Jersey Express Soccer Copryright 2012 02/22/2012 02/22/2012 www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org News from Jersey Express Soccer The 2012 Express USL-PDL Final tryout Saturday April 7th, 2012 . 01/11/2012 08:24 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/574552.html When is it ?

Saturday, April 7th , 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Where Is It ?
 
All tryouts will take place at NJIT, New Jersey institute of Technology, Newark, NJ. ( 80 Lock Street, Newark NJ 07102)
 
Important Things to know?
 
The tryouts are limited to 50 players on a first come first serve basis. The Express received overwhelming amount of on-line applications, and we urge all players to come early to reserve a spot for trial. The Express Head coach George Vichniakov and all the Express staff members will be in attendance to evaluate all participants.
 
Tryouts will be limited to 50 participants per session and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. The fee to attend tryouts is $35 Express coaching staff and professional coaches from other teams will be assessing players attending the tryouts. Players must register online by November 25, 2011 in order to attend tryouts. Forms are available on team website at www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org.  Players should print out the registration form complete it and fax the form to 718-451-1915 or e mail to info@jerseyexpresssoccer.org   before the tryouts.
 
For online registration form click here:
 
About Us
 
The PDL is the top league in North America that focuses on the development of players with professional aspirations. The Express compete have made the playoffs for 3 out of the last 4 seasons, and have competed for the national championship as well the U.S. Open Cup. The Express have sent several players on to the MLS and Europe.
 
For the last few years, the Express have participated in 10-day trips to Portugal and Russia, were they have competed against elite clubs. The trips provided the Express players with a platform to be scouted by international agents and scouts.  One of the Missions of The National Soccer Academy/ Jersey Express Soccer Program is to expose and showcase our talented players to elite clubs around the globe, so they can start their professional career doing what they love.
 
 
 
 
 
 
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/574552.html JERSEY EXPRESS TO WEAR ADMIRAL SPORTSWEAR 12/01/2011 11:03 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/582847.html For Immediate Release: December 1, 2011

 
JERSEY EXPRESS TO WEAR ADMIRAL SPORTSWEAR
 
Springfield, New Jersey – Sportswear manufacturer Admiral Sportswear has signed a new deal to become the official sportswear partner of the Jersey Express. This deal follows hot on the heals of Admiral’s agreement with other PDL clubs Kitsap Pumas and Virginia Beach Piranhas. Players wore Admiral for the first time on November 26th during “tryouts” for the 2012 season.
 
Admiral, the Original British Football brand to American and England’s top teams,
in the 1970’s and 1980’s for the England football team and Manchester United, in the United States they supplied, New York Cosmos and Vancouver Whitecaps. Today the brand is also worn by USL Pro side the Charlotte Eagles, USL PDL Champions Kitsap Pumas, Virginia Beach Piranhas and Bolivian Premier league champions Club Bolivar together with many other clubs.
 
“We’re delighted to follow up our recent wins with other USL Pro and PDL clubs with the Jersey Express." says Paul Hamburger, CEO of Admiral Soccer. “We’re designing and making a "made to order" customized soccer kit for the Express in our own factory. We want to make it easier for Gali and all the team at the club to focus on developing their players and playing the game and not worry about managing their team kit.” says Hamburger. “It’s important to give the players every advantage on the field with the latest, lightweight fabric technology…we want to be part of Jersey Express’ success on the field.”
 
The Express play in the USL PDL where they have made the playoffs for 3 out of the last 4 seasons, and have competed for the national championship as well the U.S. Open Cup. The Express have sent several players on to the MLS and Europe. The team have participated in 10-day trips to Portugal and Russia, were they have competed against elite clubs and have relationships with partner clubs around the world.
 
“The owners at Admiral work directly with us so we get the service and attention we need” said Gali Maimon, General Manager at Jersey Express and former PDL executive of the year. “We selected Admiral because they offered us made to order product and competitive terms. Most importantly for us they’re reliable, they know what they’re doing and they’re always there when we need them.” 
 
The new kit will be unveiled in 2012 prior to the new season. For more information on Admiral, visit www.admiralsoccer.com or www.admiralsportswear.com. For more information on the Jersey Express including sponsorships, internships, tickets or to volunteer, visit www.jerseyexpresssoccer.orgor call 917-907-4092.
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/582847.html Express 2011 Season capture 11/22/2011 02:32 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/562083.html  

1.The Express reach final 8 (out of 64 teams)
2.Jersey Express League Scoring Honors
3.Team own New Record with  Points 36 out of possible 48
4.Team own new Win Record 11
5.Team New Loss Record for Season 2
6.Second in the League(from 64 teams) in Scoring 45 Goals  2.81 Goals per game
7.Tie for first place in Goal Differential with Pumas Kitsap +33 Goals
8.Third in Home game Scoring 23 goals
9.Second in Home GD + 17
10.Highest Score of Season for single game 11:1
11.Largest Shutout  in single game GD 6:0
12.13 Dif players scored during Season
–2 with 7 G
–1 With 5 G
–2 With 4 G
–3 with 3 G
–3 with 2 G
–2 with 1 G
Express Sweet 16 Goals of 2011
 
 
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/562083.html Full Games 2011 Season 11/28/2011 07:34 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/581200.html ed&dynamicStreaming=true" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/581200.html Almost ! 07/31/2011 09:14 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/548144.html  

They played as a team. They won as a team. And, when the odds were stacked against them, Jersey Express went down fighting as a team, relinquishing the title of Eastern Conference champions a wink away from regulation time in the challenge game in South Huntington, NY.
 
Edged 3-2 by Long Island Rough Riders last Saturday at Cy Donnelly Field, Jersey’s brave, bold performance was the epitome of effort and extraordinary commonality.
 
The Express, the only of four teams from New Jersey to make post-season play, represented the garden state with pride and performance. “They showed glimpses of the relevance and potential of PDL soccer playing so good away,” said ‘New Jerseyan’ Maria DeSouza-Qualis, an avid soccer fan who now resides in neighboring Glen Cove, and came out to support the boys from her ‘birth state’.
 
In scorching conditions, a depleted Jersey came from a 2-goal deficit at half time to lock scores early in the second stanza. But, the absence of a handful of core starters, coupled with the effects of a recent demanding schedule compounded to buttonhole the team’s final drive at the conference crown and national ‘Final-4’ appearance.
 
“Our guys fought real, real hard. It says a lot about the talent in this team when they could rise against such adversities. But, we got the caliber. We were just, just short today,” said assistant coach Lucio Russo who, before the game, gave an indication of Jersey’s injury woes when speaking with TV broadcast producers.
 
In one week, Jersey travelled for a hectic four games in torrid climatic conditions. First the Newark, NJ club flew to tropical Bermuda for their final regular season game, before returning to the US for a partially rain-soaked play-in match-up away to Reading in PA. They made it three wins in as many games during the period, beating Carolina Dynamos in a thunderstorm-affected semi-final in South Huntington, NY. Next day, the weather was as hot as the rivalry for the final.
 
“No doubt, our guys are among the best in the league and we were so close going to the big dance,” said General Manager Gali Maimon. “But, all credit to Long Island for their win, and we wish them the best going forward. We’ll like to see them bring that national title to our division,” Maimon offered, echoing the sentiments of his club’s management and players.
 
After nearly half an hour of a 2-all deadlock, an 83rd minute strike by the homesters stabbed Jersey’s resolve, and though they bled unstinting ardor for another equalizer, the wound was too much for the shorthanded Express to heal.
 
They incessantly attacked in the game’s dying stages plus 4 minutes of stoppage time, before the final whistle came from Lahocine Kharmaj, who stood in for the last 22 minutes. Even, original referee Ayodeji Obisesan had to surrender to the harsh conditions, suffering from a troubled hamstring. The previous evening, he was the fourth official in Jersey’s semis win that had two ejections, including one to a substitute on Jersey’s already shortened ‘bench’.
 
From tough challenges, exhaustion and other injuries, several of Jersey’s players were forced to leave play and return to keep their club afloat. Trainer Chris Menhy and the coaches were over overtime in face of their narrow options on personnel.
 
With that stark reality, head coach George Vichniakov bled with startling soccer strategizing. At half time, he switched striker Ansger Otto for midfielder Josh Trott, and the move paid dividends. After Otto immediately used his speed and guile to trouble Long Island, as well as demonstrating his thunder throw-ins, the tiny Thor would help to hush the partisan 800-plus crowd. Jersey answered Long Island’s first half deuce by Keith Detelj (7th) and Dominic Sarle (33rd) in a flash.
 
Otto took a ‘change-up’ pass from Abdoulaye Coulibaly 10 yards from the box and drew three defenders, before taking a shot. It hit the foot of Joseph Ovenseri halfway inside the box. The tall forward spun to his right, eluding a defender and slammed a left-footed ‘riser’ from an acute angle to put his team within reach in the 50th minute.
 
Six minutes later, Otto was again triple-teamed at the top of the box, before he shot to goal. This time the ball rebounded off a defender onto a lurking Ovenseri who side swiped it into the ole onion bag for the equalizer. The game was on!
 
For Jersey, the strike was a joyous déjà vu. For Long Island and their startled fans, it spelt d-a-n-g-e-r. Thereafter, Jersey got the better chances for the tie-breaker, as the teams exchanged possessions in a heat-induced intense battle.
 
The conditions took toll on the players’ endurance. Every lull in play gave a chance for rehydration and cooling. But, Jersey had to replace their league leader in ‘points-per-minute’ averages, Will Stamatis who developed severe cramping in his left leg.
 
Neverthelessr, with a Jersey win or extra play imminent, the table turned when Long Island managed the winner through an unexpected Stephan Barea strike that deceived goalie Ryan Meara. But, try as he did to marshal his troops for a response, the Jersey captain watched glumly as Jersey’s fraught efforts went for naught, and his former club take the bacon.
 
It was a skipper’s lament as Meara knelt on the field until Vichniakov strode out to console and assure him that “Jersey Express lost today, but won many hearts, and you guys did your best” Inspired, Meara, Vichniakov, Maimon and club chairman Joe Branco lauded the team’s effort.
 
The affable Otto, himself, is excited about the future after his first time in the PDL. “To get this far after what we went through is awesome,” said the Iona College bound player. “I met a lot of great people here and I now have so many homies and ‘fathers’ at every match, it would be great for us to do this thing again next year.”
 
According to the Maimon, an appreciation dinner is planned for the team, soon. After that he says it will be a period of reviews and previews as the club “seeks to strike the iron while it’s hot” and project towards the immediate future. And, that looks bright for Jersey Express which has made it three post-season appearances in its 4-year history.
 
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/548144.html Storming In 07/31/2011 07:57 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/548130.html  

For the second successive significant time, the elements visited a Jersey Express game. And, again, the Gods were with the Newark club, this time anointing them with a 2-1 win over Carolina Dynamo, and a place in the Eastern Conference final.
 
The Express will now look to level the Long Island Rough Riders on their home turf – Cy Donnelly Stadium – after the latter grabbed a 3-1 win over New Hampshire Phantoms in the other semis of Friday’s (July 29th) double header in South Huntington, NY.
 
Like they did, scoring their winning goal in the rain at Reading United AC to get to the semis, Jersey used a brutal thunderstorm to their advantage to claw into today’s match-up.
 
After back-to-back strikes, Jersey’s two goal lead was reduced when Carolina hurried one back to stay within sight. All the goals came within a 10-minute period in the first half, after which the teams went into the intermission, then only to get a greater break 20 minutes into the second rift. Conditions were ruled unplayable when fourth official Ayodeji Obisesan observed lighting and signaled for safe shelter for the teams.
 
Almost 70 minutes were lost to the sustained thunder, lightning and rain before a resumption was possible, but the teams failed to trouble the scores further. Ironically, danger wasn’t only from the skies. The crimson color was evident on the field, or rather off of it, when red cards were shown to a Dynamo coaching staff and a Jersey substitute on the bench, both in the 90 minute.
 
Jersey, playing as the ‘home’ team got their first goal in the 27th minute via a half-volley by midfielder Joseph Louis Niouky. It all materialized from a thunder throw-in by teammate, the tiny Thor, Ansger Otto from the right. The ball was headed out by a Dynamo defender directly onto the boot of Niouky who made no mistake getting it through a cluster of bodies from 18 yards out.
 
Six minutes later, Otto’s maneuvers into the box were too much for a Dynamo defender whose only option was to hold him back with an evidently firm grasp. The ploy didn’t find favor with referee Yevgeniy Mednikov, and he pointed to the huge yellow dot in the box. Forward Abdoulaye Coulibaly took some time before putting the sphere to the left of goal, leaving the Dynamo keeper going right the wrong way.
 
Five minutes after that, Jersey’s indemnity wasn’t completely covered as their defense was pierced when a long overhead pass found Christopher Tweed-Kent a hair’s breath from being off-side in the box. The Carolina midfielder got the only one pass a resolute Ryan Meara who, otherwise, had an excellent game to make it two in a row as a victorious skipper. Meara and his opposite number worked on making half a dozen saves each to the 9 to 13 ratio of shots that came their way in the match.
 
Now, Meara will be the major marshalling his men to continue their bold battle in the PDL playoffs. The game kick-off at 5:00pm and the Mid-Atlantic Division rivals will be in grudge zone for the clash that will decide the Conference champions.
 
Jersey Express: Meara, Edwards, Foster, Konicoff, Ruesgen, Konopelsky, Niouky, Trott, Coulibaly, Dacres, Otto, Londono, Mayanga, Ovenseri, Rodrigues, Stamatis, Youhill (players); Vichniakov, Gil, Russo (coaches)
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/548130.html EXPRESSWAY! 12/01/2011 11:08 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/547665.html  

A short, severe shower at the start of the second half was the heavenly pouring for a Jersey Express exalting 1-0 triumph over Reading United AC in their Mid-Atlantic Division play-in match-up on Tuesday, July 26. Blessed by a Robert Youhill lone goal in blinding rain at Reading’s Don Thomas Stadium, the Express now continue their ascension to PDL glory.
It was a special happenstance by Youhill who came up big in this first post-season game just like his strike in Jersey’s mid-May regular season opener. “This one is more of a team win than anything else,” said the midfielder. “The ball popped out to me and I just hit it, and that was the difference tonight. We’re happy.”
The goal came after a testing first half where the teams fought gamely to pierce each other’s sturdy defense wall. Seemingly baptized by the showers, Jersey controlled the water-drenched opening minutes of the second stanza, and sang their praises to Youhill who converted the chance created by striker Abdoulaye Coulibaly. Like rain gods, Tlaloc and Zeus, the two out-maneuvered Reading’s defense to sustain possession of the ball in the box.
The speedy Youhill who has an atypical leaning posture over the ball when in full throttle, became the ‘hidden dragon’ instead of ‘crouching tiger’. He was literally uncontested when he blast the winner into the ole onion bag after Coulibaly back headed the slippery sphere towards Reading’s goal.
The already visibly evident downpour became equally audible as the partisan 300-plus crowd were hushed; their earlier avid cheering dampened by Jersey’s 50th minute strike.
“It all came when it matter,” noted General Manager Gali Maimon, adding that his club exhibited their patient, but confident task of improving their play against the previously lasting league leaders. Jersey smarted from their only home loss of the season – a 3-1 misfortune on June 23 – to a goalless stalemate then to this remarkable win, both in their opponents’ backyard.
The elation was special for the 4-year old franchise whose entry into the league was cut short of being phenomenal when Reading handed them an extra time loss in the 2008 Conference semifinals.
But, now Jersey savors the victory as a ‘bounce backs’ of sorts, according to club chairman, Joe Branco. “Since then we have done very well here. Now we have, I think, two wins and a tie …so that’s a pretty good record considering the quality of the team that Reading always puts on the field,” he said, recalling the team’s away showing. “But, we are happy with the win. We are happy that we are going to the playoffs at the weekend, and you know I think we are going to do well.”
As the rain subsided Reading pressed for an equalizer. Urged on mainly by several ‘stadium seated’ coaches and a band of very vocal lead cheerers amongst the fans, the homesters went all out especially in the dying stages looking for an equalizer.
In apparent angst to salvage their once promising season that catapulted into dastardly demise, Reading got their full-11, including goalie Brian Holt into attack mode. But, their failure to finish opened up Jersey’s counters. Two times Jersey almost netted insurance goals, but for the yeoman service of Holt.
First, the diminutive goalie parried striker Joseph Ovenseri’s 18-yard blast in the 81st minute. He tipped the ball which hit the crossbar and bounced near the goal line before being cleared out – a chain of events that had the markings of a goal. Then in stoppage time, midfielder Ansger Otto had a well-timed breakaway in tandem with Coulibaly and Kadeem Dacres, but he played the ball too far ahead allowing an advancing Holt to stop the chance. Otto rued that prospect of driving another nail in the Reading coffin.
Jersey’s 2010 Goalkeeper of the Year Ryan Meara stood stout with his defenseline of Chris Edwards, Shaun Foster, Mike Konicoff, Mike Mazzullo and Joe Ruesgen to turn back every Reading challenge. The homesters had one less shot to goal than Jersey’s six, but Meara only worked a sweat on one when he leapt to punch the ball out from a dangerous overhead pass in the 87th minute. Jersey also had a nine to five ratio (6:1 in first half) on corner kicks.
After three minutes of stoppage time, referee John Douglas’ repeated tweets came with the 1 being the only natural number on the scoreboard LED’s, besides the ‘2’ in the ‘Quarter’ frame. Amazingly all four qualifying games played on the day ended in shutout wins with three having just the solitary goal. The blanking by Jersey is their eleventh in 17 games this season
Those stats prompted Allen Hartman, one of a handful of Jersey supporters, to praise the team’s all-round performance. He agreed to the undeniable sports doctrine that “you can’t lose if you don’t let the other team score.” Maimon, too, added a piece for his emotionally calm head coach George Vichniakov, who seemed to have exhausted his fervor on the sidelines while marshalling his players. “George was excellent and he got the same out of the guys for this win. They deserve it”.
“The guys did a wonderful job. They took care of what they know they are capable of, and we are just focused on the next game,” was all the chameleonic Vichniakov finally offered in quite confidence to the tasks ahead. He looks to will his team onto greater heights as they prep for the Conference semifinals (National ‘Sweet-16’) this Friday (July 29th) hosted by Long Island Rough Riders in New York.
The Express will be the ‘home team’ to Carolina Dynamo, the South Atlantic division‘s #1 side, in the first of a double header of semis from 5:30pm at the Cy Donnelly Stadium (St. Anthony’s High School), South Huntington.
Assistant Manager Eric Maimon who administers the team’s players-of-the-game selections, continued his recent espousal of naming everyone in the squad as vital contributors. “They all had significant roles in the last set of games. At this stage everyone wins when the team wins. It’s team effort. It’s all about our motto,” he said after being front and center motivating from the side, though he was feeling under the weather. The younger Maimon was referring to the club’s credo: ‘Unity Is Strength’.
And, it underlines what goal scorer Youhill had earlier conceded that: “We only gonna’ win as a team”.
Jersey Team: Meara, Edwards, Foster, Konicoff, Mazzullo, Ruesgen, Andrew Konopelsky, Josh Trott, Will Stamatis, Youhill, Dacres, Coulibaly, Otto, Ovenseri, Louis Niouky, Idris Mashriqi, John Londono, Chris Karcz – players; Vichniakov, Dudi Gil, Lucio Russo – coaches. 
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/547665.html Bermuda Hogges Lose 2-0 To Jersey Express 12/01/2011 11:11 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/546632.html July 23, 2011 by bernews

The Bermuda Hogges played their final game of the 2011 USL Premier Development League season this evening [July 23] at the BAA field, losing 2-0 to the Jersey Express.

Their opponents took the lead in the 30th minute when Ansger Otto’s right footed shot beat Tahj Bell in goal for the Bermuda Hogges. Jersey Express have scored the most goals in the league for the season, and Bell was called upon to make three saves from the seven first half shots that they took.

In the second half, Otto doubled the lead when his shot in the 59th minute from the edge of the box went through a maze of players and into the back of the net. The Bermuda Hogges had chances to get into the game, however they could not find a way pass Ryan Meara in goal for the Jersey Express. They took 9 shots at goal through the game, while the Jersey Express took 17.

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/546632.html Sub smothered 07/11/2011 01:20 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/543111.html A quartet of strikes by a trio of substitutes aided by a duo of starters was the solo factor in a Jersey Express exhibition of talent depth as they trounced Westchester Fames 4-nil, last Saturday in New Rochelle, NY.

 
“Sometimes, that’s how you tell good quality in a team, when guys can come in and play a position, deservingly,” assistant Lucio Russo said in endorsing head coach George Vichniakov during pre-game preps. “In effect, no one holds down any one position in the team. On any day anyone can make an impact in any position.”
 
After a goalless first half, Jersey scored through players who ran onto the field after the game’s first 45 minutes to stretch a pattern of shutouts when winning games this season - 8 of 9. Single strikes from Ansger Otto, Kadeem Dacres and a double from Joseph Ovenseri were in stunning style for Jersey after the team’s enduring early play.
 
“We were patient and kept to our plan that coach told us to play and it paid off, it always pays off,” assured Dacres who assisted Ovenseri’s second goal, then shot his own in spectacular style, a minute before regulation.
 
While the blanking by Jersey at the Flames’ City Park Stadium displayed the team’s reservoir of able reserves, it also highlighted their ability to strategize and will themselves to victory. “Once you get up by a goal, you don’t relax, you try to get another one and don’t let the other guys stick around and be in the game,” Vichniakov reminded his charges before the game. “After scoring another, you’d take away that chance and after that you can score how many you want.”
 
Surely, the Express players responded admirably t the lesson.
 
In the first half, the revamped starting-11 duly persevered then gradually built up confidence against their divisional playoff challengers. While Jersey’s backline of Chris Edwards, Shaun Foster, Mike Konicoff and Joe Ruesgen were stopping league goal leader Jake Keegan and company, their attack marauded for an opening goal with Abdou Coulibaly creating stupendous moves with Robert Youhill, Josh Trott and Jerrod Laventure.
 
In the first 45, they outshot Westchester 8 to 2 with four of the shots being saved by the Flames’ custodian including a picture perfect parry over the bar on a Michael Konicoff booming 20-yarder in the 29th minute. That save went for one of Jersey’s six corner kicks in the half.
 
SECOND HALF
Jersey, also, accounted for three of the four corners in the second half, while the shots disparity was similar at 10 to 4. With only three of those shots saved, it meant that the Express had to penetrate Flames’ netminding. That they did four times after the ingenious player swaps.
 
Vichniakov brought on Ovenseri for injured striker Laventure on the stroke of the break. Then, he supplemented the team’s attack a few minutes into the half with Otto and Dacres replacing Trott and Youhill, respectively.
 
As if highlighting his coach’s prudence, Otto started the goal binge in the 59th minute when he wormed into the box and finished another dazzling set-up play by Coulibaly, with a left-footed ‘creeper’ that squeezed between the goalie and the post. The goal just minutes after entering the game, drove the midfielder to run to the front of the pavilion for the customary ‘pilgrimage’ to his relatives.
 
Otto’s offering extended the blessing on the team 11 minutes later. Defenseman Shaun Foster, who was still in the Flames half after a free-kick, got the ball on an overhead pass, wended his way into the box, drew two defenders then passed to an open Ovenseri in front the goal. The tall striker had a short distance to send the ball into the net for Jersey’s second.
 
With the ink yet to dry on the scorers’ card, Ovenseri was back again, acting on his coach’s counsel to “get another one”. From a build-up created by midfielder Andrew Konopelsky, Dacres took a pass inside the box and booted to goal, but his shot recoiled off the keeper into the path of the imposing sentinel figure of Ovenseri who made no mistake from close range for Jersey’s third.
 
At that 73rd minute, Jersey had repeated the scoreline from their earlier encounter with the Flames in May, but this time they went further.
 
Smarting from the block on his earlier shot, Dacres made good on his next chance after getting a pass from Konicoff. He eluded two defenders in the box and sent a left-foot blast from a very acute angle that rocked the ole onion bag. That effectively put the red light on the Flames’ hopeful journey for a playoff berth.
 
It was, also, a fitting way to end the glut and put the 3rd place Express at the table to savor another chance to digest the championship. And, the 4-year club is surely getting off ‘the benches’ to serve up all the table requires for its third post season of play.
 
EXPRESS – 4 , FLAMES – 0
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/543111.html Jersey held to last minute tie and one point by Rough Riders 07/09/2011 07:50 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/542643.html  

The venue was new. Anticipation for the game was high. So, too, was the night’s temperature which was matched by a heated battle between Jersey Express and Long Island Rough Riders that ended in a 2-2 tie, last Wednesday (July 6th) in Hazlet, NJ.
 
On a hot early summer night at Jersey’s new home turf at Raritan High School (Joseph J. DeVirgilio Field), the two clubs warmed to their divisional rivalry in a see-saw game that eventually locked their deuces on the stroke of regulation. It was their return fixture, following Jersey’s 3-1 loss when they visited the New Yorkers in May.
 
This time they evenly shared the quartet of goals, and also gave the crowd of just under 500 an exhibition in classic soccer. “Was a great game. Jersey answered back in a double wallop and we should’ve scored more, but they got to equalize after that defender had to be taken out,” came a bitter-sweet comment from soccer fan Jenna Saunders, in the company of a younger sibling who served as a ‘ballgirl’. Part of her reference was of Jersey’s talismanic defender Shaun Foster being pulled from the game after a tough challenge.
 
But, Foster had his pain and pleasure moments, as well. He was one of the two Jersey defenders to hit back at Long Island after the visitors scored from his boo-boo in the 13th minute. His goal followed captain Jerrod Laventure’s equalizer by exactly ten minutes. Foster and Laventure now combine for seven of the team’s 36 goals and four of 29 assists.
 
The unusual goal twinning by the defensemen adds to a bizarre pattern of 2’s by Jersey in recent times. Their last three games complete the ‘pair’ of fixtures with rivals, and each ended in 2-goal scores either in a win or tie.
 
But, this low-scoring tie might have been a distant thought judging from early play. Both teams eagerly matched attacks and put their goalies on the fisherman shift. Express were unlucky to see a few shots go just wide of net or saved, while Rough Riders made a plug from a goal mouth scrimmage in the 9th minute that was disallowed.
 
The reprieve was shortlived as Long Island got a penance when Foster reacted mildly to his keeper Ryan Meara’s bold shouts of “header, head, keeper” to back pass the ball. The play was read by Rough Riders’ Keith Detelj who got into the frame and challenged the advancing Meara. The goalie couldn’t make a clean take and the ball bounced off the Rough Rider and lumbered into the goal for the opener in the 13th minute.
 
But the Jersey defense line of Foster, Andrew Konopelsky, Michael Mazzullo and Michael Konicoff fought back and used their experience to thwart Long Island following advances. Whenever they were pierced, Meara’s craftiness prevented further damage. The Jersey keeper was brilliant in running into a cluster of players to punch out a swirling free kick in the 19th minute. Three minutes later, Meara had to thank Mazzullo for blocking a close range shot that came out of a goal mouth scrimmage.
 
As the ball rebounded, the speedy Ansger Otto took it on a ‘box to box’ ride using his nifty skill. When he was nicked off his feet at the top of the Long Island box, fellow midfielder Josh Trott took over the task and tried to shoot around the keeper who got a tip on the well-directed ball, sending it for a corner kick.
 
Jersey upped the ante with Abdoulaye Coulibaly, Kevin Meyer, Joseph Niouki and Robert Youhill joining Otto and Trott with some deft plays. Coulibaly enthralled with his soccer guile and set up several chances that found no favor with the net. One of his passes to an open Otto almost bore success when the latter hit a turf scorcher to beat the goalie and barely miss the left post in the 36th. Konicoff, too, brought a close chance when he created another of his overlapping journeys and sent a long ‘flank to flank’ pass for Youhill. The midfielder outdid two defenders before shooting, just to see the goalie plunge to put out his shot for another corner to go into half time.
 
At the break, Jersey did their ‘essentials’ with coaches George Vichniakov, Lucio Russo and Dudi Gil inspiring the review and preview rest session. Buoyed, they felt an equalizer and a lead were only microns away. They wrought one player change that correspondingly transformed the scoreline.
 
Five minutes into the half, the play to equalize went like this: Niouki won the ball in a mid-field challenge and passed to the left flank for Otto to ‘worm’ past two defenders and into the box. Challenged, Otto back passed to Konicoff who gave to Niouki again. Then Niouki ‘changed the game’ with a long pass to Konoplesky on the right. The defenseman darted towards the box, pulling out two Rough Riders, before passing to Coulibaly. He in turn, twirled to gain ground, but saw three men surround him, so he looked for help and found Laventure coming into a clear path. The skipper got the elevating ball and with direct vision on goal took an immediate volley. The shot sent the sphere into the ole onion bag to match the numbers on the recently repaired scoreboard.
 
Jersey controlled play and were rewarded with the lead in the next dime of minutes. Foster moved up into the box unnoticed for a set-piece from midfielder Meyer on the left touch line. The ball glided directly to Foster, like a display of ball magnetism, where a left footed half-volley sent it on its way for an encore of leather on nylon.
 
Excitement grew. Jersey went all out for an insurance goal, while Long Island reenergized for an equalizer. But, the former got the better of the exchanges. Five superb chances came for substitute Joseph Ovenseri (twice), Coulibaly, Meyer and Konicoff that it was bewildering the score didn’t increase. “We got our chances, and this score could have been much, much more than it is. Probably seven, eight one,” said Eric Maimon, Jersey’s assistant manager whose yeoman work ensured the success of the stadium’s maiden PDL game.
 
With playoff implications in the reckoning, both teams generated skillful attacks and counterattacks that had fans thrilled or tense. Even PA announcer Kevon Rankin worked the home fans with chants of “Jersey, Jersey, Jersey” to enthuse the team’s attacks. But, he didn’t conduct for “defense”, which they team might have needed at the final moment. In a flash, the backline was punctured by a quick solo run down the left flank that led to a Dominick Sarle equalizer for the visitors in the 90th.
 
Play continued for three extra minutes and the Express desperately sought to regain the edge, but referee Alex Chilowiecz’s 3 tweets lefts the teams on 2 goals apiece and 1 point each from a classic countdown caper to championships chances.
 
Jersey started the season with those positive prospects by beating Westchester Flames 3-nil, and they look for full points in the return fixture away to Westchester on Saturday, July 9th from 7:30pm at City Park Stadium
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/542643.html Another déjà vu 06/30/2011 08:35 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/540287.html  

Another déjà vu of a different doing has ended Jersey Express’ home win streak, leaving the shutout stalwarts recovering from a tattered display against divisional nemesis Reading United AC, last Thursday night, June 23rd.
 
The 3-1 defeat suffered on their home turf snaps a four-game shutout record at NJIT Stadium (Lubetkin Field), and resembles the team’s only other loss in mid-May away to Long Island Rough Riders.
 
The carbon copy pasting was even more pronounced as Jersey absolved the trio of goals before responding in the dying stages in front of 500+ fans put into quietude by their archrivals’ sway. The consolation goal also typifies Jersey’s ‘fight-to-the-finish’ attitude that was evident in late scorings in an earlier home win and an away victory, both by 1-nil margins.
 
After their historic 11-1 drubbing of Brooklyn Knights a week before, Jersey’s euphoric feeling was checked by the more insistent visitors, and an off-the-play ejection on their goalkeeping coach Dudi Gil for non-contact belligerence.
 
The first of two regular season games between the teams was always going to be challenging, but the Pennsylvanians put the homesters on the back foot as early as the 5th minute. Reading pounced on a back pass miscue by the usually perceptive Andrew Konoplesky and set up possession for the opening goal, to the amazement of Jersey and their fans.
 
A minute before that, Jersey could have opened their tally on a free kick awarded on a foul on midfielder Ansger Otto. From 32 yards out, forward Joseph Ovenseri sent a soaring thunderbolt that sailed marginally over the goal’s right ‘V’ with the Reading keeper way out of the picture.
 
The high outlook the fans held after that impression gradually subsided as Jersey lost ‘footing’ on several build-ups, while Reading regrouped and effectively counter attacked. A yellow-carded foul by Jersey defender Jerrod Laventure at  the top of their box brought a Reading free-kick in the 45th minute that sailed over the ‘wall’, hit the ‘V’ of the goal and end in the net – a literal ‘mission impossible’ for lanky keeper Ryan Meara; and any goalie, for that matter. That was another stamp of irony in the game for the Newark, NJ team considering the misfortune on their similarly directed effort, earlier.
 
“Those are the hardest shots to stop whenever somebody take a shot like that, intentional or by fluke,” noted Wazir Browne, a former Antigua and Barbuda junior national player who interns with the Express from Cornel University. “That took a little wind out of the guys, but I see them get back being involved and try to get pumped up as much as possible.”
But the Express seemed floored going into the break after those uppercuts in the opening and closing moments of the first round of the bout with the former Eastern Conference champs.
 
Making a change at the half, Jersey resumed the battle looking to pierce their rivals’ defense for good. More players were switched by both teams with Jersey looking to add punch to their play, while Reading seemed intent on bleeding the clock. Even the visitors’ keeper got into acts of dawdling whenever he was in possession of the ball. Those and other perceived ‘wrongs’ led to Gil’s ire. He became voluble in venting his resentments leading to expulsion from Jersey’s bench area.
 
Containment became the hallmark of both teams’ play up to half way into the half with Jersey looking likely to chip back at Reading’s lead, as they took the better of the exchanges. However in the 67th minute, they visitors gained their third goal from a throw-in a couple yards from the left corner post. The deep fling into Jersey’s box hit the noggins of Reading’s players on two successive plays before ending up in the ole onion bag. At that point, fans discerned the unusual, awkward look on the scoreboard and wondered if the markings had been changed for the home team and the visitors.
 
Down by a trifecta, Jersey took advantage of their opponents’ attempts at stale dating the game, and finally registered a change on their portion of the board’s LEDs. Lebo Pila did what his teammates didn’t attempt all game long – try a shot from ‘way out’ in the line of play. The midfielder’s got a neat, short pass from defender Michael Konicoff and let off a right-footed torpedo from 20 yards out that gained height to beat the keeper, and give Jersey its consolation in the 88th minute.
 
That goal reignited Jersey, but their efforts in the dying stages were too late. Konicoff who led a handful of Express players to have a good game, used his speed and guile to get onto the left of Reading’s box. He sent an excellent, scorching pass across the goal, but it zipped past out of the reaches of the extended legs of three teammates in front the goal.
 
The final whistle came after four minutes of extra time, and ended one of the best USL-PDL matches at the stadium in a long time. The ref’s tweets sounded like a knell on Jersey’s showing. Conversely, it signaled the Express foray at a ‘second coming’ as they take stock of Chumbawamba’s ‘Tubthumping’ song - “I get knocked down, but I get up again”.
 
The seven games remaining in their regular season might just be another series of déjà vu to bear like those previous to this match when the team got up and went on a ‘septua-run’ of successive wins after the Rough Riders hit.
 
Beware! The resurrection is, again, nigh.
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/540287.html Man down, Points short 07/02/2011 06:47 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/540289.html  

At the end of a see-saw battle last Sunday, June 26, Jersey Express ended a man down, and two points short from their PDL match-up away to Ocean City Nor’easters at the Beach House. The 2-2 stalemate slowed the Express’ point-tallying march which was jolted three days before when they failed to get a point from a first time home loss, after going six consecutive games at full throttle.
 
It was the Express’ first return match against a divisional rival this year, and was a dissimilar to the teams’ earlier clash at Jersey’s Lubetkin Field a month ago. Then, the Express snuffed out a 1-nil win with a late goal by Ansger Otto.
 
Ironically, it was Otto who had to gaze from the sidelines for almost half of the late afternoon game after getting the second of two yellow cards three minutes into the second stanza. But, the midfielder’s ejection was not before he had contributed Jersey’s equalizer in the 14th minute. His goal, off an assist from defender Michael Konicoff, was in answer to a first minute strike by Ocean City’s veteran Byron Carmichael. That ‘goal in a wink’ was only the second time that Jersey had been scored upon in the first half and having their first ‘level scores’, this season.
 
Otto’s ejection is also the first for the Express whose foul tally is at the league average. “We held on after we lost Ansger, but playing short was always going to be crucial,” said Gali Maimon, the Jersey Express General Manager. “We got the lead and we were holding on to get the three points, but it was a challenging game and they (Ocean City) got the goal to tie the game.”
 
Before that, the early goals by both teams gave indications of a high scoring affair, but the clubs played out the 30-plus minutes of the half without bothering the scorers. Jersey, though, had a commanding nine shots on goal to Nor’easters’ two, while registering a 4 to 1 score on corners kicks.
 
Even Jersey’s netminder Ryan Meara was only called upon once to make a save, as against three efforts by his opposite number, Tunde Ogunbiyi.
 
As one of Jersey’s stars (Otto) pitched just after the resumption, they also got the bright, revealing sparkle of another. Midfielder William Stamatis who replaced the luckless Joseph Ovenseri, ensured that his one shot counted in the eight that Jersey sent to goal in the second half. Like he did in an earlier game during the season, Stamatis warmed to his chances just moments after his entry in the 79th minute. The long range shot from an Abdoulaye Coulibaly assist gave Jersey the lead with about ten minutes to close.
 
“Will’s shot was unbelievable. He got the ball from ‘Coolie’ (Coulibaly) and he saw the goalie out of place, so he kicked from like 80 yards out and scored that goal,” Maimon said with a tinge of hyperbole in describing Stamatis’ ‘from-a-distance’ goal.
 
It was the young midfielder’s third strike of the season to give him the exceptional stats of 8 points (three goals and 2 assists) from only 119 minutes of play – a strike rate (a goal or assist every 23.8 minutes) that may be amongst the leaders, if not the top rank, in the league.
 
Maimon said he though his team was going to hang on to the full points as the minutes ticked away, since they were getting the better of the plays in the half. But, Nor’easters managed to finally use their advantage to equalize 4 minutes to regulation. Again, Carmichael scored to save face for his team which only managed two shots in the half. That goal was scored at the same minute like in the teams’ first game when Otto hit home the winner for three points. This time, Ocean City got the late goal for a tie to give both teams a point each when Jersey was almost ready to roll home with another triple.
 
Jersey retains their overall wild card bidding for the playoffs with 22 points, while Ocean City may be effectively out of the race on 10 points from the same ten games.
 
The Express return home to play New Jersey Rangers on Thursday, June 30th at 8:00pm. That game, too, will complete the two teams’ match-ups for the regular season.

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/540289.html EXPRESS EARTHQUAKE EVOKES ELEVEN 06/22/2011 06:29 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/538130.html Run for cover!

An earthquake is rumbling though the Mid Atlantic Division, or so it may have felt last Saturday, June 18, as Jersey Express continued its seismic soccer to register an 11-1 shaking of Brooklyn Knights, and send tremors through the PDL.

 
The nestled nature of the Maspeth, NY Met Oval on a warm, late Spring evening was the perfect setting for the visitors’ feat, as goals and assists rumbled upon their hapless hosts. It’s the biggest win in the history of the 4-year old franchise; upending the flattening they inflicted on the three-time divisional champions two weeks ago when half a dozen unanswered goals were scored. The result sums up a 17 to 1 tally from their two games.
 
Jersey is shying away from ‘huffing and puffing’ over their showing. However, its protagonists in the drubbing drama were forwards Kadeem Dacres (2) and Joe Ovenseri (2); midfielders Ansger Otto (2), Abdou Coulibaly (1), Will Stamatis (1) and Joe Niouki (1), with captain Jerrod Laventure also scoring one to make the task too big to chronicle, thus the précis.   
 
It is logical, though, that Jersey is buoyed by the achievement, but not over-elated nor cocky, according to their head coach George Vichniakov. “I don’t want to talk about the results and the points and all that stuff, I am more concerned in the picture of the game and how the guys played. We really get going when we play the game the way that we plan.”
 
Though not a shutout, the match came very close to emphasizing Jersey’s 2011 record of goalless sweats by their rivals. It’s only the second time they were scored on around six shutouts - 4 at home and 2 on the road. “It’s not like Brooklyn didn’t play well or they were missing plays, we were much, much better team and all the things we worked on before eventually started to work out. Our players just executed on the field, you know.”
 
“The guys played a good game. They worked hard and they enjoyed the game, same time.” Vichniakov said, opining that soccer is a game where creativity adds to the enjoyment. “I thought they worked as a team and they really had a good time on the field,” he said, observing the good communication between players. “Tactically they did good stuff and you saw some beautiful plays like some fancy stuff, if I could express it like this. But, I was very happy with the game.”
 
Vichniakov had praise for the ‘triangle of trouble’ to rivals – a trio of Africa-born players - Lebo Pila (South Africa), Coulibaly (Ivory Coast) and Niouki (Senegal). “Lebo and Niouki … They understand their jobs and they communicate, now. They cover each other and that’s what I’m really happy with, and Coulibaly is a classy addition. Every goal was good to watch.”
 
Incidentally, two of the players are in Vichniakov players’ honors for the game. Coulibaly was named the Game MVP, while Niouki was selected as Midfielder of the Game. They were joined by Laventure as Defender of the Game and Ovenseri who got the nod for the forwards.
 
“With every team, every game, we work much better together in many positions. Players understanding their roles in what they really should do in the formation,” Vichniakov said talking about his set-ups. “It’s new for some players and they were taking time to adjust.” This ‘goal-per-player’ performance is proof of the team’s fine-tuning, and also ratchets up Jersey’s goal aggregate to a stunning league leading: 29 GF to 4 GA from 8 games. More importantly, it gives them 21 out of a possible 24 points at the half mark with seven wins.
 
“In the beginning of the season, we didn’t play bad really, the only problem was finishing,” the head coach noted after the big win. “If you remember the game with Ocean City, we scored in the last seconds, and then against Jersey (Rangers), we did that again.” The coaching staff, he said, spent the last two weeks concentrating on converting the chances created. “If it were organization of the attack then that would be a real problem, but when we creating chances that means we’re doing things right, it’s just finishing and we work hard and eventually last game we capitalize on our chances.”
 
The goal glut by the fleet-footed fellas ends the first half of their regular season on a gargantuan note, and is an ominous memo to their rivals. Word is out about the Express and their huge appetite for scoring as they start the second part of their season at home against divisional nemesis, Reading United AC.
 
Thursday’s (June 23rd) game with the recently dethroned divisional leaders is eagerly awaited, and Vichniakov is resolute on sustaining Jersey’s home-win streak. “We have a few days between the games and we’ll recover and build from the last game.
 Tuesday and Wednesday we’ll work on some tactics stuff and prepare for this game against Reading,” he said without a hint of any specific gameday strategy.
 
Not only does the astute instructor wants turn back the challenges of rivals, he also wants to ensure the team performs as planned. “For the remaining games I expect the team continuing to improve in some areas and to play good soccer, that’s really what I want on my team. Points is important! … Wins! … That is important, but being good in the game that’s what I want to see on this team, and the wins and points will come.”
 
Jersey’s only loss this season came away to Long Island Rough Riders amidst a few logistical snafus. However, Vichniakov said since that time work was done to prevent recurrences, and he thanked players and support personnel for the efforts, particularly for this game. “I want to specially thank Gali Maimon, our general manager. He really concentrate on the preparation for the game and that’s the result we are seeing, you know.”
 
Now, that’s what you call teamwork in effect. Teamwork that will be ‘read’ on the Richter scale to the Pennsylvania club as a stark reminder that Unity Is Strength. Go Express!

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/538130.html Jersey Express edged the New York Cosmos 1-0 06/18/2011 10:31 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/537146.html In their first scrimmage game together, the Jersey Express edged the New York Cosmos 1-0 at Lubetkin Field on Wednesday June15.

The game commenced effervescently with both teams having equal ball possession. Crisp and aesthetic passes were being made as well as rugged yet timely tackles were enforced. It wasn’t until the 16 minute when Express’ forward Malijani Samson struck the cross bar with a scintillating overhead kick. The “ooo’s and aaah’s” from the crowd were a testament as to how close he was to scoring. As the game progressed, Cosmos’ Stefan Dimitrov (former Chicago Fire player) and Mike Grella (former Leeds United forward) tried to penetrate the Express’ defense but to no avail. In the 31 minute, Express took the lead. The ubiquitous Abdoulaye Couilibally was brought down in the penalty area and midfielder Angser Otto stepped up and converted from the spot.
                 Express’ custodian, Ryan Meara, was called upon to make some timely saves in the second half but never fell short brilliance. He continues to maintain his excellent form with the help of a combative and intelligent backline marshaled by Shawn Foster.
                The Express and Cosmos meet again in July for another scrimmage.
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/537146.html L'aventure d'shutouts 06/17/2011 04:30 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/536767.html  

The Jersey Express continues to blank their foes, this time steamrolling Bermuda Hogges to a quartet of goals last Sunday, June 12th. But, the club’s superb shutout streak became a side story to their captain Jared Laventure’s soccer showmanship to those on, near to and off the NJIT Stadium playing field.
Laventure traversed the turf, from defense to frontline where his supreme skills scored half of Jersey’s goals and assisted on another, giving his team and rivals, as well as fans and a group of ballgirls another taste of Jersey’s stifling defensive play.
 
“I think our play is a reflection of the one undeniable constant in all of sports: ‘you can’t lose if you don’t let the other team score’,” noted the senior Express player who now leads his team with three goals and assists, apiece, for 8 points. It is the sixth time Jersey’s opponents have failed to upgrade the zero in their score box. Amazingly, the shutouts characterize all of Jersey’s wins from the seven games played so far. 
 
It was l‘adventure dans tissage de boule (the adventure in ball weaving) that Laventure had promised the group of jeunes dames from Arsenal Soccer Club when he met them just before the game, while they prepped for their roles as ballgirls. The skipper’s spectacle was special for the girls whom he trains in northern New Jersey. “We got to see coach do the things that he teaches us. It was so, like, awesome how he played,” said an excited Eleny who twinned as balllgirls with teammate Sarah behind the Hogges’ goal.
 
But Laventure’s heroics didn’t come at a flash. After toughing it out with his defense teammates to barricade Hogges’ runs during attacking exchanges in the early stages, Laventure stepped up to swell Jersey’s presence in Hogges’ box for midfielder Abdou Coulibaly’s cornerkick.  
 
Lurking nonchalantly and faking some adjustments to his uniform, the overlapping defender seemed inconsequential to the Hogges’ defense. As the kick came, he sped from the penalty box line to the goal box line to butt home the sphere from a Joseph Ovenseri headed pass. It was a spectacular start to another encore of the Express’ ‘leather on nylon’ symphony of sounds in the 26th minute.
 
Before the sonata movement could fade, though, Jersey was back for another composition as they won the ball from the still dazed Hogges. Coulibaly sent a cross to midfielder Ansger Otto on the left who dazzled the sluggish Bermuda defense to get into the box. The dumpy Otto put the ball through for fellow midfielder Lebogang Pila who ran in unchallenged. Pila slid the ball to striker Overseri at the penalty spot where the tall Nigerian swept it to the right of Hogges’ goalie Mikkail Crockwell.
 
In a wink, Jersey were two up in the 27th minute, and the African continent was well represented in the North American team’s build-up to goal against the Caribbean side. The score would remain at the deuce for the white clad Express going into the break. But, before that the red-attired Bermuda gave Jersey some moments of danger as they came close to illuminating the center strip on the scoreboard’s ‘visitors’  LEDs.
 
As early as the 6th minute on a counter attack, Jersey’s keeper Ryan Meara was drawn out of goal for a save off a good shot which ricocheted of his leg.  Then in the 33rd, Meara got a tip to a Hogges’ header from a long pass, but the deflection was retrieved just in time by a retreating Shawn Foster for a clearance. 
 
Jersey, too, had unlucky moments in the half. An assortment of fine build-ups and shots were stopped by the Hogges goalie to the dismay of the excitedly expectant fans. The branding came when Otto took an Andrew Konopelsky long pass in the box. Surrounded by three Hogges defenders, Otto delivered a splendid bicycle kick, only to see the goalie leap to miraculously cuff it over the bar, and rob him (Otto) of what could have been the ‘goal of the season’.
 
Spirited exchanges marked the start of the last half as Jersey demonstrated crisp passing using the ‘thirds’ to get to their target again, while Bermuda resolved to get most of their numbers patrol the field to defend and then attack in a tangled bunch of misplaced players.
 
Jersey brought on Joseph Ruesgen, Josh Trott and Robert Youhill for Otto, Ovenseri and Anthony Assante to assert their control. Later, Coulibaly, Pila and Joseph Niouki were replaced, at different times, by Michael Mazzullo, Idris Mashriqi and Kadeem Dacres joining the fray to sustain the shutout showcase.
 
It was Dacres who gave Pila a fine send-off when he netted Jersey’s third goal, giving his teammate a pair of assists for the game. In the 60th minute, the nippy forward got to a skidding, low pass before Trott and Laventure, to pat it in after Pila distributed from the right to a Ruesgen long pass from the half line.
 
Before that, Meara and Crockwell shared the spoils in pulling off superb saves, with the Jersey keeper standing out for advancing stop to a shot after a Hogges’ striker had split defenders Michael Konicoff and Ruesgen on his run into the box. 
 
Meanwhile, Laventure was up front creating harrowing overtime work for Hogges defense. Two stunning shots were stopped by the keeper who was literally in the right place at the right time for the visitors, or conversely for Laventure’s efforts. A well timed header hit the right upright, then a close range drive deflected of the goalie’s hands which were seemingly going up to protect his face. That made a dejected Laventure continue his trot onto the net to voluntarily tangle in it.
 
That may have been the casting of a spell by the soccer wizard. Soon after a perfect cross from Trott took one bounce in front of his box-dwelling captain who took the ball on his thigh. With his left side to the keeper, Laventure spun his legs around the ball instead of his body, and hit a right-footed bullet volley to shave the crown off the keeper on its way to the ole onion bag, exactly where the skipper kinked, earlier.
 
 The 80th minute goal wrapped Jersey’s gift to the fans, and especially their captain’s bequest to the ecstatic ballgirls – his protégés, and cementing the fact that the only goal-scoring celebrations the stadium has seen this season are the home team’s. Express have the amazing feat of 14 unanswered goals in four home games, and apart from the away loss in Week 2, they have tallied 17 unrequited from six matches.
“Maybe, just maybe it might be useful,” responded Hannah, a first time ballgirl and Grade 2 honor student when asked if the protracted perfect performances are prime precursors for a plead to rename the NJIT facility (Lubetkin field), Shutout Stadium.
 
Now, like four teams have learned; it is increasingly difficult to score against Jersey at home. Be warned, others. Be warned!

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/536767.html Jersey Express continue to dominate at home 06/15/2011 10:15 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/535846.html  

NEWARK, N.J. --- Captain Jerrod Laventure led all scorers with a pair of goals as the Jersey Express continue to dominate at home with their fourth consecutive victory at Lubetkin Field, defeating Bermuda 4-0 on Sunday evening.
 
Laventure was aided on the evening by fellow forward Joseph Ovenseri who assisted on Laventure’s first goal of the night in the 26th minute, then added his own tally a minute later off a turnover by the Hoggies. The hosts led by two goals after the first half, and outshot the visitors by a 2-to-1 margin, 8-4.
 
In the second half, the Express scored two more times as newcomer Kadeem Decres added his first tally of the season, just three minutes after coming in off the bench in the 60th minute. Laventure added the final goal of the night in the 80th minute.
 
Netminder Ryan Meara made five saves for his sixth shutout of the season and fifth in a row.
 
Jersey (6-1, 18 pts.) will get back on the pitch on Saturday night as they travel to Queens, N.Y. to take on the Brooklyn Knights from the Met Oval at 7 p.m.
 
Game Highlights
 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/535846.html Déjà vu in Denville 06/22/2011 06:31 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/534879.html  

A Lebogang Pila left-footed torpedo deployed on the stoke of armistice was just-in-time for a Jersey Express 1-nil triumph in an explosive war against NJ Rangers, last Wednesday, June 8th, at the Morris Catholic H.S. ground. Armistice
It took Express (5-1-0, 15pts) all of regulation plus a tad more to defeat the roving Rangers (3-5-0, 5pts) who played nearly half the game with a ‘man down’ from an ejection. However, the solo detonation by the South African-born Pila in the 92nd minute sealed the ‘mission accomplished’ for his battle-weary
troops. “Yeah, I got one there … Happy to get the win … Tough game … We pulled it through at the end, there,” said the baby-faced midfielder.
It was déjà vu for Jersey as Plia’s ‘D-day’ goal ended a tense clash just like their home combat with Ocean City Nor’easters 12 days before. “It was fun though. It took nearly to the end to score the winning goal, and the only goal,” beamed Shirley Cohen, an avid Express fan who made a 26-mile trip from Belleville with her son, Andrew. “They were sort of playing evenly and with about five minutes to end, they were bringing on the pressure and they scored. Gosh! They are 5 and 1 now!” the male Cohen exclaimed, still breathing heavily, his pulse racing from the fast paced game.
A goalless tie seemed the likely result in the eventful game until Pila l did his ‘Ronaldinho trick’ to light up the Denville night and the ‘1’ for the visitors on the scoreboard LEDs. It was his second of the season after an unassisted strike at Central Jersey Spartans on Memorial Day. “Yes, two goals now for the team … trying to work on more … take it one game at a time and see what happens,” the St. Peter’s College alum said in short ‘catching my’ breath’ tones.
Jersey’s head coach George Vichniakov complimented the endurance and desire to win that drove his team to the last moment. “It was a strange match because we were having the possessions and we didn’t put in the chances, but the important thing is that we kept the pressure on and Lebo reacted and we won in the end.”
 
Coming into the hot, humid evening encounter, the Express were, no doubt, buoyed by their three previous shutout wins in as many games, home and away. They kicked off with crisp passing and got early encouragements. It could have been 1-up in the opening nickel when ‘the green lantern’ Josh Trott fought off two defenders and directed the ball around an advancing goalie Adam Purdy, but the keeper’s finger defected it to ricochet of the left upright.
 
Rangers made counters of their own that initially tested the stout defense of Andrew Konoplesky, Jerrod Laventure, Shawn Foster and Michael Konicoff. A rasping free-kick just outside the box in the 16th got a leaping save from Express goalie Ryan Meara in a cluster of players. Minutes later, Jersey defended
 
stoutly to nullify Rangers’ chances from a 3-peat of corner kicks. Again, Meara thwarted the threats by punching the last one far into play.
 
19 minutes in, the speedy Robert Youhill left a pair of Rangers in his flowing dust to get into the box. With a defender tagging and goalie advancing, Youhill lost the ball, but the ever-present Ansger Otto pounced on it to boot a strong kick that hit the left upright of an empty goal.
 
The battle hardened as Rangers reciprocated. Meara was ‘chicked’ advancing to a Rangers’ attacker who passed to a teammate to finish, only to see another omnipresent Jersey player – Foster – clear the sphere from rolling into an open goal. Shortly after, Meara was classy diving to a spectacular save by snatching the ball of the boot of a Rangers’ striker. It was quintessential ‘practice makes perfect’, since Meara tried the move in pre-game drills with goalkeeping coach Dudi Gil.
 
In the 34 minute, Otto’s pervasiveness could have scored for Jersey as the diminutive player made a desperate, off-balance shot that saw the goalie make a reflex block. Two minutes later, Rangers’ Alex Brito got the game’s first caution from referee Alex Chilowire for a tough challenge on Pila, and was ejected later after a brash foul on Trott. At this free-kick, Trott would have sealed his header attempt to Pila’s shot if he had missed just one of his barber appointments, instead.
 
Pressing their attack in the half’s ‘final-5’, Jersey’s Kevin Meyer crossed to an overlapping Konicoff, but the defenseman’s shot was parried by a net-minding defender after he drew the goalie the wrong way with a fake play. Another Meyer free-kick found Otto for a series of four head to head juggling plays, and an eventual clearance and counter-attack by Rangers.
 
That breakaway was thwarted by Joseph Louis Niouki who bolted back like a runaway Acela to balance his team’s outnumbered defense. Then Niouki passed to a well positioned Trott whose hurried shot was further from the goal than he was. The half ended with only the time changing on the scoreboard, so both platoons stayed on the site of battle to strategize for the last half.
 
They came out with surges to prolong the war. They traded invasions with Jersey breaching the enemy’s defense on close encounters, while Rangers sent long, overhead missiles for their strikers to finish, but none hit bullseye. A notable off-target strike came from Joseph Niouki who shot was so high over goal that it would be the envy of NY Jets football kickers.
 
A Rangers’ reconnaissance saw more hardcore adversaries to Jersey. That toughness turned on them in the 50th minute when Brito literally saw ‘red’ from
 
the dutiful referee. Foster sent the free-kick into the box hoping for a repeat of the Nor’easters strike, but Otto’s perfect shot bounced off a defender for a corner-kick. Moments later, Otto paired with Trott on superb switch play that confused the defenders, but not the goalie who blocked what looked like a certain goal for Jersey.
 
66 minutes in, Youhill, too, came close with a ‘ground-eater’ that scorched the turf going across the goal box, to end up inches outside the right upright. Then, the gallant Niouki showed secular sportsmanship when he tried an old fashioned revival technique on Rangers’ Jason Gorskies who was winded by a hard shot and went down for the count. The act brought cheers from amused players and fans, and a beam from Chilowire. The spotlight stayed on Niouki soon after when his header to a corner-kick sailed over the crossbar, adding to Jersey’s goal-drought woes.
 
Outnumbered, Rangers continued the long ball to outrun the Jersey defense line which was markedly overlapping, with especially Laventure, hunting the 3 points. The captain’s high presence upped the ante on the Express sorties. He used his experienced to challenge Rangers’ goalie on the latter’s frequent delaying tactics whenever he possessed the ball.
 
‘Fresh legs’ came on for both teams, with coach Vichniakov optimistic of getting his due by launching Anthony Assante, Joseph Ovenseri and Joseph Ruesgen into battle. But, the tall Overseri and the speedy Assante stretched the game’s tenseness as they came up short and dawdling on good chances.
 
Undaunted, Jersey pressed until Rangers surrendered. As the countdown clock exhausted, a throw-in was headed to a Ranger who tried settling the ball which rose and bounced off the chest of the ‘rear-guarding’ Niouki to ‘no man’s land’ where the alert Pila ambushed it on his right. The midfield marshall swayed left to send a defender the wrong way, and get a periscope on goal from 28 yards out. His shot travelled in the lower trajectory, bounced 3 yards in front a sliding goalie, hit his leg and climbed on its way to spin in the ole’ onion bag.
 
The spell had been broken. Jersey got the goal, the game and the full points. “Yeah! It boost the team’s confidence … we fought one out … we getting stronger every game so we’re glad we could pull it through,” Pila said after Jersey sought another in extra-time, and would now take that adrenalin to the next game versus Bermuda Hogges on Sunday, June 12th.
Vichniakov said the players stuck to their ultimate aim, and games like this bring out the best in clubs who stay focused and purposeful. “Guys, matches are won from the first until the ninetieth minute of matches, and we need to make sure we are at our best from the beginning of matches to the end,” he reminded.

“Yes, we wish them all well … beat Bermuda now … Oh yeah!” shouted Andrew Cohen who is even more anxious now for the 5pm match at Lubetkin Field stadium.  
EXPRESS – 1, RANGERS – 0. GOAL: Lebogang Pila (92’)
EXPRESS HONORS: Game MVP - Lebogang Pila (M), Defensive Player – Ryan Meara (GK)
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/534879.html 06/08/2011 08:10 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533844.html

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533844.html Half-a-dozen is given 06/07/2011 09:15 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533434.html  

A pair of goal, each, from Andrew Konopelsky and Josh Trott powered Jersey Express to a 6-nil romp over visiting Brooklyn Knights in clash that had almost everything a PDL soccer match can present.
The thunder twins’ double strikes were the centerpiece of the goal spree that also saw a penalty saved, an own goal and a grating group of fans that brought back memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “We from Africa, Senegal, but we live here in Jersey and we came to support,” said Demba Daibo, the livewire of the garrulous group whose compatriot is Jersey’s midfielder Joseph Louis Niouki.  
Jersey’s third home shutout in as many games gave the eight member group something more to shout about. “We like watching them. They play nice ball. They play like (2011 UEFA Champions League winners) Barcelona. You see what they did today … 1-2-3 boom!” exclaimed Daouda Ndoye, just before his buddies segued in more chanting. “Keepa! Keepa! Keepaaaaaa!” they billowed, in obvious enjoyment over the saved penalty by Jersey’s substitute goalkeeper, John London.  
London, who replaced starting custodian Ryan Meara, kept the home slate clean by leaping to his left for picture-perfect parry of Ugur Goktekin’s effort to give his team some consolation in the game’s dying stages. It was the goalie’s first touch on the ball, which occurred after a handball by defender Shawn Foster in the box. 
The stunning save brought sustained cheers from Express fans and players including those whom he had just parted company with at the substitutes’ bench area. “John got his chance to really show that he is an awesome keeper. He gives us wider options with our goalkeeping. That save was so tremendous,” belted assistant manager Eric Maimon who was on the receiving end of a bear hug from goalkeeping coach Dudi Gil after the penalty put-aside.
Though, only likely to change the stats of the game rather than the outcome, the save sent tongues wagging as it ended a game with an otherwise uptight start.
The writing may have been on the wall for Brooklyn who failed to do the customary pre-game warm-up on the turf. They were just ready for kick-off, most likely due to alleged mix-up of the game’s start time by Knight’s personnel.
However, Jersey got no lack of alacrity from their opponents as both team traded possessions and attacks in the opening quarter hour. In fact, it was Jersey who had the blimp of blithe over their heads. A barrage of goal scoring chances went abegging as the homesters hunted an opening goal. Seemingly, the boots of forwards Joseph Ovenseri and Hemir Niebles and midfielder Ansger Otto were not armed with the requisite ‘killer instinct’ to convert the clear opportunities.
As much as the three wanted to hit the net, no one was more desirous than their head coach, George Vichniakov. The sideline-stomping instructor switched play, and brought midfielders Josh Trott and Lebogang Pila to assist with the attacks. But, the first goal still dodged the Express. “Joseph, this is not practice …. This is a real game,” came one of Vichniakov shouts in English and Russian to Ovenseri over a frame of feet fumbling by the forward who had an open goal to net his first of the season.
Again, Vichniakov strategized, and allowed his defenders Michael Konicoff, Shawn Foster and Andrew Konopelsky to overlap. And, it was the latter that liberated Jersey from the stranglehold of sullied finishing. After playing the ball to teammate Trott, the defender raced forward to set himself up. The ball went from Trott to Plia to Otto who put it through for Konopelsky just inside the box. He eluded two defenders. Got the ball on his left, pivoted and turned a full 360º to boot a right footer that beat the goalie all ends up.
The 27th minute strike gave relief to the team and fans. Thereafter, a few good build-ups from the defense, particularly by Konicoff, Konopelsky and captain Jerrod Laventure to frontline players missed getting the plays’ finality. The first stanza ended with the Express singing the arias at 1 goal to nil.
Jersey did not use the locker room at the break. Rather, the coaching staff kept them on the turf to revise their manuscript of strategies. Thus, on the resumption the symphony of leather on nylon began. Robert Youhill was brought in for Ovenseri to give harmonial renaissance to the chorale.
After 15 minutes of attacks and counter attacks by both teams, Jersey recited the ‘goalllllll’ chant again with the boisterous posse getting louder, as the incisive Trott produced a dazzling, diving lateral header from in front the Knights goal. The strike off his noggins came from a wonderfully calculated pass by Youhill on the right.
Five minutes later, Trott was almost on the Knights goal line when he received a short pass from Foster who had worked his way through Brooklyn’s defense to just outside the left of the box. Just a little pat was enough for the sphere to greet the ole onion bag, and Trott was on his third strike of the season and Foster, his second assist. 
With three goals up on a team that didn’t look like it belonged in the same league, Jersey ringed substitutions bringing in almost everyone from its declared list. One such change resulted in former Knights U-20 forward Anthony Assante getting one against his old club.
After a punch out save by Meara in the 75th minute, midfielder Pila pounced on an open ball in the middle of Jersey’s half, and sent a long overhead pass to Assante loafing midway in Knights’ territory with two defenders, nearby. The speedy forward got to the ball first, out-ran the defenders then out-maneuvered the advancing goalkeeper to slot his right footer from an angle pass another defenseman who tried to hold fort for the outdone keeper.
Then Konopelsky who had been running the Lubetkin Field turf like an energizer bunny got his season tally up to Trott’s. In the 80th minute, midfielder William Stamatis who had booted some long distance bombs from the left flank sent another one that dipped like a baseball pitcher’s slider in front the Knights goal. The keeper got a hand to it in an attempt to push it over the crossbar. Instead, the ball went back into play onto the noggins of a waiting Konoplesky who completed the ball’s journey from ‘foot to hand to head to net’, much to the delight of Jersey.
Seven minutes later the final nail went into Brooklyn’s coffin when. Still dismayed over their porosity and failure to score on a penalty, a bushed bunch of blue-clad Brooklyn ballweavers were further broken by Youhill who got the ball on the right and did a ‘number’ on two defenders to get in the box before crossing the ball. In all bewilderment, the ball ricocheted off a Knights defender who ran in to block an open Stamatis, and shot up into the net.
That was enough to bury the New Yorkers and send the Express goal tally to 10 ‘unanswered’ from three home games - a source of pride for fans. “So we thank you guys and we wish you guys to keep it up. Keep on go and we’ll be here supporting,” assured Khadim Kebe in the constant chanting crew. Jersey goes to 12 points from 4 wins in 5 games, and is in third on the 8-team Eastern Conference Mid-Atlantic division.
The Club travels to Flanders this Wednesday, June 8th to play in-state rivals New Jersey Rangers from 8pm at the Morris Catholic High School ground. The next home game is Sunday, June 12th against Bermuda Hogges from 5pm.
 
Game Highlights Jersey Express vs. Brooklyn Knights June 4th, 2011

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533434.html TROTT AND KONOPELSKY LEAD EXPRESS TO 6-0 VICTORY OVER BROOKLYN 06/06/2011 09:31 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533021.html NEWARK, N.J. --- All Aboard! Forward Josh Trott and midfielder Andrew Konopelsky led all scorers with a pair of goals, as the host Jersey Express scored five times in the second half to easily defeat the Brooklyn Knights on Saturday evening at Lubetkin Field in a Mid-Atlantic Division contest.

Konopelsky, who was named man of the match, scored the only tally in the first half, as the midfielder sent a blast to the top corner behind Knights’ netminder Tyler Claehaut in the 27th minute.  The hosts outshot the visitors from Brooklyn, 11-5 and were led by forward Joseph Ovenseri who took four shots in the half.

The Express steamed down the tracks in the second half, as Trott scored in the 60th minute off a beautiful cross by defender Robert Youhill.  Trott added his second tally just five minutes later, as another cross came off the foot of Youhill, but a deflected pass by Shawn Foster in the box found Trott for his second goal of the night.

Leading 3-0, reserve forward Anthony Asante scored his first goal of the season in the 75th minute against his former team, as Asante last played for the Knights U-20 team.  15 minutes later, Konopelsky adds his second goal of the match after Claehaut mishandled a shot by midfielder Lebogang Pila, allowing Konopelsky to stuff in the rebound attempt.

With a few minutes remaining in the contest, the Express added their sixth goal of the night, as the tally came off an own goal which was put in off the heel of Knights defender Zachary Goose.

The hosts finished the game with an 18-10 edge in shots and manhandled the Knights with ball possession all night long. The only real opportunity for the Knights came late in the game, but reserve goalie John Londono who played the last 10 minutes after replacing starter Ryan Meara blanked Knights’ forward Robbie Weir on a penalty kick.

The combination of Meara and Londono made five saves, with Meara making four and Londono’s only shot against coming off the PK.

Jersey (4-1) will make a short travel and face the New Jersey Rangers in a Derby Match on Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. from Morris Catholic High School. The Express will return back to Lubetkin Field on Sunday evening to take on Bermuda at 5 p.m.

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533021.html BROOKLYN KNIGHTS VS. EXPRESS 06/06/2011 09:47 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533030.html Entering tonight’s matchup with the Brooklyn Knights, the Jersey Express are looking for their third consecutive victory.  Jersey (3-1) comes off a 2-0 victory over Central Jersey on Memorial Day and are tied for third in the Mid-Atlantic Division with the New Jersey Rangers at nine points.  Leading the way for the Express in Monday’s contest was captain Jerrod Laventure, who scored his first goal of the season. Laventure leads the team with four points on the season and has been a big help in all three victories this year.  Also adding a goal in the Central Jersey contest was Libo Pila. The recent St. Peter’s College graduate, scored his first goal of the year.

Netminder Ryan Meara continues to shut down the opposition and is tied for third in the PDL with three shutouts.  Meara was tested early against the Spartans, making four saves in the first half and just one in the final 45 minutes. In all three victories this season, Meara has been a wall in the eyes of the opposition, making seven saves in the three wins.

Although this is the first season the Knights are playing in the Mid-Atlantic Division, many of the Express players and front office staff cut their teeth in Brooklyn. Hamir Niebles is the only current member of the Express to get his start in Brooklyn, but front office members Gali Maimon, Eric Maimon, Nick Guerriero and Gary Tim all began their journey in Brooklyn. In 2009, Gali Maimon the team’s General Manager was named PDL Executive of the year after advancing the Knights deep into PDL playoffs during his tenure.

The Express will return to the pitch for an important derby match with the Rangers on Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. The team will return back to Lubetkin Field on Sunday June 12

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/533030.html Jersey Express a 1-0 victory over the Ocean City Nor’easters 05/28/2011 10:41 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/530847.html NEWARK, N.J. --- Forward Ansger Otto scored the lone goal in the 89th minute to give the Jersey Express a 1-0 victory over the Ocean City Nor’easters on Friday night in a Mid-Atlantic showdown at Lubetkin Field.

Otto’s tally was set-up off from a beautiful pass by defender Shawn Foster. Foster continues to shine with the Express after receiving weekly honors earlier in the season. The Express defense was superb for the second time on their home pitch and allowed netminder Ryan Meara to secure his second consecutive home shutout of the season.

The hosts outshot their opposition, 16-6, and took nine shots on target. Meara finished the game with just one save, but Nor’easters’ netminder Pat Hannigan made eight stops.

Jersey (2-1-0 / 6 points) will need to regroup quickly as they will take on Central Jersey on Monday evening at 5 p.m. @ Falcon Field

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/530847.html Almost Armageddon away 05/27/2011 06:00 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/530522.html  

The day was supposed to be the end of the world, and though that turned into a ruse, it seemed that time did stand still for Jersey Express on May 21st as they descended to a heretical 3-1 judgment at the hands of Long Island Rough Riders.
It was an out-of-sorts game for Jersey (1-1-0, 3 pts) who are bent on quick atonement for the apocalyptic result of their first away game of a season in which they are determined to ascend to PDL glory. “We’ll be fine and get back on track. We’ll be good,” exclaimed club owner Joe Branco who watched the game at Levittown’s McArthur High School’s soccer field.
The Express were made to look like they’re on a regular timetable, surrendering the speedy moniker to their rivals whose initials, incidentally, represents the area’s commuter conveyance – the LIRR (Long Island Railroad). “We came out flat and never recovered,” defenseman Joseph Ruesgen ‘fessed up about Jersey’s play in the game where all goals came in the second half.
After a reverential first stanza which saw both teams fail to start the sermon, the ole onion bag rang true in the final-45, and as early as the third minute of play. In a swift counter attack, Long Island’s midfielder Tyler Arnone hit the net from a pass from teammate Adriano Gabriele.
Play stepped up with Jersey pressing for the equalizer and Long Island (4-0-0, 12 pts) reacting to every Express misstep with an attack on their own.
Though Jersey put up a plethora of attacking players, it did not have piety on its side as a slew of chances went abegging. Its captain Jerrod Laventure was the chief sinner, being the center of several of the visitors’ attempts to level the score. On a loose ball play in Long Island’s box, the skipper literally clashed with goalkeeper Thomas Booth; was thwarted by the custodian on a one-on-one goal try, then was brought down in the box for which the referee Lahoucine Kharmaj turned a deaf ear to Jersey’s cries for a penalty.
“After the first goal, we had to take some risks, so we played a midfielder high,” coach George Vichniakov later admitted, praying for dividends, then. His entreaty got no blessing. Instead, Jersey strife increased in the overcast conditions and on slick turf dampened by an earlier shower from the heavens. Additionally, their midfielder Joseph Niouki and defender Shawn Foster got the only cautions of the game.
In the 71st minute, Jersey’s goalie Ryan Meara was unable to put up his laudable showing in away games as his staunch defense crew was pierced by a mesmerizing single-manned soccer strike. Like Moses parting the Red Sea, forward Dominick Sarle meandered his way through the Jersey defense from just over the half line to boot home Rough Riders’ deuce.
Meara did save the bleeding on two particularly sturdy shots from Rough Riders’ attackers, diving to his left to ruin a certain goal and advancing to head a high ball into touch. Ironically, his opposite number was saved from an own goal when Jersey’s midfielder Robert Youhill sent an overhead cross that was inadvertently parried just over Long Island’s goal off a defender’s foot.
Apart from the near miss, Booth only felt threatened by the constant companionship he encouraged from Laventure whenever he had the ball, and was seemingly burning the game clock. However, in the 84th minute, the Long Island goalie was stirringly reminded that the game was still on, when sub Joseph Ovenseri flashed a low free kick that recoiled off a defender who, to the Jersey club, was in the wrong place at the wrong time. A goal then could have been penitence for the striker’s earlier impious miscues. 
Four minutes later, after both teams ringed the last of their several substitutions, Long Island offered more tithes for the 580+ fans. With two teammates getting by the Jersey defense and causing Meara to retreat after advancing earlier, Sarle raced down the right flank and passed the final nail for Guy-Roland Knepe to hammer Jersey deeper on the crucifix in the 88th minute.
Express got off the knees and rose prevent a shutout. Their prayers were finally answered. Youhill, who had seen bad finishes on a lot of his passes, finally got Ovenseri to take one to the goalie. The lanky striker tangled with the Booth and a defender in front the goal, allowing sub William Stamatis to pounce upon a loose ball, booting it into the ole onion bag from the skirmish on the stroke of regulation time. Stamatis’ first touch in the game was all that the New Jersey club needed to ‘save face’. A minute later, the referee discharged the flocks from the ‘doomsday’ duel. 
As Rough Riders restrained their joy, probably astounded by their shock defeat over the 2010 semifinalists, Jersey members admitted that they played a strong, gladiator-like LIRR team, but lamented the combat arena. “Sometimes, we don’t play as good on these smaller fields,” they echoed about the ground where their game is the only one on the homesters’ schedule for the season
“We didn’t play our game today. We had to do better. It’s a better team than our first opponents, but we didn’t play Jersey Express soccer today,” coach Vichniakov acknowledged, vowing that an Express resurrection is imminent in its third coming.
For game #3, Jersey will expect to lift the shroud, at home, on Friday, May 27th when they host Ocean City Nor’easters at NJIT stadium from 8:00 pm.
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/530522.html Better, Fitter, Readier 05/27/2011 06:17 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/530523.html  

The Jersey Express club is running onto soccer fields this year with one of the best squads ever, and one that is practically fit and ready, as well
If nothing else, those characteristics are stimulus for a satisfying season that is steered by the positive ‘doctrine’: “they are, they are ready to go.”
That opinion was shared by Director of Fitness and Athletic Training, Chris Meny just before the club got into its 2011 PDL championship campaign. “I think the talent level in the club this year is a lot higher than its been, and that just raises the level since we are headed for greater things this year.”
Meny’s views were endorsed by two stalwart players who have been with the club since its inception in 2008. Both forward Jarred Laventure and defenseman Chris Karcz believe that their club is eager to perform well in the season, and create the ideal platform for their foray into the pro-ranks in 2012.
“Yeah! As a club I think we definitely have the talent this year to go all the way, you know!” Laventure exclaimed, adding that that has been the definitive objective every year. Karcz felt similarly. “I think we are a much better team this year to make it further, maybe all the way to the final.”
The two pioneers are important cogs in the club’s vast talent pool that Meny has attentive eyes and tender hands over. But, in sports, talent, skill and desire are nothing without fitness. And, Meny is aware of that. Coming into this all-important season, he has been working assidiously on players’ conditioning since last year to ensure optimum fitness all around.
“Last year was just more of an overall fitness outlook, we didn’t have any major specific recurring concerns,” he responded to a question of any dominant injuries that were observed from 2010. “For the most part, the guys do a real good job of taking care of themselves.”
To eliminate at-risk conditions, the fitness specialist informed that the club has implemented a strict regimen of new stretching routines. “We’re spending a bit more time doing agility and skill work this year, so hopefully that will address any areas of weaknesses and alleviate some of the more common deceleration injuries ever-present in soccer,” added Meny, an experienced instructor in clinical competencies and proficiencies, as well.
During pre-season activities, the trainer was keeping crossed fingers, hoping for no alarms. “They are competing hard for spots and everybody is trying to show their best,” he had said in reference to potential injuries cropping up from overzealous pre-season play. “So it will be nice see them eventually play against another team since they are taking hard knocks against each other.”
Now, the team has begun its run to the PDL zenith and, the outlook couldn’t be any better in Laventure’s opinion. “Starting from what we’d been putting together since last year, I think we really have all the right guys in place now. Everything is set up for us now, you know!
Like Karcz, Laventure wears the most prominent integers in soccer – 10 and 11 respectively – and he is wary that donning target numbers is a recipe for injury-inducing challenges, but Meny noted that the entire team “tough it out” when it matters.
Incidentally, it was during the Express’ demanding road trips last year that there were more positives from the fitness regime to safeguard against injuries, and diminishing focus and energy levels. It’s history, now, that those outings were successful, and Meny who didn’t travel with the team, said: “I just stressed their recovery. To play 90 minutes, get on a plane, bus or van, sit for 4 to 5 hours, then playing with 12 to 14 hours rest; it’s the recovery aspect that’s vital.”
Add that to the players’ ability, and the sum is impressive. “These guys are really talented,” Meny noted, speaking of the reserve players, too. “Some of them could probably play on other PDL teams, but just because of our strength they’re not going to get that opportunity right off the bat, but it’s a great building block for the future.”
That optimism is sanctioned by Laventure. The Express skipper opined that club camaraderie is high. “All of us here are brothers like one big family, you know! It’s strange, sometimes, some personalities just work well together and I think that’s what we have here and it shows out.”
Karcz who has longed to go fully pro, is excited over the team’s composition and readiness, noting that he is surrounded by great players in the team. “We’ve got a great team that is very professional and, really, if everybody works hard even in the little things, we’ll all be successful.”
With Express enveloping enviable expertise at soccer, it’s expected that flair, fitness, faculty and flawless footwork will bring all the club’s favorable features to the fore, this year
 
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/530523.html Jersey Express vs. Weschester Game Highlights 05/21/2011 08:14 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/526878.html

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/526878.html Jersey Express took the season-opener 05/17/2011 12:17 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/526907.html NEWARK, N.J. - Captain Jerrod Laventure assisted on a pair of goals, as the Jersey Express took the season-opener, 3-0, against the Westchester Flames on Saturday evening at Lubetkin Field to begin the 2011 campaign.


Josh Trott, Robert Youhill and Andrew Konopelsky all scored for the Express with Laventure assisting on the first and third tallies of the night. Jersey dominated play for the entire game and gave reigning PDL Goalie of the Year Ryan Meara an easy time in goal, as the netminder was asked to make just one save.


The Express capitalized on a beautiful pass from Laventure just outside the box in 25th minute and found Trott to secure the first goal of the season. In the second half, the Express tallied twice, as Youhill scored an unassisted goal in the 53rd minute and the Konopelsky in the 72nd minute.


The express peppered the Flames netminder Gregory Cumpstone who made 10 saves in the defeat while Jersey outshot Westchester, 24-6.


Jersey (1-0) will take on Long Island this Saturday at MacArthur High School at 7:30 p.m., before returning back to Lubetkin Field on Friday May 27 to take on Ocean City at 8 p.m.





 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/526907.html All Aboard ! 05/10/2011 08:29 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/524751.html  

After months of tedious preparatory activities, including a meticulous selection process, the Jersey Express club is ready to battle for top honors in the 2011 PDL season with a roster that has been deemed “absolutely one of the best” by its front office.
 
With a high percentage of its 2010 squad returning for this season, the Express roster boasts of players of ranking caliber with rich playoff experience. “It will always be a competitive period, and arriving at the squad would be extremely difficult, but it will be a really good one,” head coach George Vichiakov had reckoned early in the club’s pre-season activities.
 
The Express roster for the 2011 season will come from the following: Ousmane Camara, Abdoulaye Coulibaly, Shawn Foster, Jarryd Goldberg, Kyle Grato, Steven Jakubowski, Christopher Karcz, Michael Konicoff Andrew Konopelsky, Jerrod Laventure, John Londono, Josh Maley, Michael Mazzullo, Ryan Meara, Kevin Meyer, Hemir Niebles, Eduardo Oliver, Ansger Otto, Joseph Ovenseri, Lebogang Pila, Joseph Ruesgen, John Sallhag, Assaf Sheleg, Josh Trott and Robert Youhill. 
 
The Express management believes that it has an excellent combination of players, where there is depth in all positions. Like Vichniakov, General Manager Gali Maimon feels that this year’s squad represents a “deeper roster, better selection of players and personalities.” He added that keen attention was also paid to selecting rounded characters. “Not just good players on the field, off the field is very important too.”
 
Apart from upholding its diversity of cultures, the club is also banking on improving its other characteristics and accomplishments.   Entering its fourth year, the Express looks to better its record of reaching the Eastern Conference playoffs twice, getting to the semis in ’08 and last year. “We had a good team last year. The team played very organized … as a result we give up only one goal in all away games which I think is the best result in all of PDL,” Vichniakov had recounted.
Last year, too, the Express had two players named in the 11-member PDL All-League team from a player-pool of 2000-plus of the league’s 67 teams, while it also coveted the ‘PDL Goalkeeper of the Year’ award.
Reflecting on those honors of the past year, Maimon said, “if we do that this year, we will be very, very honored.” He, however, paraphrased his decorated goalkeeper Ryan Meara in saying, “but, we would want to trade all of that for the title, though.”
 
“The bar is raised very high this season,” Maimon said, while noting that the club did its utmost to merge the “best talent, best season preparation” available to it. Now, the Jersey club pumps its ignition for a non-stop voyage to the pinnacle of PDL eminence, beginning May 14th at home to the Westchester Flames.
 
“We’re very confident. We started working in September (2010) getting ready for this season and beyond and we cannot wait to start,” asserted the 2nd year Express top executive. He indicated that the team preparation process was a long one, and justly said, “I don’t think many PDL clubs can really say they do this.”
 
Maimon made these pronouncements last Saturday, following the club’s final scrimmage which came after the selections were made public. The midday game showcased many of the players on the shortlist in a dynamic matchup of nifty offense and deft defensive plays. And, if the action there was anything to go by then Maimon’s outlook could well be substantiated. “Since I’ve been involved with PDL teams, this is the best I’ve been part of,” noted the 8-year PDL management veteran who was the league’s Executive of the Year in 2008.
 
Attesting to the pull the Express has on PDL-hopeful players, Maimon pointed to the abundance of interest and attendance to the tryouts and afterwards, and said that the club keeps communications open to players “who didn’t make the cut.” He said that once there are good players around, there will be opportunities during the season. “Why not? We’ll always be looking for talent, developing and promoting other players and staff … That’s what the league is all about”.

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/524751.html Next Game-Express Season Tickets 05/10/2011 08:30 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/524287.html  

50% off any package (below) for one week only, Offer expire Saturday May 14th, 2011

For tickets and Package Purchase Call Gali@ 917-907-4092 or e mail gali@jerseyexpresssoccer.org

Season Ticket Prices and Packages:
Family Pass-$195
Entitles a family entrance to all eight (8) home games for the Express for up to six (6) individuals. **Less than $25 per game** Best Value**

Family Mini Pass- $97
Entitles a family entrance to any four (4) home games for the Express for up to six (6) individuals.
 
Season Pass- $60
Entitles entrance for one (1) individual to all eight (8) home games for the  Express
 
Mini Pass- $32
Entitle entrance for one (1) individual to four (4) home games for the Express.
 
Individual Game Tickets- $10
 
Group Rates - $7 per ticket (minimum purchase of 30 tickets)
 
Team Packages and Promotions:
 
Ball Boys – $180
30 tickets (additional tickets at $7 each)
Being Ball Boys for one half of the Express   Game
Your team announced over the loud speaker to all the fans
Wear your team uniform to show team spirit
 
Half-Time Mini Game- $240 per team
40 tickets (additional tickets at $7 each)
Half-time mini game
Must get opponent of equal age
15 person roster
Names announced during game
For more information contact:
Gali Maimon
at gali@ironboundsoccer.org or 917-907-4092
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/524287.html Keepin’ On 05/10/2011 08:30 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/524142.html

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/524142.html Scrimmages, languages and tryouts in prep all-out 05/10/2011 08:31 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/519971.html  

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/519971.html Facilities and Training Grounds 05/10/2011 08:31 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/512503.html Facilities and Training Grounds

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/512503.html UNITY IS STRENGTH 05/10/2011 08:32 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/488865.html

L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE

LA UNIDAD ES FUERZA

团结就是力量

EINHEIT IST STÄRKE

אחדות היא כוח

الوحدة هي القوة

L’UNIONE FA LA FORZA

JEDNOŚĆ JEST SIŁA

UNIÃO FAZ A FORÇA

ЕДИНСТВЕ-СИЛА

団結は力です。

ENIGHET ÄR STYRKA

สามัคคีคือ พลัง

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/488865.html National Soccer Academy 05/10/2011 08:32 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/496623.html The National Soccer Academy Organization is gearing up to host their first season of Super Y League play this summer and try-outs will continue in the near future (TBA)

 
All tryouts will take place at Hazlet United Soccer Complex, Hazlet NJ. From
Each year, we see improvement in players who continue to train and play over the summer through their participation in the Super Y program.
 
The tryouts are Fee Free:
 
Please bring two Tryouts Jerseys or t-shirts one Light (white) and One Dark (navy or black)
Direction to Tryouts: http://www.hazletsoccer.org/Directionsandmaps/index_E.html
 
Please click here for registration form print the form fill completely and bring to tryouts
 
Age- Groups
 
The age groups that we are hosting are:
  • U-12 Boys
  • U12 Girls
  • U14 Boys        
  • U14 Girls         
  • U16 Boys        
  • U16 Girls         
  • U20 Men        
(Note: The age groups will not change from the age the player is currently playing this spring.  Example: U12 Boys will be U12 Boys through the summer)
 
 
Schedule:
This year’s schedule will be spread over the months of June, July and August. The flexible schedule takes into account family vacation and camp schedules. Roster maximums of 26 players make it easier to accommodate player conflicts. The roster size will help our program to elite players and coaches.
 
Payments:
Super Y League Fees: TBA
 
Fees will go to:
  • League Fees
  • Coach’s Salaries
  • NSA Administration
  • Uniforms
  • Field Rentals
  • Referee Fees
  • Insurance 
 
Travel:
Travel is not included in this fee. League schedules have not been finalized at this time (we expect the league to provide us with the schedule by mid-March). We travel as a club, and do our best to have all teams playing in the same area to give a better chance for support from all 
 
Online registration will be available on the National Soccer Academy Web site
 
 
Miscellaneous:
The Super Y-League has its own carding system and games are scheduled mostly during the summer months, so players can play on their local team in the New Jersey soccer leagues like MOSA, MAPS or JAGS without conflict
 
The Super Y league is a program run through the professional league United Soccer Leagues.
 
The regular season league games will start beginning of June and end by Mid-August. The regular season league consists of 10 to 14 games. Each team will practice twice a week. The teams winning their divisions and runner ups will be invited to compete in the Super Y Nationals in Florida (usually in November).
 
 
Over 100 clubs throughout the country participate in the Super Y league.
 
Players will try out for their current age group. For instance, if the player is currently a U13 or U14 player, then he/she would try out for the U14 Super Y team. Each Super Y coach will be able to select up to 26 players for the team. However, only 18 players will dress on game day.
 
Lodging and transportation will be established by National Soccer Academy. Each year, we do have a full weekend of games scheduled away. Hotel reservation will be made via the office and the team managers. Cost of lodging and transportation is not included in the Super Y player fee.
For More information please  send us e mail to info@ironboundsoccer.org  
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/496623.html Jersey Express 2010 Recap and Celebration 05/10/2011 08:32 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/489959.html Assaf Sheleg and Eric Maimon Staff writers

The Express players and staff joined together before the New Year to celebrate and sum up the 2010 campaign at Paleio Bar and Grill in Newark, New Jersey. At the event the Express family honored and awarded the many memorable moments and players that helped produce the most successful season for the franchise in the Premier Development League thus far.
 
Express team accomplishments were as follows:
 
1.      A franchise record 10 wins.
2.      Best road defense in the PDL, with only one goal conceded.
3.      Best start of season(4-0), with nine goals scored and no goals conceded.
 
Express player accomplishments were as follows:
1.      PDL team of the week honors went to six Express player on eight occasions:
·         Chris Karcz (Twice)
·         Hemir Niebles (Twice)
·         Matia Damiani
·         Mohammed Mashriqi
·         Frank Alesci
·         Jerrod Laventure
2.      Goal of the Year Honors went to defensive midfielder’s Andrew Konopelsky’s crucial 40 yard rocket to the top right corner against local rivals Central Jersey.
3.      PDL Eastern Conference Team of the Year honors went goalkeeper Ryan Meara and midfielder Frank Alesci.
4.       PDL All League Team Honors , both Meara and Alesci were both selected as two of the top 11 player in all of the Premier Development League (which consists of 68 teams)
5.      PDL Goalkeeper of the Year, Meara earns another accolade as he is ranked the number one goalie in the entire league,  which consists of over 100 goalkeepers.
 
Pictures of the Express Staff and PDL All League Team members Ryan Meara and Frank Alesci are below.

 

After awarding the team for their accomplishments of 2010, the Express also revealed its expansion, by creating a super 20 team which will serve as the Reserves for the PDL. The Express also discussed their expansion into the creation of a youth academy which will consist of six youth teams that will be competing in the Super Youth League. Many of the PDL players will play a major role in the coaching and development of the youth Academy.  
 
We would like to wish all our players, staff members, fans, and sponsors a happy and healthy new year. We would also like to wish Midfielder’s Andrew Konopelsky, and Frank Alesci best wishes as they attend and further represent the Jersey Express at the 2011 USL Men’s Player Combine in Charleston, South Carolina on January 20th.
 
If you are a player interested in being part of the Jersey Express 2011 PDL team, the Express will be conducting tryouts at the NJIT Soccer Stadium in Newark, NJ Saturday, January 8th 2011, at 1 p.m. and Sunday January 9th, 2011 at 1 p.m. For more information please visit Jersey Express Website

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/489959.html Ironbound Express Changes Name and Expands its Operations 05/10/2011 08:33 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/488864.html  Eric Maimon, Assistant General Manager and Jersey Express Staff writer

On December 22, 2010 the Ironbound Express received approval from the United Soccer League to change its name to the Jersey Express.
 
Ironbound is a four mile long working class part of Newark, which is a very small fraction of the territorial rights we have in New Jersey. The name Ironbound segmented our market and gave fans, players, and sponsors the connotation that our organization was strictly located in Ironbound, Newark. We feel the name Jersey Express better represents the organization’s current market and future endeavors.
 
The Jersey Express has the territorial rights in Monmouth, Union, Essex, and Hudson counties in New Jersey: In these counties we plan to strengthen our current PDL team, as well as expand our organization’s operations.
 
Last year the Ironbound Express only had a PDL team. For the 2011 campaign we will continue to have the PDL team, in addition to a Super 20 Men’s team that will serve as the PDL reserve team. We are also launching a youth academy under the National Soccer Academy which is the owner of the Jersey Express Franchise. The seven academy teams will compete in the highest competitive youth league in North America, the United Soccer League’s Super Youth League (SYL). Our organizational structure will exemplify the following:
 
 
 
 
For more information please visit our website or contact our Director of Youth Player Development Assaf Sheleg at assaf@ironboundsoccer.org
 
 Happy holidays from the Jersey Express!!!
 
 

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/488864.html Express Channel 05/10/2011 08:33 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/489674.html  

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/489674.html The 2012 Express USL-PDL Final tryout Saturday April 7th, 2012 01/17/2012 08:47 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/591034.html When is it ?

Saturday, April 7th , 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Where Is It ?
 
All tryouts will take place at NJIT, New Jersey institute of Technology, Newark, NJ. ( 80 Lock Street, Newark NJ 07102)
 
Important Things to know?
 
The tryouts are limited to 50 players on a first come first serve basis. The Express received overwhelming amount of on-line applications, and we urge all players to come early to reserve a spot for trial. The Express Head coach George Vichniakov and all the Express staff members will be in attendance to evaluate all participants.
 
Tryouts will be limited to 50 participants per session and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. The fee to attend tryouts is $35 Express coaching staff and professional coaches from other teams will be assessing players attending the tryouts. Players must register online by November 25, 2011 in order to attend tryouts. Forms are available on team website at www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org.  Players should print out the registration form complete it and fax the form to 718-451-1915 or e mail to info@jerseyexpresssoccer.org   before the tryouts.
 
For online registration form click here:
 
About Us
 
The PDL is the top league in North America that focuses on the development of players with professional aspirations. The Express compete have made the playoffs for 3 out of the last 4 seasons, and have competed for the national championship as well the U.S. Open Cup. The Express have sent several players on to the MLS and Europe.
 
For the last few years, the Express have participated in 10-day trips to Portugal and Russia, were they have competed against elite clubs. The trips provided the Express players with a platform to be scouted by international agents and scouts.  One of the Missions of The National Soccer Academy/ Jersey Express Soccer Program is to expose and showcase our talented players to elite clubs around the globe, so they can start their professional career doing what they love.
 
 
 
 

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/591034.html The 2012 Express USL-PDL Final tryout Saturday April 7th, 2012 . 01/11/2012 08:24 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/574552.html When is it ?

Saturday, April 7th , 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Where Is It ?
 
All tryouts will take place at NJIT, New Jersey institute of Technology, Newark, NJ. ( 80 Lock Street, Newark NJ 07102)
 
Important Things to know?
 
The tryouts are limited to 50 players on a first come first serve basis. The Express received overwhelming amount of on-line applications, and we urge all players to come early to reserve a spot for trial. The Express Head coach George Vichniakov and all the Express staff members will be in attendance to evaluate all participants.
 
Tryouts will be limited to 50 participants per session and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. The fee to attend tryouts is $35 Express coaching staff and professional coaches from other teams will be assessing players attending the tryouts. Players must register online by November 25, 2011 in order to attend tryouts. Forms are available on team website at www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org.  Players should print out the registration form complete it and fax the form to 718-451-1915 or e mail to info@jerseyexpresssoccer.org   before the tryouts.
 
For online registration form click here:
 
About Us
 
The PDL is the top league in North America that focuses on the development of players with professional aspirations. The Express compete have made the playoffs for 3 out of the last 4 seasons, and have competed for the national championship as well the U.S. Open Cup. The Express have sent several players on to the MLS and Europe.
 
For the last few years, the Express have participated in 10-day trips to Portugal and Russia, were they have competed against elite clubs. The trips provided the Express players with a platform to be scouted by international agents and scouts.  One of the Missions of The National Soccer Academy/ Jersey Express Soccer Program is to expose and showcase our talented players to elite clubs around the globe, so they can start their professional career doing what they love.
 
 
 
 
 
 
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/574552.html Gary Tim is new Director of Public Relations and Media Operations 03/30/2011 07:53 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/512881.html SPRINGFIELD, NJ, (March 28, 2011) – Jersey Express has announced the appointment of GARY TIM to its Front Office staff, in time for its 2011 USL-PDL soccer season. Tim takes up the position of Director of Public Relations and Media Operations within the club with effective from April 1st.
A multifaceted media and PR operative, Tim comes to the Express at a time when the four-year old club is fortifying and expanding its mark on the soccer map in the United States and the wider international scene, and he is expected to add to this thrust.
A University of South Carolina-trained journalism professional, Tim brings a wealth of experience to the position having served in various facets of the mass communications industry for over two decades in his native Guyana, South America, and here in the USA. During that time, he has also held executive positions in several sports organizations, including soccer, rugby and track and field.
In welcoming the new appointee to the club, General Manager, Gali Maimon indicated that Tim is a worthwhile addition to the club, and is expected to use his credentials and experience to provide the club with first-rate coverage and promotion. “I am aware of his track record having had experience at the PDL level before, and I think both him and the club will have tremendous mutual benefits from this.”
Like Maimon and, assistant coach Lucio Russo, Tim previously served with New York’s Brooklyn Knights outfit – a former PDL Northeast Division and Eastern Conference champions.
"I am extremely excited to serve this remarkable club and its associate programs, by contributing immensely to its philosophy of ‘unity is strength’ and help to sustain its brand of soccer at national recognition levels and further,” Tim said on the afternoon of the final tryout session for the 2011 season - March 27th. "I would like to thank the Express management and players for this opportunity.”
The Jersey Express environment is not entirely new to the New York-based professional. Tim was previously named to the position in 2009, but could not take up the appointment then, due to other pressing commitments which required frequent sojourns outside of the tri-state area.
Tim replaces Nick Guerriro who performed duties in the capacity during the last season.
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/512881.html National Soccer Academy 01/01/2011 10:29 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/484752.html
 
National Soccer Academy
New era begins with revamped structure, Super Y-League teams
 
Throughout the past three years, the Express have been one of the most successful minor league soccer franchises in the North Atlantic region. The upcoming 2011 season bring new goals and challenges, especially due to recent organizational changes. These changes aim to unite and the unique soccer community in New Jersey and The National Soccer Academy PDL organization, including its coaching staff. 

“Through our professional coaching services we will continue to offer training, clinics and camps services to all clubs, organizations and townships throughout the Monmouth county in New Jersey area,” said Gali Maimon, the general manager of NSA Organization. “We want to help developing players of all ages and abilities, and share our knowledge with all players and coaches no matter what team or club they play for.”

“Youth soccer in Monmouth County in New Jersey is very competitive and there are a number of very well-run clubs,” Maimon continues. “Our goal is to assist these clubs on soccer-specific issues and unite the soccer community in support of our PDL team which showcases the best collegiate and minor league talent during the summer months.”

As well as providing soccer services throughout Monmouth County in New Jersey, the National Soccer Academy franchise is launching new elite youth teams in the Super Y-League (SYL). For the 2011 season National Soccer Academy will have boys and girls teams at the Under-12, 14, and 16 levels in addition to boys and girls teams in the United Soccer Leagues’ Super-20 League.

Having been a model franchise at the PDL level, it was a natural progression to field its own youth teams in the competitive Super Y-League.

“The Super Y-League is only for elite players and will help them take their game to the next level, whether that be earning a college scholarship or playing professionally,” said Director of coaching George Vichnakov

The Super Y-League teams will be very selective in its membership, and will provide an opportunity for all high-level players throughout Monmouth County in New Jersey to tryout and participate regardless of their current team status.

“We don’t want to compete with existing club teams, but rather be a complement and partners to them,” said Maimon. “As with our professional coaching services, we want to work with all clubs, organizations and townships to identify the elite players and provide them with an opportunity that has not been afforded to them until now.”

“The Super Y-League has its own carding system and games are scheduled mostly during the summer months, so players can play on their local team in the New Jersey soccer leagues like MOSA, MAPS or JAGS without conflict”.

The re-branding of the PDL team will be announced in the months to come.

Tryout Information for these new Super Y-League teams and the PDL team will be posted at www.ironboundsoccer.org. For questions and enquires please contact the National Soccer Academy info@ironboundsoccer.org 

 About the National Soccer Academy PDL team

The NSA PDL team is a soccer franchise based in Monmouth County, New Jersey that competes in the Premier Development League (PDL) -- the top men’s amateur league in North America. The PDL is considered the fourth level of soccer in the United States below Major League Soccer and the United Soccer Leagues’ First and Second Divisions. Players have the ability to compete in the PDL throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment to the community.

 
About USL Super Y-League
The future of soccer lives in the USL Super Y-League, a professionalized youth academy system that is the first step for developing elite youth soccer players in North America. Affiliated with US Soccer, the league is designed for talented youth players destined for professional or international careers. The league contains the youth academies of USL First Division, USL Second Division, and Premier Development League, W-League, and Major League Soccer clubs, as well as many of the established premier youth clubs in North America. Through Olympic Development Program (ODP) status events such as the North American Finals and National ODP camps, the nation’s top players are identified for selection to US National Team Programs. The 2009 campaign features over 550 teams within the U13-U17 boys and girls age groups competing within 10 geographic divisions of North America.
What does the Super Y-League mean to player development?
The Super Y-League is designed to help in "professionalizing"
Player development in the United States and Canada and
Focuses on the most elite youth players. Our system provides
The opportunity for players to compete in top-level soccer
Throughout the year. The Super Y-League puts the spotlight
On players during the playing season, through our North
American Finals championship event, and through our Olympic Development Program.

About USL Super-20 League
As the only Under-20 men’s and women’s North American amateur league, the USL Super-20 League provides the platform for top 17-20 year olds in the United States and Canada to compete at the elite level. While serving as a reserve team system for many W-League and Premier Development League teams, the USL Super-20 League features teams competing in four regional conferences, consisting of 8-10 regular season matches throughout the summer months
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/484752.html 2010 SEASON RECAP 10/15/2010 03:46 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/473324.html

 

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/473324.html Ironbound's Meara Earns More Accolades 08/14/2010 07:11 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/456105.html Atlantic10.com News Release - www.atlantic10.com

Friday, August 13, 2010

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Three A-10 men’s soccer standouts - Fordham’s Ryan Meara, Ben Arikian of Massachusetts and Mike Roach of Saint Louis -- have been named to the 2010 Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy Watch List as announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

The MAC Hermann Trophy is the highest individual award in intercollegiate soccer. The recipients are selected by NCAA Division I coaches who are members of the NSCAA.

Meara, Fordham’s second player in two years to be selected to the annual preseason list, was recently named United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (USL/PDL) Goalkeeper of the Year and was a 2010 preseason All-Conference pick after garnering 2009 NSCAA All-Mid-Atlantic and Atlantic 10 First team honors. Meara played all but nine minutes last season (1767:45), posted a 9-7-3 record, a 1.02 goals against average, and 7.5 shutouts. In league play, Meara led the Rams to a 6-1-2 mark, posting a 0.85 goals against average, 4.5 shutouts, and a better than .800 save percentage.

Complete Story

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/456105.html 2010 PDL All-League Team Announced 08/04/2010 08:05 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/452772.html  

USL News Release

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League has announced its 2010 All-League Team, highlighting the top 11 players out of the nearly 2,000 who have participated for the league’s 67 teams this season. The 2010 PDL All-League Team was selected through a vote of team management.

Four of the players selected will put their skills on display this weekend at the 2010 PDL Championship in Portland, Oregon. Leading the way are midfielder Freddie Braun and forward Brent Richards, who helped the Portland Timbers U23s to the first 16-0-0 regular season since 1998. Defender Matthew Hedges helped Reading United AC capture the Mid Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference titles, while Baton Rouge Capitals defender Joe Tait tallied six goals from the backline for the Southern Conference champions.

Joining Hedges and Tait on defense are Mark Lee of the Kitsap Pumas and Alexis Pradie of the Ottawa Fury, who both saw their seasons come to an end at the conference finals.

The only team other than Portland to place multiple representatives on the 2010 team is the Ironbound Express, who finished second in the Mid Atlantic Division and bowed out in the Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. Ottawa. Goalkeeper Ryan Meara was nearly unbeatable for Ironbound, finishing with eight shutouts in 12 games. Teammate Frank Alesci held the Express midfield together, tallying three goals and two assists for the season.

The only selection to previously have been named to the All-League Team is Michigan Bucks forward Kenny Uzoigwe, who also earned the honor in 2007. Uzoigwe struck for 13 goals as the Bucks captured the Great Lakes Division title. Joining Uzoigwe up front is another dangerous finisher, Moses Aduny of the Mississippi Brilla. Aduny tallied 10 goals in 13 games to lead the Brilla to an undefeated regular season and Southeast Division title.

Rounding out the midfield is Scott Rojo of the Carolina Dynamo. The only player from a non-playoff team to be named to the squad, Rojo appeared in all 16 games for the Dynamo, tallying three goals and finishing tied for third in league assists with eight.

2010 PDL All-League Team
GK – Ryan Meara, Ironbound Express
D – Joe Tait, Baton Rouge Capitals
D – Mark Lee, Kitsap Pumas
D – Matthew Hedges, Reading United AC
D – Alexis Pradie, Ottawa Fury
MF – Scott Rojo, Carolina Dynamo
MF – Frank Alesci, Ironbound Express
MF – Freddie Braun, Portland Timbers U23s
F – Kenny Uzoigwe, Michigan Bucks
F – Brent Richards, Portland Timbers U23s
F – Moses Aduny, Mississippi Brilla 


 

 

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/452772.html IRONBOUND CLINCH A SPOT IN THE MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS 07/15/2010 10:52 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/447861.html IRONBOUND CLINCH A SPOT IN THE MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS

OCEAN CITY, N.J. - The rain put a damper on the commute to the family friendly atmosphere of Ocean City, New Jersey, but one the Ironbound express rolled onto the field it was business as usual. Needing one point to clinch one of two spots in the Mid-Atlantic Division post-season, the Express walked into the sunset with a 3-0 victory over the Ocean City Nor’easters at Carey Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Express entered the contest being shutout in their previous two contests to Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia the past weekend. A combination of veterans and rookies took the field with one thing on their minds, “win”.
“Today we played well”, said head coach George Vichniakov. “We have practiced hard this week after a disappointing weekend.”
The Express got on the board in the 32nd minute as former Ocean City Baron defender Robert Youhill caught a beautiful cross pass from Hamir Niebles inside the box to beat OC netminder Tunde Ogunbiyi. Keeping the pressure on the Nor’easters, the Express capitalized on one of four corner kicks in the half as Niebles’ kick found the head of Chris Karcz to give the Express a 2-0 lead six minutes later in the 36th minute.
The Express outshot their opposition 7-2 in the first half, playing one of their best half’s of the season.
To start the second half, Vichniakov made a successful substitution, as newcomer Joseph Ovenseri replaced Niebles and made a name for himself on the pitch. The, 6’4, Ovenseri was all over the offensive side of the field and was not credited for shots on target. In his first attack he nearly connected on a one-timer sweep kick on a nice corner kick from Alesci. The lanky Nigerian striker did connect in the 76th minute to give the team a 3-0 edge.
The Ironbound outshot the Nor’easters 16-4 in the contest and 5-0 on corner kicks. Ironbound netminder Ryan Meara was credited with his PDL leading ninth shutout of the season making two saves. Ogunbiyi made 10 saves as the Express peppered the Boston College netminder.
The Ironbound Express would like to thank their fans for an amazing regular-season. The Express will have off for the remainder of the week and will begin training for the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Please check the USL PSL website along with Ironboundsoccer.org for more information on where and when the Express will compete in the playoffs.
PLAYOFF INFORMATION
IRONBOUND AS #1 SEED – Reading United AC has to lose two of their final three games.

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/447861.html MAGIC NUMBER IS ONE FOR THE IRONBOUND EXPRESS 12/29/2010 08:52 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/446979.html NEWARK, N.J. --- Heading into the weekend, the Ironbound Express needed to get a victory and a point to clinch home field advantage for the Mid-Atlantic Division playoffs, but all they were able to walk away with was a single point in the finale of the two-game trip.

For the first time this season, the Express failed to score in back-to-back games, resulting in a 1-0 loss to Hampton Road on Saturday evening and then pitching a scoreless tie to Northern Virginia just hours before the FIFA World Cup Finals.
In an important first game of the weekend, a game the Express needed to win, the Express took advantage of a 19-6 shooting advantage, but failed to find the back of the net against the Piranhas. The Express went down early in the contest, as an 8th minute penalty kick by Renato Barbosa put the home team up by a goal.  The Express felt they were at a disadvantage in the contest, due to questionable officiating against that didn’t grant the Ironbound at least three penalty kicks after multiple fouls inside the box. The Express out played Hampton Road in both halves, owning a 5-1 difference in corner kicks.  
In the second game of the weekend, the Express made a visit to Northern Virginia, and while neither team found the back of the net, both team owned opposite halves. The Express outshot the Royals in the opening half, 7-5, but then were outshot 8-4 in the final 45 minutes.
Ryan Meara made a combined five saves over the weekend, with a series high four saves on Sunday against the Royals.
The Express will finish the regular-season on Wednesday against Ocean City at 8 p.m.
Check out Ironboundsoccer.org to know the whereabouts of the Express Playoff destination at the conclusion of the week

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/446979.html Three Points were on the line 07/09/2010 12:56 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/446333.html  

NEWARK, N.J. --- Three Points were on the line and the chance to take the overall lead in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but neither Reading or the Ironbound Express could capitalize on the opportunity resulting in a 2-2 tie on Wednesday evening at Lubetkin Field on the Campus of NJIT.
Neither team scored in the first half, but the Express took a one shot edge, 6-5, over the visiting team after 45 minutes. The Express nearly scored in the first half, as Jerrod Laventure and Josh Trott missed the goal by near inches.
Reading scored midway into the second half as Corey Hertzog found Jon Ports to give the United a 1-0 lead. Nearly two minutes later, the Express were granted a penalty kick and were successful as Laventure’s boot went low to the left side of the cage to tie the contest at one in the 67th minute.
The Ironbound took a lead in the 77th minute off a set piece on a corner kick, as Chris Karcz headed a rebounder off his initial shot to take a 2-1 lead. Reading make a substitution after allowing the goal, s move that worked to perfection as reserve forward Eric Detzel found Hertzog with five minutes remaining in regulation.
The Express finished with 11 shots with six finding its way to the target. Reading netminder Jeremy Vuolo made four saves to keep his team in the contest. Ironbound goalie Ryan Meara made five saves, including three quality saves in the second half.
The Express will have a short window to prepare for this weekend’s Virginia trip, as they will meet Hampton Roads on Saturday evening and then Northern Virginia Sunday morning
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/446333.html Ironbound Overcome Central Jersey 07/01/2010 03:27 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/444313.html Ironbound Express Press Release

July 1, 2010

NEWARK, N.J. - Add another three points to the Ironbound Express, as the team defeated local rival Central Jersey, 3-1, to set a new high in single-season victories with their ninth win of the year. In their inaugural season, the previously named “Newark Ironbound Express” won eight games and qualified for the PDL Northeast Conference semifinals.

In Wednesday’s derby match, the Express took advantage of an early foul inside the box as captain Jerrod Laventure capitalized on a penalty kick past Spartans goalie Bryan Meredith. For Laventure, his fourth goal of the season gave the team a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute.

The Express took six shots in the first half, as the home squad looked to capitalize on a few defensive mistakes by the Spartans. Two corner kicks and three free kick set pieces allowed the Express to keep the ball in the offensive zone for a large portion of the half.
“We played great on the defensive side tonight against a good team,” commented head coach George Vichniakov.

In the second half the Express need only two minutes after the kick-off to take a two-goal edge as defender Arthur Kulkov sent a beautiful pass to fellow defender Andrew Konopelsky who blasted a 35-yard shot to the top right corner of the goal behind Meredith. Nine minutes later, the Spartans scored their only goal of the contest, as departing forward RJ Allen scored in the 56th minute.

With the clock winding down, Laventure added his second goal of the contest after a pass from forward Josh Trott found his foot on a breakout to beat Meredith for the second time. Once again the franchise’s all-time leading scorer added his fifth goal of the season and 23rd as a member of the Ironbound Express.

The Ironbound Express finished the contest with 11 shots, while Central Jersey finished with seven.

In goal for the Express starter Ryan Meara made four saves and was instrumental in keeping the squad ahead late in the contest, when the Spartans took two shots in the final eight minutes.

For the Spartans, Meredith also made four saves but was troubled in the defensive zone as the Express took five shots in the second half.

The Express will remain home and train the rest of the week until they meet Reading United AC next Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Lubetkin Field in the final regular season home game of the season. The Express will conclude the remaining three games on the road against Hampton Roads, North Virginia and Ocean City.

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/444313.html MINI VACATION TO BERMUDA FOR THE EXPRESS, COME HOME WITH 6 POINTS 06/29/2010 12:16 PM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/443640.html  

HAMILTON, BERMUDA --- The Ironbound Express left Newark, New Jersey on Friday morning with their bags packed with a jersey, a pair of shorts, boots and swim gear. They returned to Newark on Monday with the same gear along with six points in the Mid-Atlantic Division standings.
The Express took both games against the Bermuda Hogges on Friday and Sunday evenings by scores of 1-0, respectively.
With the victories, the Ironbound Express owns first place in the Mid-Atlantic Division with 25 points overall, two points ahead of Reading United AC, who they will see on July 7th at home.
In the first game of the two-game doubleheader, the Express once took apart the Hogges defense as Frankie Alesci scored the lone goal in the 36th minute off a defensive error by the Hogges. The Most Valuable Player went to goal scorer Frankie Alesci, and honorable mentions to Center Back Shane Recklet and Goalkeeper Ryan Meira who despite suffering a severe head injury stayed in the game and kept a clean sheet.
The Express finished neck and neck with the Hogges in shots after the first contest tied at nine, but added pressure late in the contest on Hogges goalie Freddy Hall.  The Express got three shots in the contest from John Sallhag, who led the squad in total shots against Hall, who he beat in the previous contest played in Newark.
In the Sunday evening affair, the Express scored their only goal with five minutes remaining in the first half, as midfielder Frank Alesci struck goal in his second consecutive game. This time it was a low shot between the legs of Hall. It was assisted beautifully by Jerrod Levanture The team out played their counterparts in the latter stages of the half and into the final stanza. The Most Valuable Player went to Frankie Alesci and Defensive Player of the game was Shane Recklet. Goalkeeper Ryan Meara recorded his sixth shutout in seven starts for the 2010 season.
The Ironbound Express will return for their second to last regular-season home game this Wednesday at 8 p.m. against Central Jersey at Lubetkin Field. Fans that can’t attend the contest can follow live with match tracker on the Ironbound Express PDL site.  

]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/443640.html CRUSHING DEFEAT AT HOME FOR THE EXPRESS 06/18/2010 09:01 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/441093.html  

CRUSHING DEFEAT AT HOME FOR THE EXPRESS, FALL 2-0 TO NEW JERSEY IN DERBY MATCH
NEWARK, N.J. --- The Ironbound Express found themselves on the other side of the fence on Wednesday evening as they dropped their second game of the season and split the season series with the New Jersey Rangers, falling 2-0 at Lubetkin Field in a Mid-Atlantic Division derby match.
The Express were slow out of the gates, as the Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the middle of the first half, as Jason Goreski found the back of the net past Ironbound goalie Michael Drozd, who made his second consecutive home start.   
The game got chippy as two yellow cards were given to the Rangers in the first stanza to Goreski in the 30th minute and Nick Whipple nine minutes later.  The visiting team finished with five shots after 45 minutes, as the home team was looking for answers.
Ironbound Express head coach George Vichniakov made a substitution to begin the second half, as Mike Konicoff replaced Hamir Niebles and moved Jerrod Laventure back to forward with the anticipation that the team’s top scorer would get the team back in the game. However, the Express picked up three cards in the latter portion of the contest and allowed a goal by the Rangers reserve forward Samuel Petrone in the final seconds of the contest.
Drozd finished the contest with five saves as he faced nine shots. For the Rangers, Ryszard Gorski made five saves on 11 shots faced for the shutout.  The rangers finished with an 11-9 edge in the shots total as the Express keeps their lead in the Mid-Atlantic Division but allow the Rangers three crucial points.
The Ironbound Express will have the remainder of the week off before heading to Bermuda for a pair of games next Friday and Sunday against the Hogges at the Bermuda Athletic Association Field.  The Express will return home to close out the month of June with a derby match against Central Jersey on the 30th at 8 p.m. at Lubetkin Field. 
Remember fans, all Express home games will feature match tracker from the Ironbound Express PDL site.
]]> http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/441093.html The Ironbound Express took an important three points 06/15/2010 07:10 AM http://www.jerseyexpresssoccer.org/home/439938.html  

EXETER, Pa. --- The Ironbound Express took an important three points away from Reading United AC on Sunday evening with a 2-0 victory at Don Thomas Stadium in Exeter, Pa.
The Express got goals from forwards Josh Trott and Hamir Niebles all in the first half. The Express took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute, as Trott headed a ball across the line after a missed shot by a Niebles hit the crossbar.  11 minutes later, Frank Alesci found Niebles for his second goal of the season and the 2-0 lead for the visiting team.
Earlier in the contest, the Express had a goal taken away on a free kick by Niebles in the 22nd minute. The ruling on the pitch was that the ball did not cross the line after the shot nicked off the cross bar and dropped to the goal line.
In goal for the Express, Ryan Meara posted his fourth shutout of the season with four saves against Reading.
The Express however, were out shot by Reading, 9-4, as the home team had many opportunities to score late in the contest, but the Express defense and Meara were on top of their game.
The Ironbound Express will return home for a derby match against the New Jersey Rangers on Wednesday at 8 p.m.
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