BROOKLYN, NY--After a nail-biting loss on the Jersey Shore vs. Ocean City Nor'Easters, the FA Euro New York (2-7-0 6 pts.) club returns to St. John's University for the second game of a two game season series vs. the Reading United AC (6-1-0 18 pts.)
Last match vs. Reading at their home, FA Euro was defeated 2-0 on a Mo Conte ripper in the 13' minute of the match on Memorial Day Weekend. Euro was in the third game of a six game losing and goal-less streak. During the loss, there was a controversial call on the field as goalkeeper Brian McPartland was going for a save, where he may have been fouled during the header on the Conde goal. No call on the play, which then led Reading to a 2-0 victory over Euro. It was a rough start for FA Euro as early opportunities for United kept FA Euro Keeper Brian McPartland on his toes early and often in the first half. In the 13’ minute, United’s Mo Conde ripped a screamer at goal only to see McPartland make the strong handed save. Then, in the 17’ minute, United’s star player Hugo Delhommelle delivered a beautiful corner into the box, but Emmanuel Chanis headed the ball just over the crossbar.
Also in that matchup, Euro came into the game with a disadvantage as they had to play without starting forward Charlie Ledula and Head Coach Joe Balsamo, both who were suspended for the game because of the red cards they received against Ocean City. After playing the first 3 games in a 3-5-2 formation, FA Euro switched to a 4-4-1-1 as interim coach Marco Balsamo looked for any spark to ignite his team.
Previous two matchups for Euro include two straight shutout losses versus both New Jersey clubs. Ocean City Nor'Easters and Jersey Express shutout Euro combined 6-0 between Wednesday and today. GM Joey Jarzynka told I-95 Sports Network on Monday, "We simply cannot score. It is a rebuilding year, we need to work with what we have. But, at 2-7, we play for our pride. We are a family, much better than last season. The guys are a lot closer with each other than the guys we had last season. I'm even close with a few players. Good to have, and we will build on this disappointing season into next year. But that does not mean we will give up this year. We will fight every single day. That's the motto I have brought into the locker room and to this club, and I will not stop for how ever long I am here. There will be changes"
Previewing the matchup vs. Reading United AC. Euro has been outscored 6-0 the previous two games, but a clutch performer the last time around has been LIU Posts second string goalkeeper Brian McPartland, and has found a solid home in net for the time being. His backup? Not so much, as Saint Leo goalkeeper Conor McElhinney gave up 5 goals on 8 shots vs. Jersey Express last Wednesday night. McElhinney will be a healthy scratch vs. Reading. Northeastern goalkeeper Matthew Dabrowski will be on the lineup sheet this evening as an emergency call up. Injuries will continue to hurt the FA Euro club, as Johan Mauritzon is still nursing a hamstring strain. He will be inactive this evening. Robi Sillah, Tarek Beckles, Christian Camacho, and Jason Lampkin will all be out this evening due to injury. Super Y League star Alexis Santa has a swollen foot and will be a Game Time Decision moving forward.
Watch tonight's game on I-95 Sports and Entertainment Network. Visit the official home of everything FA Euro on their website at i95sportsnetwork.com. Please use the hashtag #TheNextChapter for everything FA Euro on Twitter and Facebook to follow us for constant updates throughout the match.
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