Levittown, New York (Saturday, May 22) - The Long Island Rough Riders men’s team defeated the New Hampshire Phantoms Saturday night 1-0 in Levittown, New York. Alex Grendi scored a spectacular volley in the 76th minute to record the game’s only goal, giving Long Island its third consecutive win to open the season.

It was a game with few real goal-scoring opportunities, despite the Rough Riders’ Michael Todd curling a shot just over the top right corner of the goal in the first minute. Both teams traded possession throughout the first half, with Long Island dominating in long stretches, only to fail to produce many shots on target.

Ben Arikian was influential in the Rough Rider midfield, and was helped along the backline by the strength and speed of Rhett Bernstein, who dominated the aerial game to keep the Phantoms at bay. Grendi and Todd combined well in the final third, but were largely unable to trouble New Hampshire goalkeeper Larry Pokrywa.

Bernstein was influential on the offensive end as well in the opening minutes of the second half, blasting a right-footed volley on target from eight yards following a corner, only to see it tipped over the bar by Pokrywa. Rough Rider goalkeeper Billy Gatti was left watching the action, as he was rarely called in to duty other than to gather a few crosses.

Grendi won the game for Long Island following a late corner, as he struck the New Hampshire half-clearance powerfully into the net from 22 yards out, giving Pokrywa no time to react.

The result brings the Rough Riders’ record to a still perfect 3-0, giving them a chance to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup pending other results. The Long Island Rough Riders travel to nearby Westchester for their next game on Saturday, May 29th to take on the Flames at City Park Stadium at 7:30 p.m. The teams then face off at the Rough Riders’ home, Cy Donnelly Stadium in South Huntington, on Wednesday, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m.

For complete game stats please visit: http://pdl.uslsoccer.com.

Article by Jeff Gordon & Jonathan Bennett