Mutiny End Reds’ Season with a 1-0 Win
By Michael Cohen
Soccerplus CT Reds vs. New England Mutiny 7/27/08
Game Time – 2:00 p.m.
Weather – Warm, Overcast

The Reds had beaten the Mutiny twice already this year: 3-1 on June 13th and 2-0 on July 18th. Unfortunately, the third time proved the charm for the team from Massachusetts, as they escaped with a hard fought one-goal victory.

From the opening whistle, the Mutiny came out quickly and had several early opportunities. Forward Erin Gatto and midfielder Meghan Schnur took shots in the fifth and sixth minutes respectively, each time striking the ball over the crossbar. Schnur in particular was a factor all game long on set pieces. In the 9th minute she took a free kick from twenty five yards out that was just inches over the goal.

It wasn’t until the 22nd minute that the Reds had their first true chance of the match, a well-placed cross into the box that was headed away by a Mutiny defender.

“We talked about that, not letting them get off to an early start. We wanted to be the team to establish our game. I think that was important because we knew that if they lacked the confidence from the beginning, they couldn’t put us back on our heels,” said Mutiny coach Tony Horta.

In the 35th minute, Reds forward Tiffany Weimer received a punt from goalkeeper Jill Mastroianni in the attacking third of the field. Mutiny keeper Chloe Beizer was off her line, but Tiff’s chip went just wide on the right side of the goal.

Shortly thereafter, the Mutiny had their best chance of the first half. Meghan Schnur played a cross into the box from the left flank, and a scramble ensued right in front of the goal mouth. After a few tense seconds, Jill dove on the ball to end the opposing attack.

The first half proved to be incredibly physical as well. The Reds committed twelve fouls in the first half compared to just three by the Mutiny. Nonetheless, the teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0.

For the second game in a row, the Reds came out firing in the second half. In the 48th minute, Becky Ryan stole the ball from the Mutiny’s left back, Meg Cuinningham. Dribbling along the end line, Becky played a ball back into the penalty area for Maggie Tomecka. Maggie’s shot was pushed away by Beizer, and Manya Makoski’s rebound sailed over the crossbar.

In the 50th minute, the Reds had beautiful combination play inside the Mutiny 18-yard box. While shielding a defender, Maggie Tomecka played a back-heel pass through to Tiffany Weimer, but Beizer made the save.

While the Reds dominated the opening part of the second half, the Mutiny had a successful counter attack in the 57th minute. Mary Frances Monroe played a ball through to Erin Clark, who slid it past Jill Mastroianni into the left side of the net.

Said Horta, “We know that if we isolate Clark one-on-one she is going to get goals. We knew they were going to bring high pressure to try and get an early goal and try to take our psychological point away. We just had to hang in there and try to counter.”

But the Reds weren’t going to go out without a fight. In the 60th minute Tiffany Weimer lined up a free kick from 20 yards out, just to the left side of the goal. She bent the ball around the wall, but the ball ripped off the crossbar and out of harms way. Just two minutes later Becky Ryan took a shot from 25 yards out that had Beizer beat. Unfortunately, the ball flew just over the crossbar yielding only a goal kick.

From this point forward, the Mutiny focused their efforts on working the clock. The Reds kept the pressure on but to no avail. They had one last chance in stoppage time, but Katie Schoepfer’s through ball was just behind Tiffany Weimer.

The final whistle signaled the end of the Connecticut Reds season, as the Mutiny came out on top 1-0.

The Reds finished their 2008 season with a record of 13-1 and an East Conference North Division Regular Season Championship.

“We came into the season with the goal of making to California, so we’re a little disappointed. To lose one game isn’t the end of the world. The unfortunate thing is that this is the game that mattered. For the players on this team, they’re missing the mentality to win, something that the Mutiny has,” said Reds Assistant Coach Lisa Cole.

She explained, “I think they just needed to believe in themselves a little bit more. We knew we could play with them, you saw that in the beginning of the second half. At this point, we still need to prove that we can bring our A-game when things matter. Hopefully we will be able accomplish that next year.”

First Half:
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Second Half:
MUTINY            56:26            Erin Clark, Assisted by Mary Frances Monroe
 

CT Starting Lineup:
GK: Mastroianni
D: Makoski, Sutton, Cross, Walden
M: Weimer, Igwe, Blayney
F: Tomecka, Edwards, Knowlton
Head Coach: Lisa Cole
Subs: Riemer, Frobey, Halasz, Hilt

Statistical Summary: NE / CT
Shots: 15/12
Saves: 4/3
Corner Kicks: 4/3
Fouls: 9/12
Offside: 0/0
Records: 11-2/13-1

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Reds DOUSE Inferno 2-1
July 25th, 2008
Kickoff – 7:15
Weather – Clear, warm 80s

The Reds have seen thunder, lightning, rain, and scorching heat this season at Willowbrook Park. This past Friday must have been a blessing, clear skies and the temperature in the low 80s.

Put simply, the Reds capitalized.

Taking on the Lancaster Inferno in the semi-finals of the 2008 WPSL Eastern Conference playoffs, the Reds won a hard fought game 2-1.

After the game was delayed fifteen minutes due to the late arrival of the Inferno, the teams appeared evenly matched early on. In the fourth minute Maggie Tomecka produced a soft shot from inside the box, saved by Inferno keeper Joy Shaiebly. Shortly after, the Inferno had a chance of their own as Reds’ keeper Jill Mastroianni made a save on a header.

About thirty minutes into the game, the Reds began to take control. Chioma Igwe orchestrated two of three sequential attacks with well designed through balls within the attacking third.

Said head coach Tony DiCicco, “Early in the game, I thought we were a little bit suspect defensively. Just a lot of unforced errors. Once we got that sorted out, we began to take over the game.”

However, the Inferno were not going to go down easily. Forward Amy Pickard made several strong runs at the Connecticut defense, with Niki Cross making two crucial tackles.

The teams entered halftime deadlocked at 0-0.

But the Reds came out quickly in the second half. In the 47th minute, Igwe played a ball to Erika Sutton along the right sideline. Sutton turned the ball back towards the middle of the field and fired a strong shot into the upper left corner from the top of the 18-yard box.

“Chioma played me a great ball in behind, and I had enough time to cut it back and shoot with my left foot,” Sutton said.

Players like Sutton have proved vital for the Reds in the previous weeks, especially with some of the recent injury problems.

“Overall, the players have all stepped up and helped out. We’re probably missing four starters right now. And so these other players have an opportunity, and they have to make the most of it. Erika had a great game tonight, and Niki Cross has stepped up as well with the loss of Kristen Graczyk. And it’s good to see Corie Halasz back on the field as well,” said DiCicco.

The Reds kept the pressure on throughout the second half, making the Inferno’s chances few and far between. Pickard had the best chance for her squad about midway through half, but Niki cross blocked her strike just beyond the penalty spot.

Sutton was back at it again in the 80th minute, this time dishing to Tiffany Weimer. Tiff received the through ball at the top of the eighteen, beat the last defender and buried the ball into the right side of the goal.

Said Weimer, “I knew that the defender was going to over-commit, so I just chopped it to my left and faked to Becky, then slid it to the right.”

But the Inferno weren’t done just yet. Number thirty five Leigh Victory scored on a long from about thirty yards out in the 89th minute, just gliding it over the out-stretched hand of Mastroianni and dipping it under the cross bar.

However, the Reds weren’t going to let this one slip away. While the Inferno tried to pour it on in stoppage time, the defense stood tall, and the Reds came away with a 2-1 victory.

With the win, the Reds improve to 13-0-0 on the year, while the Lancaster Inferno fall to 8-3-1.

Nevertheless, Soccerplus still has to improve as their playoff run continues.

Said DiCicco, “I want to work on some of our decisions with the ball, keeping the ball a little bit better. It’s the equivalent of a quarterback who just tries the long pass every time. Every once in a while you might connect one, but pretty much the defense is ready for it. If it’s on you play it, if it isn’t on you keep the ball and another opportunity will show up.”

In the other semi-final of the Eastern Confernce, the New England Mutiny defeated the Long Island Fury 4-2 in Long Island. This sets the stage for a third meeting between the Reds and the Mutiny on Sunday, July 27th at 2:00 in New Britain. To the winner goes the title of Eastern Conference Champion and a birth in the WPSL Final Four in Sacramento, California.
 

First Half:
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Second Half:
REDS            48:00            Erica Sutton from Chioma Igwe
REDS            80:00            Tiffany Weimer from Erica Sutton
INFERNO       89:00            Leigh Victory (Unassisted)
 

CT Starting Lineup:
GK: Mastroianni
D: Makoski, Sutton, Cross, Walden
M: Weimer, Igwe, Blayney
F: Tomecka, Edwards, Knowlton
Head Coach: Tony DiCicco
Subs: Riemer, Frobey, Halasz, Hilt

Statistical Summary: PA / CT
Shots: 7/12
Saves: 6/3
Corner Kicks: 2/3
Fouls: 3/12
Offside: 1/8
Records: 8-3-1/13-0

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REDS DOMINTAE NEW YORK AC 9-0
SoccerPlus Finish Regular Season at 12-0

Leah Blayney scored a hat trick and added 2 assists to pace SoccerPlus to an impressive 9-0 win and complete their perfect regular season at 12 wins and no losses.

During a hot and humid day in Pelham New York, the Reds were able to dominate possession of the ball and eventually wear down New York to open the way to an overwhelming offensive attack. The 9-0 win mirrored their regular season assault as the Reds outscored their opposition 57-2. The Reds hope to maintain their streak as they head into the WPSL playoffs.

"The team had incentive today to finish their undefeated regular season and came out with spirit and worked hard in the bad weather to wear down a less-experienced team and finish on a high note heading into the playoffs," said Head Coach Tony DiCicco after the final whistle.

The Reds will return to New Britain on July 25^th for the East Conference Semi-Final match-up against the 2^nd place team of the East Mid-Atlantic Division. If the Reds advance, the East Conference Championship Game will also be in New Britain on July 27^th.

First Half:
REDS            26:40            Heather Hathorn from Leah Blayney
REDS            45:00            Maggie Tomecka from Manya Makoski

Second Half:
REDS            58:50            Leah Blayney from Amanda DaCosta
REDS            61:36            Maggie Tomecka from Caroline Walden
REDS            64:44            Leah Blayney from Caroline Walden and Brooke Knowlton
REDS            76:02            Niki Cross (Unassisted)
REDS            77:51            Amanda DaCosta from Erica Sutton
REDS            82:49            Niki Cross from Leah Blayney
REDS            90:03            Leah Blayney (Unassisted)    

CT Starting Lineup:
Coming Soon

 

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Battle of the Best: CT Reds Stay on Top
SoccerPlus Break Through in the Second Half for a 2-0 Victory

The SoccerPlus CT Reds won the “Battle of the Best” on Friday night with an impressive 2-0 win over rivals The New England Mutiny. Both teams were fighting for the top spot in the East-North conference; however it was the Reds who remained perfect and clinched the number one slot. The Mutiny have lost two games this season, both to the Reds. The Reds improve their record to 11 wins and no loses, while the Mutiny fall to 9 wins and 2 loses.

Reds’ goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and midfielder Becky Edwards returned from their U-20 National Qualifying matches in Mexico to take on The Mutiny. Tony DiCicco also returned from his many soccer trips across North America. After returning from the U-20 Qualifying matches, DiCicco was in Colorado commentating on the U.S. National team match-up against Brazil. However, with dedication to the Reds he made sure he was back in New Britain for tonight’s tilt with New England.

The Mutiny had their first chance to score in the 13^th minute with a corner by forward Mary Frances Monroe. Monroe had nice strike which landed on top of the 6 yard box; however the Reds were able to head the ball clear.

The Mutiny continued the pressure in the following minutes with Monroe receiving a pass that split the Reds defenders. Monroe was able to get a touch on the ball before Reds goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher came off her line to stop the chance.

Midfielder Tiffany Weimer had a chance in the 30^th minute with a free-kick right outside the penalty box. However, the Mutiny were able to clear the ball, but the Reds continued the pressure and was rewarded with a corner kick. Weimer placed the corner on the far post, which was just missed by the head of defender Niki Cross.

The half ended with both squads having 7 shots. Naeher had 6 saves, while Mutiny goalkeeper Chloey Bizzer had 5 saves.

7 minutes into the second half, the Reds struck to make it a 1-0 game. Brooke Knowlton received the ball on the left flank. Running the ball to the corner, Knowlton was able to slot a low cross to midfielder Leah Blayney who was all alone on the 6 yard box. Blayney was able to place the ball in the low right hand corner before Bizzer was able to react.

The Reds scored again in the 63^rd minute to take a 2-0 lead. Defender Erika Sutton took the ball up the right flank and crossed the ball to the far left post, where Weimer was able to volley the ball into the left hand corner.                                                                                

The Reds continued the attacking pressure with a corner by Weimer in the 74^th minute. Weimer placed a low cross to Niki Cross on top of the penalty left arc. Cross took a low shot that barely the missed

The Reds continued to dominate possession in the midfield, and create chances in the final third throughout the second half. The game ended with a 2-0 win for the Reds.

“It was not our best performance, but we battled and came away with the win,” said Leah Blayney, who had the opening goal. “It was good competition going into the playoffs.”

“I was pleased with the defense today,” said coach Tony DiCicco. “The Mutiny is a dangerous team who attacks with a lot of personality.”

The Reds remained undefeated for the regular season, and will attempt to complete their perfect season with an away game against the New York Athletic Club on Sunday July 20th.

The Reds and the Mutiny secured post-season berths. The Reds will return to New Britain on July 25^th for the East Conference Semi-Final match-up against the 2^nd place team of the East Mid-Atlantic Division. If the Reds advance, the East Conference Championship Game will also be in New Britain on July 27^th.

Second Half:
REDS            51:47            Leah Blayney from Brooke Knowlton
REDS            62:42            Tiffany Weimer from Erika Sutton

CT Starting Lineup:
GK: Naeher
D: Makoski, Sutton, Cross, Walden 
M: Weimer, Igwe, Edwards
F: Tomecka, Schoepfer, Ryan
Head Coach: Tony DiCicco 
Subs: Riemer, Knowlton, DaCosta, Hathorn, Blayney, Frobey, Zurmuhlen, Hilt

Statistical Summary: NE / CT
Shots: 14/12
Saves: 9/11
Corner Kicks: 4/2
Fouls: 9/10
Offside: 1/2
Records: 9-2/11-0

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Weimer's first of 2 Goals vs Mutiny

SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds Win the Battle of the Unbeatens
(Agawam, Mass)
6/13/08

The SoccerPlus Connecticut Reds faced the New England Mutiny Friday night in Agawam, Mass for a battle of the undefeated. With both teams missing crucial players to U.S. National Team training camps, including Reds’ head coach Tony DiCicco, the Reds and the Mutiny came to fight.

The first half began in a deadlock with both teams creating chances and having equal possession. Katie Schoepfer and Brooke Knowlton controlled the attack being able to break through the Mutiny’s defense. However, Mutiny goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe came up strong keeping the score tied.

In the 19^th minute, Weimer opened the scoring with a chip from 20 yards out over Labbe’s head. The Reds continued the pressure with chances from Knowlton and Tomecka.

The Reds made it a 2-0 game in the 25^th minute, with a hard-working play by Schoepfer. With three defenders surrounding her, Schoepfer was able to keep the ball and beat Labbe into the lower left hand corner.

The Mutiny had a chance in the 18^th minute with a through ball penetrating the Reds’ defense, but Reds’ goalkeeper Jill Mastroianni stopped the ball on top of the 6 yard box. Continuing with the pressure, the Mutiny had three corner kicks that the Reds’ defense were able to successfully clear.

In the remaining minutes of the first half, the Mutiny continued the pressure with chances off free-kicks. In the Reds’ final third, Tomecka and Weimer were able to break through the Mutiny defense, but no chances were capitalized. The first half ended with the Reds’ out-shooting the Mutiny 6-5.

The Mutiny started the second half with scoring opportunities. Forward Mary Frances Monroe was able to head the ball off a corner to make Mastroianni dive to save the ball. In the following minute Monroe shot created another chance that was stopped by Mastroianni and defenders.

In the 60^th minute, the Mutiny finally capitalized on their attacking pressure. Frances took a corner from the right side. With the ball placed at the top of the 6 yard box, Karyn Riviere headed the ball into Reds’ defense. Mutiny forward Deb Nelson was then able to win the ball and drive it into the top right hand corner.

The second half consisted of physical play from both sides, and continued pressure in the final third of both squads. Mutiny forward Monroe had a scoring opportunity in the 81^st minute with a shot yard from the goal line. However, the Reds’ defense and Mastroianni kept the Reds’ ahead by one.

In the 90^th minute, Schoepfer was taken down in the box resulting in a penalty shot. Tiffany Weimer scored the penalty with seconds running on the clock.

“We played two games tonight,” said coach Lisa Cole, “one in the first half where you saw Reds’ soccer and the second half was Mutiny soccer. We need to be able to play both halves of the soccer game.”

“We played some of our better soccer in the first half, and did not do so well in the second,” remarks Schoepfer. “But great teams find ways to win even when they don’t play their best. We did what we needed to do to win.”

With a 3-1 win over the Mutiny, the Reds improve to 6 wins and no loses, while the Mutiny gives up their first loss and fall to 4-1.

Reds next game = 6/20 At Mass Stingers
Reds next Home Game = 6/22 Sunday 1:00 vs the Maine Tide

GAME SUMMARY

First Half:
REDS  19:06  Weimer from Nikki Cross
REDS  25:00  Schoepfer (unassisted)  

Second Half:
MUTINY  60:00  Deb Nelson from Mary Frances Monroe and Karyn Riviere
REDS      90:00  Weimer (penalty shot)

CT Starting Lineup:

GK: Mastroianni
D: Cross, Makoski, Graczyk, Sutton
M: Hayes, Weimer, Blayney
F:  Knowlton, Tomecka, Schoepfer
Subs: Igwe, Hathorn, Ryan, D’agostino

Coach: Lisa Cole

Statistical Summary: NE / CT

Shots: 8/8          
Saves:  3/5 
Corner Kicks: 6/1
Fouls:  11/10           
Offside:  1/1      
Records: 4-1/6-0