New Haven Americans vs. Guilford SC
Promising
beginning for Americans
New
Haven, CT (April 18, 2004)
– A goal in each half by Gil Hokayma propelled the New Haven Americans
past Guilford SC 2-1 to secure maximum points in their SASL 2004 season
opener.
For
an opener it was a solid game played by the Americans. They displayed
good ball movement and were very attack minded throughout. After
spurning some good early chances, Hokayma found the net on a neat chip
after being sent through with a pass at the top left of the Guilford
box.
The
strong midfield play allowed New Haven to control the tempo and stretch
Guilford out throughout.
Guilford
pulled a goal back off of a superbly taken corner late in the second
half to tie the game at 1. However, this tie was short lived as New
Haven increased the tempo and Hokayma found his second and game winner
in the last ten minutes.
The
look and feel of this New Haven outfit is solid. With good numbers, an
improving midfield, and solid spirit, they can make good progress in the
rugged second division.
Player
of the game: Marshall Quinn
New Haven Americans vs. Milford Tuesday SC
Americans
score three to post second straight win.
New
Haven, CT (April 25, 2004)
– Hokayma’s two first half goals again propelled the New Haven Americans
past Milford Tuesday 3 – 0 to secure its second victory in as many games.
New
Haven is still fine tuning their 2004 team but efforts in midfield and the
forward lines were exceptional. What truly stamped a mark on this game was the
play of second and third line players. Wayne Thomas drove several times deep
into the corners with brilliant passes thrown towards the goal area, twice
connecting with the head of Todd Hill.
The
second half saw more of the same pressure as Luigi Cappetta caped an impressive
game by added a third goal after forcing a defender into a mistake, leaving him
one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
The second half saw New Haven continue its strong play throughout.
Overall, the stellar play of the Americans second and third lines were key as
they ran at Milford like a rabid dog causing havoc and cementing a victory.
Their energy and effort saw no drop off in abilities as New Haven pressed hard
and delivered a knockout blow to an active Milford squad.
Player
of the game: Luigi Capetta
New Haven Americans vs. Greenwich Rhinos SC
Hokayma
powered Americans
overcome Rhinos 2 – 1; claim top spot in DII.
New Haven, CT (May 16,
2004) – I’ll
start with a knock-knock joke. What does an own goal, missed PK and disallowed
goal spell…? Fortunate enough for the Americans this recipe did not spell
disaster.
In a lack
luster effort on an uncomfortable hot day the Americans had just enough class to
secure three points and first place by defeating the Greenwich Rhinos 2 – 1.
From the
opening whistle, New Haven seemed flat and in this, the biggest game of the year
to date, the players seemed a bit off.
The
Americans drew first blood as New Havens’ lethal weapon, Hokayma and
midfielder Alvin Charlery,
displayed a hunger that produced the first score out of almost nothing. Hokayma
challenged an errand pass and caused Greenwich to lose possession in the
Greenwich box. Charlery then saved the ball along the end line and played a
quick accurate pass back to Hokayma who finished the exchange with lethal
precision.
As this
highlight played down, the calamity of errors began.
The usual
Americans high pressure tactics in midfield were absent. This allowed Greenwich
time on the ball and space to play. After a few close calls, Greenwich got back
into the game as they pushed the ball wide to the right of the Americans goal
and played a cross to the back post. Poor communication saw the Americans left
back attempt a clearance only to see his miss kick break the upper 90 for an own
goal. Americans 1, Rhinos 1.
The
Americans stepped up the pressure after the own goal. This energy saw Hokayma
break in on goal only to be fouled in the box resulting in a penalty kick (PK).
Having successfully converted penalty opportunities in successive weeks this
attempt seemed like a sure thing, but would be for naught. Hokayma’s well
struck shot clanged off of the post and back into play… Still level,
Greenwich fought to steal momentum and vital points.
The second
half saw the Americans settle and play better soccer. However, finishing in the
final third would still prove elusive.
Midfielder
Alvin Charlery was on the receiving end of brilliant one-two only to see his
shot deflected for a corner. On the restart Charlery rose well to beat his man
with a fantastic nearside header. Americans 2, Greenwich 1.
As the
Americans pushed for a third goal the midfield play of Carteira, Miranda and
Thomas showed. A quick restart at midfield saw Thomas through only to have his
long range chip drift just inches wide. Late in the second half, Ernesto
Cartiera was sent to goal with a deft pass, which splitting two defenders.
Cartiera beat the defenders to the ball and flick his shot past the charging
keeper. The celebration was short lived however as the linesmen ruled
Cartiera’s effort to be offside, which seemed a harsh decision.
At
the final whistle New Haven survived to secured three points and first place.
I’m sure they will have a hard training session this week as their lack of
concentration almost cost them victory and vital points in a young season.
Man of the Match: Hugo Miranda, Mark Azzolina
Bristol Italians SC vs. New Haven Americans
Bristol
doubles Americans in final ten minutes
Avon,
CT (May 2, 2004) – Bristol
roared back from the brink with two goals off of corner kicks in the last ten
minutes to stun a game Americans squad 2 – 1 in Avon, CT.
In
a clash of last year’s division III East Champion and runner-up, the game was
physical, passionate and everything it was supposed to be. The Americans took a
bit of time to settle in as Bristol started fast and furious. The first test of
the game came in the first few minutes as Bristol won a corner and played their
set play almost to perfection. Tight marking by the Americans snuffed out that
attempt but others would come.
Bristol
dominated possession in the first half, but went into the locker room ties 0 –
0.
As
the second half got underway the Americans found their rhythm and began to turn
the game. The counter attacking served its purpose as the Americans attack found
a gap and a perfectly weighted pass from midfield saw Hokayma get a fast touch
on the ball before he was upended by the keeper resulting in a penalty.
The
leading Americans goal-scorer made no mistake and wrong footed the keeper for a
1 – 0 Americans lead.
That
score deflated Bristol as the Americans picked their game up and displayed more
confidence. As the game turned more rugged tempers started to flare as the
competitiveness of the two sides began the show. The hard tackling and rugged
play took its toll as late in the second half, the Americans lost concentration.
The
masterful work of a solid defensive unit came undone in the final ten minutes as
Bristol capitalized on New Haven’s sloppy possession.
One
well executed corner with ten minutes to play drew the team’s level. A
second corner kick goal with two minutes remaining secured a Bristol victory and
New Haven’s first defeat of the season.
After
the game American’s manager Michael Armellino conveyed that Bristol is a very
good team and we knew that they would battle to the end. Today we saw two good
teams play a good rugged game. We will learn from today and make the needed
adjustments. We will work very hard not to let a game like this slip away for
the future.
Player
of the game: Gil Hokayma
Colchester
SC vs. New Haven Americans
Americans
continue strong play…
Colchester,
CT (May 9, 2004) –
The first pairing of Gil Hokayma and Alvaro Zuniga proved again to be quite
successful. Hokayma scored three goals and Zuniga one as the Americans turned in
a solid offensive display, winning 4 – 1, away to Colchester.
The
efforts to fine tune the midfield showed as Ernesto, Alvin, Hugo, Wayne, Luigi,
Jerry, Mark, James, Darin, Johnny and Todd showed that all are quality
interchangeable parts. Wayne Thomas continued his fine run of form as he
delivered a shot that found its way to Hokayma, who left nothing to chance, and
buried the ball into the back of the net.
New
Haven displayed a fluidity absent in past years. As they continued to possess,
one could see their confidence grow. The second half saw more pressure, more
possession, more confidence and more goals. As Colchester worked hard to pull a
goal back; New Haven adjusted to play a counterattacking style to perfection.
Zuniga’s
goal and earned penalty performance was due to great front running and strong
midfield support.
With
three wins to one defeat, this offensive outburst may bode well as the Americans
host front running Greenwich this Sunday, May 16.
Player
of the game: Wayne Thomas
Waterford SC vs. New Haven Americans
We came, we
saw, we were conquered!
Waterford, CT (June 12,
2004) – Playing the defending State
Cup Champion is a tall task. Figure into that equation that the game is a home
game for the champ and you start to question your manhood.
Though not a “David vs.
Goliath” match, it was a match of an established division one powerhouse verse
and an upstart division two team from New Haven.
I was on the team that
played Waterford a few years ago and I remember that we, New Haven, were
thoroughly outclassed, outpaced and flat out run over. Come to think of it… we
never did know the name of the kind center ref who stopped the bleeding in the
76th or so minute due to the field being unplayable in the rain…
Thank you, you wonderful man, you will not be forgotten in American memory.
Anyway, today is a new day and we came to play and were focused on playing a
much more competitive match this time around.
The game started fast and
furious as the New Haven Americans were quickly pushed back onto our heels.
Fluid ball movement, good skill on and off the ball seemed to be Waterford’s
game and they played it to a tee.
The Americans defense
holds but we are giving up far too many corners and too much control in the
midfield.
About a third of the way
into the game Waterford scores a deserved goal for a 1 – 0 lead. Though New
Haven felt the goal scorer was offside, the score line holds. The bright spot
for the Americans was that we do create opportunities on the counter attack. In
the next sequence after the goal New Haven produced an good scoring opportunity
through Alvaro Zuniga that went just wide of target. Though playing good hard
nosed soccer, the Americans didn’t know that near miss would be the theme of the
day.
The second goal for
Waterford saw the Americans incensed as we felt the linesman had the call
completely wrong. Two Waterford players appeared to be offside when the ball was
played through. No call, no stopping, cool finish… Waterford 2, New Haven
Americans 0.
Getting new blood into the
game saw the Americans press for a goal. Alvaro again showed that he would try
and carry the Americans to the promised land and on a counter he and Todd
combined for another attempt and yet, another missed opportunity. It was clear
that Waterford had no answer for Alvaro and Guy… What was still a question was
if we could get Alvaro the ball in a dangerous place to use his guile.
The close of the first
half saw Waterford further extend their lead to 3 – 0. Though disappointed by
two questionable goals and now heavily chasing the game, the Americans looked to
regroup.
The actions of Guy,
Alvaro, Peter Marshall, Ernesto, Luigi, Tony, Mark, Paul C., Angelo, Greg, J T,
Todd, Gerry and Marshall were to be commended. With a change in formation,
thanks Luigi, the Americans became a more dangerous team and took the game to
Waterford in the second half.
This effort and more
attacking 3-4-3 alignment saw the Americans pull a goal back but the effort and
post would only cause further misery as the harder we chased the more we
conceded.
In the end Waterford
finished off the Americans 7 – 1. However, one cannot help but wonder what if
the Americans hadn’t struck four posts and had other, seemingly point black
opportunities, converted.
It is fare to say that 7
– 1 was a harsh score line but for those who think these Americans are done
think again. Skill, work rate and the heart of a champion were on display in
Waterford. So be forewarned that these Americans are for real and hungry again.
Without five starters,
including leading scorer
Hokayma, midfielders Alvin Charley
and Hugo Miranda, and defenders Johnny Riga, Michael Mento and Darin Meder, the
Americans showed that the sum of their other parts forge a very strong bond
indeed.
TCH
New
Haven Americans vs. West Haven Peru
Old
fashion shoot out; Ifill towers from minute one (happy fathers day)!
New Haven,
CT (June 20, 2004) – The
New Haven Americans defeated West Haven Peru 7 – 0. Americans’
striker Tony Ifill scored a first minute beauty as he took the ball
just outside the right side of the penalty box and deftly chipped
the keeper in the first minute of play. If this was a TV commercial
it would have ended with the phrase… priceless.
The Americans
found their groove and shrugged off the ill effects of last weekends
Waterford State Cup game to put seven past West Haven. In a game
that saw tempers flare and numerous cards served, New Haven stayed
the course and took revenge by increasing its’ “goals for” average.
TCH
New
Haven Americans vs. Trumbull United
Second half collapse
Trumbull,
CT (August 15, 2004) –
The New Haven Americans could not closeout Trumbull as a first half
tie and early second half lead could not be held.
Facing a good
and quick Trumbull side on there home artificial turf field, the
Americans fielded a bit of an under strength team. Unavailable for
this game were New Haven’s top two scorers. Hokayma, the Americans
top scorer, was serving a one game suspension, while Zuniga was
still away on business in his native Chile.
The Americans
started brightly as they pressed hard in the attacking third. This
pressure paid dividends when Tony Ifill and Todd Hill pressured the
Trumbull keeper into a mistake and Ernesto
Carteira collected the
errant pass and fired a 25 meter bomb for a 1 – 0 new Haven lead.
The plan of
attack and possession worked well as the Americans played some
inspired ball. The defensive efforts of Alvin Charlery were
exceptional as he was a one man defensive wrecking crew. In fact,
his efforts also produced the second score to put the Americans up 2
– 1 midway through the second half. Unfortunate for the Americans
was their fitness. On the quick surface the energy needed to
closeout Trumbull faltered.
Trumbull
produced a brilliant strike as the defense started to show fatigue.
A cruel twist of fate was an unfortunate own goal pushed Trumbull to
a 3 – 2 lead. To salvage a point, New Haven threw them forward
looking for the equalizer, unfortunately for the Americans their
prayers would not be answered.
TCH
Derby Quitus vs. New Haven Americans
Master Class
Derby, CT
(August 22, 2004) – The
New Haven Americans rebounded from a lost to Trumbull as they
crushed Derby 4 – 1 in a dominant show of force.
The return of
Hokayma saw the Americans rediscover their scoring touch as they
played controlled, effective, and efficient football.
The opening
goal, some few minutes into the game marked that recent weeks
frustrations would be taken out as the Americans smothered their
hosts.
The close ball
control of Hugo Miranda, Gil Hokayma and Mark Azzolina produced a
score of the highest quality. With quick one-two passing, the
Americans played the ball down the left side of the field and into
the corner. Once there, the play shifted to a quick give and go in
the box resulting in a clinical Hokayma finish. Americans 1 – 0.
As the
Americans began their master class tempers flared. In an attempt to
get back into the game Derby began to play more physical. The
resulting fouls caused many tempers to flare on the field.
It was a
credit to the Americans that they were able to hold their emotions
and sought revenge in the best manor possible, goal differential.
TCH
Guilford SC vs. New Haven Americans
Crushed!
Guilford,
CT (August 29, 2004) –
In this league soccer (football) is a numbers game. If you don’t
have a reasonable complement of players you are, more than likely,
going to lose.
Take nothing
away from Guilford. They played brilliant and thoroughly deserve the
win. It is just frustrating to see a talented team come under
prepared, with player numbers, and play a good game but suffer yet
another loss after such a bright start to the season.
With a
kick-off temperature already in the 80’s the day was as hot as it
was long for the Americans.
Two expertly
taken free kicks spelled doom as the Americans suffered another set
back and can now take to dream of promotion to the first division
off the table as it must look to right this team.
TCH
Milford Tuesday vs. New Haven Americans
Postponed
Milford, CT
(Sept. 12, 2004) – game
postponed. Milford Tuesday in State Cup Quarter Finals. Good luck.
TCH
New
Haven Americans vs. Bristol Italians SC
A
half too late!
New Haven, CT
(Sept. 19, 2004) – New Haven roared back from the brink with two
goals in a huge second half effort. Unfortunately the effort would
be for naught as the goal stagger was too great an obstacle against
the high flying first place Bristol Italians.
To understand
the effort let’s turn the clock back to the first half.
Anyone
watching this game justifiable understands why the Americans are in
a second half of the season funk. Injuries and vacations have
thinned the squad. That result has cost this blue collar team as it
has worked hard but just cannot seem to get over the hump.
Gone is the
high pressure, high energy game that is the trade mark of the
Americans.
Let’s hope
that the swagger and energy return quickly as the Americans slide
towards the relegation zone.
TCH
New
Haven Americans vs. Colchester SC
Flat Americans Thumped!
New Haven, CT
(Sept. 26, 2004) – Colchester showed why they are a team on the rise
in the second half of the season. In a dominating display the New
Haven Americans suffered their fifth loss on the season and drop to
.500 record for the year. In a despicable effort the Americans were
like lost children on the wrong day.
If Colchester
was looking to avenge its 4 – 1 loss early in the year they did this
and more. New Haven must now muster its courage as they find
themselves too close to the relegation zone for a team that started
the first half of the year 5 – 2.
The only
answer would be hard work to right this ship.
TCH
Greenwich Rhinos SC vs. New Haven Americans
New
mix the ticket!
Greenwich,
CT (Oct. 3, 2004) –
After waiting a few weeks for the paperwork to go through, the
addition of three players have helped raise the spirits of the
Americans. The lingering question would be if these players can mesh
with the existing squad to bring about a positive result.
If their
efforts in the Greenwich game are any indication, then the future
may be bright for the New Haven team.
Looking to
improve defensively and create a more balanced attack, the addition
of Sherwin, Moussa and Marcel have raised the level of play,
balanced the defense and reopened the vault of creative attacking
football for this side.
Though down 1
– 0 at half time the effort and time of possession were distinctly
in favor of the visiting Americans.
With
confident players looking a bit nervous we knew that one goal would
open the game and allow us to find a victory against the second
place Rhinos. If this feat could be realized then we can turn our
year back to our lofty goal of being in the top three, better yet
the top two.
The second
half started with additional positive play as the midfield began to
wear out the Greenwich back line.
An
exceptional buildup and exchange saw the Americans level from a 20
meter rocket form Alvin Charlery. His finish was the result of a
bang - bang exchange. Defender Johnny Riga fired a 35 meter missile
that was deflected by the keeper. The saved shot fell to Alvin who,
himself, fired a rocket to answer the early Greenwich goal.
Once level, a
two minute double strikes by new recruit Sherwin sealed the game and
the Americans first victory in almost a month.
Let’s see if
the team can continue to move forward as the new recruits have added
the needed strength to see the season out on high.
TCH
