Fern Mc Costigan: May 2018

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The Union rang a valuable win at home over Chicago

With three points of gold and a notable, if not important win over their conference archrivals the Chicago Fire. For the Philly Boys this win becomes their fourth in a consecutive way placing them in seventh place in the overall table.

Despite the win, this did not come easy as the visiting Chicago Boys almost made it interesting with a goal after the locals scored, five minutes later the Fire responded with a goal of their own in the 56 scored by Alan Gordon.

As the league scheduling three matches in Hump Day, this one became one of the most fought off for both squads struggling to keep afloat and above the red line and the Union squad is within striking distance of the Revolution by one point.

Still this win for Jim Curtin and company finally seeing a positive momentum comes in the right time as their weekend game against the top rated Atlanta United Boys at Mercedes Benz Stadium in the Deep South will be a test for their winning streak.

Before halftime the Union started, taking control of the match and looking somehow ambitious of extending their winning streak as well maintain a positive record at home despite their only loss early in the campaign.

Hungry is the ideal word for a Philadelphia squad looking to start making some noise in Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania after two clear opportunities were the post and the Fire goalkeeper being as opportune.

On minute 44 the effort and determination of Ilsinho were the referential for the Amazonian opening the score after taking with him a couple of Chicago defenders and with a cannon of a shot the Union were ahead 1-0 and with a lead into halftime.

For the visiting Chicago Boys making all sorts of moves and attempts these well met by a defensive block their hosts had put in the floor, with mastery in the field, the Union Boys started making all sorts of moves.

Once again, these started a counter attack with Boreck Dockal who contributed for the Union two goals with nicely timed assists, as the second goal along with Raymon Gaddis delivering on the money for Corey Burke spectacular header to send the locals up a goal.

In addition to Chicago’s counter effectively and beating the Philly Boys defense was taken down by a combination of Brandt Bronico and Aleksandar Katai passing to well-placed Alan Gordon to cut the locals lead at one goal.

The locals were far from done and not to going down in the end with a tie, when the opportunity knocked in the 85 minute a nice header pass from Marcus Epps to Corey Burke that was trip inside the box.

For the game official not hesitating to award a penalty to the Philadelphia Union favor and it what became its man of the hour and match Boreck Dockal to convert and give the locals the win with this go-ahead goal in the 87.

A win is a win, but this momentum will be put on a test come this Saturday playing away were the Union Boys needs a lot of improvement and for sure they are not facing any squad as the Atlanta United Boys are a handful.

Photos Credit and Property of USA TODAY 2018

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Welcome to Major League Soccer: FC Cincinnati

With a grand fanfare, on this day Tuesday May 29, 2018, considered as a great day to the City of Cincinnati. When it’s Mayor the honorable John Crawley dedicated this day as Orange and Blue in honor of its admission of its FC Cincinnati.

The highlight for this city historical moment or seen as the next big thing or significant step.

However, this day is one major one for the squad of Queen City after Major League Soccer the honorable Commissioner Don Garber officially making the announcement in the majestic installations of Rheingest Brewery and thousands in Fountain Square.

As the City of Nati will become the 26^th entry after Nashville and Miami already awarded a franchise.

I do recall on my youth growing up in San Diego when I heard about Cincinnati I related Queen City to that mighty Red machine managed by the late Sparky Anderson as well the days of Ken Anderson and the Bengals.

Yes, baseball and football were the sports that highlighted this city sports being among the nation winning franchises, but imagining soccer or football, as its call in the world, not in those days, no way!

That was then and now is a new City as vibrating and with a dynamic economic growth and diversity as well its growing fan base considered in league circles in the States as solid, energetic and passionate.

Imagine a project conceived by fans on the city east side in coffee shops and for another former NFL executive on his table taking a serious approach on this project on pizza and beer, that was the way this amazing project is now a reality.

Everything started with a friendly match between FC Cincinnati and Crystal Palace celebrated in the American side in University of Cincinnati Nippert Stadium when it showed up a record 35,061 fans.

After that match, this squad started a meteoric rise, showing off an all-around acceptance, and so far making all sorts of attendance records in their current association of play the USL. Such rise that caught the attention of one of America’s utmost of entrepreneurs and current Commissioner of Major League Soccer, Don Garber.

The FCC already has a strong supporters group that can easily equal to the current fans bases known for their die hard supporters, originality and following in the Timbers Army, Emerald City Supporters, Southsiders and Sons of Ben to mention a few.

Still do not count this Midwest squad of lacking supporters group, with a total of five and one section of their temporary home already baptized as the Bailey by one of the supporters group. These groups in the Die Innenstad, The Pride, The Legion, Queen City Firm and the Bailey Bastards.

All of these groups today were very vocal and with a lot of originality in their chants, for sure all these will make an all-around impact in 2019 when the Cincy Boys make their debut in America’s top soccer association.

The inception of the FCC for sure will raise the bar in contested competitions with their cross state foes and current MLS squad Columbus Crew that already these two have selected a name as the “Hell is Real” Derby. This comes allusive to a Christian themed sign in Ohio’s I-71 Columbus- Cincinnati highway.

So far, this squad after its inception in 2016, they have built a contender under manager Alan Koch who has made a feisty and determined squad a tough one, very well playing one on one against MLS teams currently when they face off in the US Open Cups.

In the eyes of its visionaries in Carl Linder III Group and its CEO Jeff Berding that NFL former executive, that brought and made possible the magic of the beautiful game along a bold City Council and Mayor of this city that at the end deliver.

Very well, this club will still use Nippert Stadium as their home until their new colossus in the West End neighborhood conclusion in 2021 with a capacity of 21,000 fans, man this game is catching on.

Welcome to Major League Soccer FC Cincinnati.

Photos Credit and Property of FC Cincinnati 2018

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Waterford back in the plus in this week recap in the League of Ireland

They are back those hardened and surprising Waterford Boys, return to the winning column with a convincing win over another not easy Derry City with a clean sheet. Also with Dundalk and Cork City both making a stand and netting wins in their respective matches.

As the race to the league top is taking a very interesting turn, currently held by the Lilywhites holding a two-point lead over the defending Champions Cork City, in the Dublin Derby the Bohs once again spoil the Hoops afternoon.

In another showdown between the league archrivals Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin Derby, the Hoops looking like they were heading to a win over the locals Gypsies at home in Dalymont Stadium.

With a the Hoops scoring via Ronan Finn in the 83 minute but the visitors lead not lasted when the Bohs Robert Cornwall scored three minutes later to leave the score tied and the locals play odious role of spoiler.

Bohemians 1, Shamrock Rovers 1

In the Showgrounds, the Bit O’ Red and the Super Blues of Limerick in the battle of relegation both squads sharing the points, in a match were no goals scored but a load of yellow cards between both squads.

Netting a total of six cards and for the local Rovers with a red card on John Mahon on the 81 minute leaving the locals with ten men, still the visiting Limerick side did not capitalize.

Sligo 0, Limerick 0

In Inchicore, the streaking Pats were looking to deliver a grand match and looking forward to extend their winning ways against a hardened Cork City coming to town in a match with all-around loads of challenges.

Still the local Saints were no match to an inspired Kieran Sandler delivering a double with a goal in the 1 and 90 minutes and Jimmy Keohane in the 73, for the locals Conan Byrne scored the Pats only goal.

Saint Patrick’s Athletic 1, Cork City 3

In the RSC, the locals Waterford Boys delivered a convincing and scandalous win over a tough Derry City playing a one of kind football, as the local Blues return to the winning side with this win and on the hunt to the league top.

Scoring for the Blues were Rory Feely 12, Ismahil Akinade 14, Sander Puri 40 and Stanley Opoku Aborah 90 to seal the deal and be within ten points of league leader Dundalk and eight from Cork City.

Waterford 4, Derry City 0

In Oriel Park, the locals Dundalk showed off their might and game style with a barrage of goals over a sorry Bray Wanderers that never showed any resistance in the local’s dynamic and successful attack.

For the local Lilywhites scoring were Patrick Hoban scoring a double in the 13 and 61, followed by Stephen Folan 15, Jamie McGrath 39 and Marco Tagbajumi 76 and still keep a lead of two points over Cork City.

Dundalk 5, Bray Wanderers 0

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Welcome to Premiership Fulham Cottagers

Fulham 1, Aston Villa 0

Wembley Stadium, London

A lone goal was enough for the Cottagers to deliver their long awaited pass of promotion to one of the best leagues in the world, the English Premier League and finally the Fulham bunch consumed the dream.

After a four-year absence from the top circuit, when the celebrations cease in Craven Cottage now is back to the drawing board in building a contender or at least a squad that can be competitive in what seems to be a very contested association.

With Wolverhampton and Cardiff City, being the top seeded and earning their automatic pass into Premiership with Fulham beating Derby County in a 2-1 aggregate and Aston Villa ding the same Middleborough FC.

As the day of the grand finale came and in the colossus of London Town the place known as the Cathedral of Football Wembley Stadium showing off its best galas and filled with both teams colors to support both of their teams.

For manager Slavisa Jokanovic accomplishing his goal and mission of earning its promotion, the question now arises when this promotion new challenge comes for the Serbian in building a squad that can be a competitor.

With a payoff, for this feat will at least guarantee a total of £160 million, the aim of its directives will be to bring the ideal players as well keep its majority of its current roster to have another decorous campaign.

Still with the payoff the Whites received, these have a jewel that in the eyes of several giants of Premiership are looking in Ryan Sessegnon that for sure the number of offers will come for this promising youth.

Among some of the most interested are the Lilywhites of Tottenham via their manager Mauricio Pochettino already looking forward to build that contender in White Hart Lane, as another questions comes if the Cottagers will resist any millionaire offers for Ryan.

The way this match Fulham won by a lone goal by Tom Cairney via an assist by Ryan Sessegnon sealing the deal and stepping up their defense to ensure and protect their goal lead, at the end Steve Bruce Villains could not deliver and now wait for another year.

For manager Jokanovic making all the right moves in his initial eleven , today was his day is an encore of another feat with Watford and later replaced by Quique Flores after not agreeing in economic terms at Vicarage road.

This is it for Fulham and if these display some determination and courage maybe, we can see the return of those famous Derbies against their cross-town foes the Chelsea Blues, welcome back Fulham Cottagers.