US Open Cup – Rough Riders
One Victory Away From Playing an MLS Franchise

Plainview, New York (June 22, 2010) - The Long Island Rough Riders Men’s Team defeated the New York Pancyprian Freedoms 2-0 in the opening round of U.S. Open Cup match Tuesday June 15th.  If the Men secure a victory tonight over Harrisburg in the second round, they will face off against an MLS Franchise.

The Rough Riders will face the Harrisburg City Islanders tonight, June 22nd at 7:00 PM at the Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, PA.

The Men are coming off a tough defeat verse MPS Portland Phoenix on Saturday June 19th.  Portland scored during stoppage time of the second half in virtually the last play of the game to secure a 1-0 victory.

"My squad is extremely motivated after last weekends defeat," said Rough Riders Head Coach Paul Roderick.  "We are confident our offense will step up verse Harrisburg on Tuesday."

The winner of this match will play the Red Bulls on June 29th at 8:00 PM at the Red Bulls Arena.

For more information on the U.S. Open Cup please click here.

Opening Round Game Recap
Cy Donnelly Stadium - Tuesday, June 15th

New York controlled possession in the first 15 minutes, as Rough Rider defenders Rhett Bernstein and Billy Hole did well to negate the goal scoring threat of Julio Dos Santos. Gary Flood was efficient in midfield, helping to jumpstart various counterattacks for the men.

Long Island opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after good work from Ben Arikian. The midfielder drove down the left side of the field and whipped in a cross to Danny Kramer, who finished a half volley at the back post to put Long Island infront 1-0.

Arikian shot wide left from 15 yards in the 51st minute for Long Island after good work from Kramer. Laurent Manuel played an important role on defense, helping to break up several New York attacks in the opening minutes of the second half.

In the 66th minute, Grendi scored the second after good work from Kramer. The latter used his speed to drive down the right side of the field, crossing for Grendi, who controlled the ball and faked out a defender before finishing into the left side netting.

Rough Riders Keeper Billy Gatti made six saves throughout the match.  The Freedoms best chance came in the second half, but Gatti made a diving stop to keep the Rough Riders ahead 1-0. 

About the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

The Cup is the nation’s premier club tournament. It is open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams from the amateur adult club level to the professional ranks of Major League Soccer. It is comparable to the famed F.A. Cup, England’s world-known tournament that is watched throughout the world every year.

Eight teams from each level of the American Soccer Pyramid take part in the competition each year. The most successful clubs in history are Bethlehem Steel and Maccabi Los Angeles, with five titles each. MLS clubs have won the cup in all but one of the years since the league joined the competition in 1996, when the Rochester Rhinos stunned four MLS teams along the road to the championship in 1999. The defending champions are the Seattle Sounders.

The team that advances the furthest from each level except Divison 1 will gain a $10,000 cash prize. The tournament runner-up takes home $50,000 while the champion will collect $100,000.