ansger Otto. His incredibly fast advances up-field were a visible threat to the heat-ridden Rough Riders. In the 50th minute, Otto played a ball from the left sideline into waiting fellow forward, Joseph Ovenseri, who fired in at the far post.
With their spirits high, the Express was on the attack once again in the 56th minute, with Ovenseri securing the equalizer.
Determined not to let Jersey walk away as champions, the Rough Riders momentum picked up as defender Zachary Kupfer intercepted a pass in the 84th minute and played the ball forward to an oncoming Kramer on the right flank. Kramer crossed the ball across the goal, to Barea, who volleyed the ball into the net, giving the Rough Riders victory.
The Rough Riders advance to the PDL Championships semifinals, set to take place on Friday. Winners from the semifinals will move forward to the PDL Championship Game that is scheduled for Saturday, August 6th at 7:30 p.m. The Rough Riders will be looking for their third USL championship, and first in the Premier Development League.