Brooklyn, June 23 2018 - The New York Dutch Lions FC All Star team won their opening game of the 2018 visit to New York. They beat Central Park Soccer 7-3.
After arriving at the airport and meeting “New York traffic”, the team checked in their hotel and enjoyed a nice pasta dinner with Coach Gerard van der Lem holding his pre game speech. After that the team took the “Path” to Hoboken, where the first game was played at Sinatra Soccer Field with an amazing view of downtown New York. Davy Hendrikx started in goal instead of Waterreus with Edson Braafheid, Hans van de Haar, Kenneth Monkou and Stephan Keller in the back. Pascal Bosschaart, Martijn Reuser and Gerald Vanenburg played in midfield while Omar Cummings, Michael Mols and Bryan Roy were in the front line. The first chances were for Central Park Soccer, who came out strong but Hendrikx was very solid saving twice. More and more the Lions took control of the game passing the ball around creating some great chances and also some exciting soccer. It was Omar Cummings who displayed some Caribean magic with an amazing bycicle kick that just went wide. Mols scored the 1-0 after a great cross from Reuser who penetrated on the right flank. The 2-0 was a blast from Keller from 25 yards out just under the crossbar. Reuser scored 3-0 lifting the ball over the goalkeeper after a perfect deep ball from Vanenburg. Cimminings nearly scored the 4-0 but his ball could just be saved. Central Park got on the scoreboard after a nice deep ball and a low shot that left Hendrikx no chance: 3-1. Mols scored his second of the night just before halftime after a great “heel back” from Cummings in the box from the right. Coach van der Lem made a few substitutions in the second half resting some players for the game vs New York Red Bulls U23 on Sunday. Tammer came in for Mols and scored two goals (5-1 and 6-2), both assisted by guestplayer Jasper Roberti. Roberti (7-2) added one himself after a nice assist from Reuser. Central Park was able to also score two more goals resulting in 7-3 win for the All Stars. After the game both teams enjoyed some drinks with friends, family and collegues joining creating a great (Dutch) atmosphere. The team is off fors ome sightseeing today and visiting the New York Red Bulls vs Dallas game tonight in the Red Bull Arena.