KINGSTON, NY – Stockade FC extended their unbeaten run in NPSL play to 6 games with a 3-0 win over Rhode Island Reds on Sunday evening. Stockade FC has collected 4 wins and 2 draws in the stretch and collected 14 of a possible 18 points since their defeat to NY Cosmos on opening day. More than 564 fans were on hand to see the win, many staying thru a heavy halftime rainstorm.
Pedro Espindola returned from injury in a big way as he set the tone by putting Stockade FC in the lead only 3 minutes into the match. Juan Parada and Matt Koziol combined in the midfield to send Espindola in on goal and he took care of business.
While Stockade FC struck early, the match was a tale of impacts off the bench.
“The boys really showed how deep our roster is. Guys came in and made an immediate impact and closed out a great team victory,” said Stockade FC Technical Director Dan Hoffay.
As the second half began, a small burst of rain started to fall and Alejandro Riquelme struck. Scott Zobre played another of his patented perfect crosses into the box for Riquelme, a second half substitute, to head past the Rhode Island keeper and double the Stockade FC lead.
Vinny Colantuono would put the icing on the cake in the 90th minute off a Paul Makaj assist. Colantuono found space behind the Rhode Island back line and powered the Stockade FC third into the roof of the net.
Jared Mazzola and the Stockade FC defense were terrific again, collecting the team’s 3rd shutout in the last 4 matches.
Head Coach Jamal Lis-Simmons said, “Great team win tonight. Our defense held strong throughout. It’s always great to get a shutout, especially in front of our home fans.” He continued, “Offensively, we felt in control of the match and capitalized on our opportunities, our bench played a big role in our second half success.”
Stockade FC is back in action on Friday, June 7 as the team heads to Pelham, NY for a 6PM road match up with NY Athletic Club. The team returns home to Dietz Stadium on Sunday, June 9 as Greater Lowell Rough Diamonds visit Dietz Stadium at 6PM.
STARTING XI: Mazzola; Robinson, Markovic, Mattos, Gracias; Koziol, Parada, Rezende; Espindola, Zobre, Pinheiro
MAN OF THE MATCH - Bernardo Mattos [#12]
The Stockade FC center back was vital in another shutout win as he controlled the pace of play from the back and limited Rhode Island Reds to very few scoring opportunities. Mattos’ calm presence on the ball helped Stockade FC to build from the back keep control of the possession throughout the evening.
