Spencer's Words: Game Summaries

GAME SUMMARIES:  QUARTERFINALS

NYCIreland VS NYCJamaica,  NYCGhana VS NYCArgentina

NYCFrance VS NYCAlbania,  NYCEngland VS NYCCyprus

OVERVIEW:

After the long and arduous 1^st day of soccer, amidst heat, humidity and grueling battles, our "Elite 8" has emerged. Were these the best teams to come out of the preliminaries? The U.S.A. Colombia, and Greece may disagree, but as they say, "The scoreboard never lies"... Ireland has a tough match-up against a formidable Jamaica side. Both teams look organized, well coached, and motivated for silverware.

Tommy Smyth's Ireland will rely on the team approach they have preached since their training sessions started at Tibbet's Brook Park weeks ago, utilizing a great spine in the middle of the park with Alan O'Hara at center half, captain Declan Reilly in midfield, and local legend Conor Hunter up top. While Jamaica will hand the keys to the Ferrari to their young stars Don Smart, Jermain Russell, and the maestro Dwayne Smith.

  On the opposite pitch, Ghana has quickly become a fan favorite during the tournament and is peaking at the right time. They are looking to upset the rabid Argentina fans, who have braved the scorching July heat with drums and flags, cheering team president Gustavo Villarda's team on relentlessly. Kojo Annan's Ghana team have a lot of individual talent, many coming from famed Bronx club Chelsea FC. Samba Traore hopes to repeat his wonderful performance from the preliminaries and the smile of handsome and savvy Perry Ikles's refuses to leave his face. Villarda's Argentina have a not so secret weapon in striker Julian Escobar, who has been tearing up the competition and along with Jamaica's Smith, has been getting rave reviews! Argentina certainly are not a one man team, with the likes of attacking midfielder Joze Batista and keeper Riccardo Jackuet providing creativity and shelter for the rest of the side.

England, who have collected their ex-pats from far and wide, are a working reincarnation of the industrial revolution. Yuval Lion and Anatol Yusef's men were the class of their group, but now face a Cyprus side that would make some MLS teams nervous. The Back 5 of England plays beyond their amateur status, led by Keeper Stuart Jeffery and the much-discussed talent of Patrick Thurston. England will look to keep possession with their "Gattuso", Danny D'Angelo, while trying to feed the Striking duo of Tom "The Lip" Hatton and Paul "The Doom From Froom" Cowler to give them glory. Cyprus cruised through the first round undefeated. Team President George Halkidis and coach Mike Iordanou have assembled a monster. It is very difficult to find a weakness on this Cyprus team, led by brilliant playmaker Michael Palacio and standouts Frank Spanos and Peter Antoniades. With many Greek and Cypriot fans in tow, Halkidis' team is looking to send NYCEngland back across the pond.

France have brought an exquisite footballing side to the quarter-finals, even without the famed World Cup and European Champion Youri Djorkaeff, who was on the roster, but did not get back from France in time to play. Frederick Lesort's side has more experience than youth, with captain Zohair Ghenania and Frank Ara working the center of the pitch with lyrical balance, though center half Alexandre Austin has it all... Youth, agility, and a sense of calm on the ball that many defenders would envy. Another mention should go to the left-footed Fabien Desgroux, who has played brilliantly and will look to bring his form to a very tough Albania team. Oliver Papraniku's Albania squad is no gift to any team. Just the sight of his intense, combative team could spark fear in the hearts of many and their fans have similar characteristics as well!  This team is not just a rogue bunch of bullies mind you, they are an organized, tight unit who understand every aspect of the game, with the ability to capitalize and adapt to any style of play thrown at them. Captain and player extraordinaire Rigels Qosa leads this team, with twin brothers Leo and Netto Gonclaves giving opponents nightmares in previous matches. Albanian Goalkeeper Daniel Suarez has looked quite good when tested and Christian Turizo has looked every bit of a top class striker.

There you have it, now what do you say we see how all this played out, shall we?

NYCIreland VS NYCJamaica

Tommy Smyth's Ireland squad arrives early to the match, unified and possessed with undeniable force. As Ireland go through their warm-up routine,  Shawn Falconer's Jamaica side, led by "Coach Bobby" are nowhere to be seen, but it is still early and the clock is far from starting. The organizers of CopaNYC, who are nervous by nature, are in slow panic as the minutes go by. Finally, coach Bobby arrives, cell phone glued to his ear, with a handful of the Jamaican team beside him. Coach Bobby reveals that much of his highly rated team has "Disappeared" in the Bronx, leaving him with a depleted side. As the rules emphatically state, if a team shows up with at least 7 men, they MUST play the match. Coach Doherty, livid that the Jamaica team did not show up with their best team, plans to put the guillotine down as soon as the whistle is blown!

*It is unfortunate to discover that the players of NYCJamaica have not shown the professionalism and common courtesy to Ireland to field a quality side. CopaNYC was told that the president and coach of NYCJamaica were both unbeknownst of their player's whereabouts, though all of them confirmed of their availability for this match. CopaNYC is not responsible for any team's roster, but we do feel embarrassed by this disrespect to the tournament. We have been assured by the officials from  NYCJamaica that, if invited again, any incident of this kind will never happen again.

Ireland couldn't  care if an army lined up against them, let alone a depleted side like Jamaica has put out. If the 1^st goal were a comedy, it would resemble an episode of "Benny Hill". A penalty is awarded in the 3^rd minute when a Jamaica defender decides that he also likes games where hands can be used and inexplicably picks up the ball in the 6-yard box!  The venerable Conor Hunter converts to make the score 1-0. Ireland's Kurt Smith (#18), has some pent up rage he would like to take out on the back of the Jamaica net and scores 2 in 10 minutes, the 1^st, a sublime solo effort, the 2^nd, from a cross by Conor Hunter. Now up 3-0, Tommy's Bhoy's take a well-deserved breath, unfortunately they forgot that they were still on the pitch! Dwayne Smith (#9) adds to his scoring tally with a goal assisted by Nicholas Clarke. This goal motivates Kurt Smith yet again, scoring a 1^st half hat trick with another unassisted masterpiece. With 5 minutes left before the halftime whistle. Ireland prove that the word "Mercy" does not exist in their vocabulary, as #4,  captain Declan Reilly hits a superlative low angle shot as the keeper is found out of position. 1^st half ends 5-1.

2^nd HALF

Though the score-line looks as if Jamaica is done for the day, this talented team has not given up. Ireland on the other hand is thinking logically and not wasting energy for the upcoming Semi-final match the following week, but as Field general Noel Kammermann writes in his notes, "Will this approach come back to haunt them"? Jamaica is giving up the fight for possession to Ireland, letting the team in green build up play so they can counter off of missed shots or saves. This approach Jamaica has taken comes to fruition in the 55^th minute, as Jermaine Russell finds himself clear on net from a Dwayne Smith pass and fires a shot past Ireland keeper Alan Reilly. Jamaica, clearly undermanned, is still  capable of magic, which should leave Ireland with tight bums and sweaty palms. This match has also become a highlight reel for Jamaica keeper Howard Benjamin, who makes save after amazing save to keep his team from deflating. Ireland are getting a bit sloppy with the ball, but Alan O'Hara's back 4 are stopping any threat after the last goal that went in. This game has found it's ending and the game is Ireland's victory! Man of the match: Kurt Smith, for his hat trick and honorable mention to Conor Hunter being all over the pitch.

NYCArgentina VS NYCGhana

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" is the quote running through your humble narrator's mind as I write about this match. The mood was tense on both sidelines before a ball was even kicked in anger. Ghana, admittedly do not have the unity that some of the other teams do, as they found many talented Ghanaian players late in the formation of the team. That said, they have found a common goal and are finding their collective groove at the right time. Argentina on the other hand, are solid, from the team to the fans, who have brought music, flags, and a real flavor to CopaNYC!

Game starts and both teams play controlled, composed football at a very fast pace. Ghana and Argentina are both having troubles completing their passes early on. Some of this is due to great defense, but nerves seem to be setting in also. Theatrics are in no short order as well, with Ghana players incredulous at some of the calls made by the lead official, some warranted, some not so much. Argentina, to be fair, is doing their fair share of flopping too, each team trying to gain an edge by any means necessary. The game breaks open in the 37^th minute when a penalty call is awarded to Ghana for a foul in the box! Argentina's fans are livid, as Ghana's fans are over the moon... Ghana #9, Jose Junior Angulo Freire slots home the PK to give Ghana a 1-0 lead. The mounting frustration from both teams towards the lead official is coming to a frothy head, with the Ghanaian players complaining that the referee will not speak to them, but converses to the Argentina players in Spanish. Once again, like in so many matches before, Argentina striker Julian Escobar is dominating up top. In the 42^nd minute, a controversial penalty is called for Argentina, for a foul, which looks to field general Paul Armsby to be committed outside of the box. After calm is restored, Escobar converts to level the score 1-1. The physical presence of the Ghanaian team is ominous and when backed into a corner they have the ability to move the ball at will. Just 2 minutes after Argentina level the match Ghana march towards the 18 yard box and with a perfect pass from #19, Diop Elhanji,  #9 Freire allows a moment of brilliance to cipher through him and puts Ghana ahead just before the whistle blows to end the half, Ghana 2- Argentina 1.

2^nd HALF

After much deliberations between CopaNYC organizers and the lead official of the match to make sure there is no bias towards either team, it was now in the hands of the coaches and managers to try and bring a professionalism and class to a game that could get out of control. Ghana clearly looked like the better team in the 1^st half, but their mood has changed after the Argentina penalty. The Ghana keeper makes a nice save from an open chance by Argentina #9, Joze Batista. Argentina continues to be the aggressors, which put Ghana on the back foot. The lead official, under pressure to control this match, is calling everything that even resembles a foul. This approach to manage the game has created the opposite effect. Ghana and Argentina both are frantic amidst a background of the furious beating of Argentina drums. Ghana's Jose Junior Angulo Freire is still impressing, looking as if he is all over the pitch, while Escobar is looking to get on the scoreboard once again with flare, persecuting Ghana every chance he can get. Yet another foul is called on Ghana and a free kick is placed just outside the box on the right. #19 for Argentina, Cristia Caranancio lines his shot up and strikes, the ball gets through the wall with a slight deflection. The Ghana keeper Diego Ackey looks to have it covered, but somehow, some way, the ball gets away from him and creeps in the back of the net like a thief in the night to bring the game level 2-2.  This turn of events change the complexion from tense to combative. Ghana have shown their weakness and Argentina have their sights on exploiting it. Every foul, whether it is for or against Ghana is getting argued to the point of absurdity. Cries of racism are starting to come, which is unwarranted. There is bad officiating across the entire world and, as a witness to this match, the officiating, while not the highest standard, was not awful and definitely not racist. Argentina has their game face on and are pushing forward with all they have. Ghana has lost the plot, making excuses and arguing after everything. A foul (admittedly, a soft one) on the Ghana 18 yard box goes to Argentina, The Ghana coach, manager, and half the team crowd the lead official, pushing him and yelling obscenities. This embarrassing display puts a damper on everything Ghana has achieved thus far and has put a stain on the team that will be hard to wipe off. Fate is a fickle thing... Abstract, logical, and is always timed perfectly. This case of fate is no different. After 2 red cards were given to 2 Ghana players for the melee, Joze Batista steps up to the free kick in the 83^rd minute and like it was pre-destined, Argentina takes the lead 3-2. The drums beat away furiously, chests expand with pride and power and Argentina are looking towards the promised land of the semi-finals. Ghana is still holding on to their collective rage and is going through the motions. They appear tired and look visibly beaten before the final whistle has blown. Julian Escobar for Argentina still has energy and decides in the 90^th minute to put another goal to his name, this time from a run on the right side, putting the ball through the legs of Ghana's keeper Diego Ackey, who threw his toys out the pram long before this capitulation began. I sincerely hope Ghana, if invited back next year, learn from this experience and come back with more mettle and poise under pressure, for they were a wonder to behold before this disastrous 2^nd half. All credit to Argentina, who always kept their eyes on the prize and deservedly progress. Final score, 4-2. Men of the Match: Julian Escobar and Joze Batista.

NYCEngland VS NYCCyprus

This match can easily be defined as "Monsters vs. Minnows" if you look at the broad strokes. Cyprus, who walked through the preliminaries, has a symbiotic relationship from coach, to player, each cog in the machine working towards victory with unyielding temper. England do not have the New York history Cyprus has and manager Yuval Lion worked magic to form this talented, but shallow squad to get them where they are. That said, England should not be overlooked, they have earned the right to be in this position and play inspired football. Most importantly, they are playing for the shirt like no other team in the tournament and the bond between the players is clearly evident, which will make them very difficult to beat. Games are decided by the slightest detail... The smallest thing can change an entire match. What will happen? Read on:

 As the whistle blows to begin the match, Cyprus collects the ball and claims it as theirs for large periods of the beginning minutes. England is disciplined and refuse to panic. They let Cyprus control the pace of the game and look as if a counter-attack approach is in affect. The ball stays in England's half for most of the 1^st 20 minutes of the game. Cyprus builds up play with acute timing and individual skill from each position. An unnamed Cyprus player comes close to scoring by hitting the woodwork with a half-chance. England's first response to the Cyprus onslaught comes at the 20^th minute, when "The Doom from Froom" #9, Paul Cowler receives the ball on the right wing, takes on 2 Cyprus defenders and finds a way to get a cross into #11, Tom Hatton, who heads inches wide! This run of play has woken team England from its sleep and they start to take more control of the game through the stellar mid-field play of #6, Danny D'Angelo and positive runs from left back #3, James Stevenson. Cyprus maintains their composure though intelligent playmaking from Frank Spanos (#9) and Michael Palacio (#10), but the match is closer to equanimity than domination at this point. 1^st half ends scoreless.

2^nd HALF

England must have gotten a great half-time talk from Lion! They come out in the second period and take it to Cyprus, moving forward as a unit and testing the Cypriot defense with encouraging runs. Just 5 minutes into the 2^nd half, #23 for England, Thomas Smith is fouled in the Cyprus area and a penalty is called! This is the 1^st real test for Cyprus keeper Christian Iordanou and it must feel more like advanced calculus then English 101. England's MVP, #5 Pat Thurston steps up to take the PK. Thurston steps back, waits for the whistle and fires low and to the right... SAVED! The score remains at nil and the Cyprus team and fans are elated! The collective heads of the England squad are lowered. It has been a long tournament for this team and fatigue seems to be setting in. The depth of Cyprus allows coach Iordanou to replace talent for talent on the pitch without losing a step, which is taking its toll on the tired England team, who must still be thinking of that crucial missed opportunity to take the lead. In the 60^th minute, Michael Palacio chases down a long pass down the left wing, fighting off England's marking back, #19 Cahal Creamer. England Keeper Stuart Jeffery tries to get to the loose ball before Palacio, only to see the striker touch the ball away from his outstretched hand. Palacio finds the temerity of Buddha and puts the shot away for a 1-0 lead. Just 4 minutes later, a free kick is given to Cyprus approximately 30 yards away. #8, George Spanos steps to the ball and puts in a beautiful serving pass, which finds his brother Frank to put the score 2-0. There is still a lot of time left in this match, but England seem very tired and the uphill task to try and get back into the game would make Sisyphus feel like he had it easy. The Cyprus defense, led by #18, Matia Damiani, refuses any entry by the England team for the last minutes and the game ends 2-0 to Cyprus. Men of the match: Frank Spanos and Michael Palacio.

*On a personal note, this match was played with the utmost professionalism and class. Both England and Cyprus communities can be very proud of the manner their players, coaches, and fans conducted themselves for this match and the tournament as a whole. CopaNYC salutes you both!

NYCFrance VS NYCAlbania

This match will define the style of both France and Albania, which is quite reminiscent of their respective homelands. Like New York City itself, these teams can adapt, even simulate what is in front of them with the same talent as the originators. France for example, plays sublime football with great pace. They have the ability to simply own the middle of the field and do it with style. #25 Zohair Ghenania, #21, Kevin Ara, and #11 Terrence Ahoua have impressed even the most cynical pundit and underrated goal keeper Florian Nguyan has been influential between the sticks. Though their flare for beautiful soccer is always on display, France is by no means a pushover. They have physical presence as well and aren't afraid of getting dirty for the cause. Albania is the very definition of tough. The physical nature of their game is undeniable and they have the ability to impose themselves at will to get a result. Goalkeeper Daniel Suarez has been virtually unstoppable in this tournament and captain #11; Rigels Qosa has been pure class. Other pivotal Albanian players, like #29; Restjall Agolli, #28 Ervin Makishta, and the Gonclaves twins; Netto (#9) and Leo (#5) have provided muscle and speed to get them to the Elite 8. There is beauty within the brut force of this Albanian side as well... Oliver Papraniku's team can play with an elegance, which has deceived many adversaries, and have many tools in the shed to build a champion. Let us find out who will proceed to the next round...

This match starts just after the contentious Ghana / Argentina game and the frenetic pace of the 1^st minutes may be a result of the previous mayhem. The pace certainly is benefiting France early as they move the ball with ease, catching Albania on the back foot for many plays. France stays in control early and are deliberate and patient, causing Albania to struggle. A set piece almost puts France ahead with a near miss from #11, Ahoua. As the game settles down, Albania start to find their way into the match and start to gain a little more possession. An Albanian corner almost gives them a fortunate lead with a near miss from #2, Elis Llagami. Ahoua and Ghenania are driving Albania mad, creating countless chances for France. Albanian keeper Daniel Suarez will most likely be drinking for free on his teammates for a very long time as payment for keeping them in this match. Suarez has made brilliant saves since the outset and has single handedly kept this match from being a blowout. Save after save comes from Suarez and Albania are even creating some chances off the counter too, but France continues to hold firm grasp of this game, matching Albania's physicality and keeping a frenzied pace. France #5, Mattiew Commeau receives a yellow card, as does France lynchpin Jean-Phillipe Ahoua. In fact many yellow cards have been shown to both teams, indicating a desperate attempt to control the match by the lead official. Another near miss by Terrence Ahoua  closes out a very frustrating half for France. Albania can take little solace from their performance, but are looking to the skies with humility that they have not conceded. 1^st half ends 0-0.

2^nd HALF

The 2^nd half starts where the 1^st period left off, with France imposing themselves with huge hunks of aggression and poetry. Zohair has not 1, but 2 near misses in the opening minutes, which may prove costly yet again. The match starts to lose the glamour face it started with in the 54^th minute, kind of like taking a supermodel out on a date, only to hear her burp incessantly for hours... The influential France conductor Jean-Phillipe Ahoua receives a 2^nd yellow and is ejected. Most say the card was warranted, but many from the France camp disagree. The game slowly turns away from France, but they still have an edge, playing with clever persistence. France once again comes under the scrutiny of the lead official, with a 2^nd yellow and ejection handed to Mattiew Commeau. France team president Frederick Lesort is beside himself as is the rest of the France squad. Whether on the sidelines or on the pitch, team France seem to be spiraling down a dark path of despair. Commeau's second yellow card offense was definitely a foul, but could be argued if it was harsh enough for an ejection. France become unhinged instantly and the reinvigorated Albanian team breathe new life from these circumstances and want to take advantage as soon as possible. It only takes 6 minutes for Albania to strike. Captain Rigels Qosa receives a pass from #4, Argent Duka and puts Albania ahead! France may be woozy from this turn of events, but they have not given in. #7 Kevin Lue for France forces Albania's Suarez to make another great save and they refuse to be defeated. With only little more than 5 minutes left, Albania's fate now takes a turn for the worse. #20, Alexsander Haxhiari gets booked for his 2^nd yellow, bringing Albania down to 10 men. Albania is still controlling the match, but there is promise coming from a hungry France side that refuses to give in to their setbacks. The last minutes of this game had enough action to fill 90 minutes of most others... #19 for Albania, Christian Turizo exploits France's weakness of losing right back Commeau by picking up a pass on the right side and explodes towards France keeper Florian Nguyan. It is a 1 on 1 situation and it could go either way. Turizo keeps his cool and places the ball in the back of the net for a 2-1 lead! Most teams would concede victory at this point, but France are not just any team. Lesort's men, anchored by Zohair Ghenania, go on full attack. With only minutes left, France punishes a shell-shocked Albanian team who are trying to park the bus in front of their net. France's efforts do not go wasted when a penalty is awarded to them in the 87^th minute. Zohair converts and retrieves the ball with no emotion and start the onslaught again. For what must seem like and eternity to Albania and a land speed record to France, the clock winds down. France still has belief. 2 more shots require Suarez to make 2 more miraculous saves. 2 France corners nearly miss as well. This match ends 2-1 to Albania, who must feel very fortunate to progress. France on the other hand does not respect the official's handling of the game at critical points and feel let down by what they see as incompetence. France captain puts things in perspective noting that if they completed their chances in the 1^st half, there would have been nothing to argue. Albania goes to the Semi-finals with a 2-1 victory. Man of the match: Goalkeeper Daniel Suarez, for his heroics throughout this tough game.

SEMI-FINAL MATCH UPS

NYCAlbania VS NYCArgentina

NYCCyprus VS NYCIreland

PRELIMINARIES SUMMARIES  |  SEMIFINALS SUMMARIES  |  FINALS SUMMARIES