FCY New York began their 2024 Premier Season campaign with a strong performance, defeating United Elite Krajisinik 3-0. Following their successful 2023 season as UPSL WNY Division and Northeastern Champions, and reaching the UPSL National round of 8, FCY New York demonstrated their capability right from the start of the match. This game included a new face, defender Robert Williamson who joined the club after a successful season with the Harrisburg Heat MASL club.
The first real opportunity of the game came in the 3rd minute when Ali Shawish delivered a cross to Zak Shaibi, whose header just missed the target. FCY controlled the game’s tempo, maintaining most of the possession in UEK’s half during the first period. The second chance arose in the 12th minute from a precise through ball by Ali Alomari to Shaibi, who shot just wide to the right.
The opening goal for FCY came from a sequence starting deep in their own territory, where Moe Saif won a duel for the bal and found a darting Zak Shaibi down the right flank. Shaibi then found Alomari, who evaded the UEK defense and smoothly rounded the goalkeeper to score, putting FCY ahead. 1-0 FCY New York.
Despite the setback for UEK, UEK attempted to respond by pushing forward, but this opened them up to further attacks. A blocked UEK shot in the 25th minute fell to Shaibi, whose attempt was saved by the UEK goalkeeper. Moments later, Ali Shawish located Shaibi deep in the left corner, who then sent a well-placed ball into the 18-yard box, which Maurice Channer converted into FCY’s second goal.
The game saw several substitutions for FCY to maintain their momentum: Witman Hernandez came on for Zak Shaibi at the 56:30 mark, followed by Majed Mohammed for Maurice Channer at the 65th minute, and Chris Inganji for Hussain Omar at the 79th minute. FCY’s third goal was the result of a fluid 11-pass movement that started from their goalkeeper and ended with Mustafa Alfurat assisting Hernandez, who slotted the ball into the net from the left side in the 80th minute. The final substitution saw Rosh Hamza replace Mohammed Saif at the 84th minute.
FCY NY travel to Syracuse on May 5th to face new UPSL foe Amlima FC in a 7 PM tilt.
Starting Lineup for FCY New York:
- GK: Spencer Catalano
- Defense: Robert Williamson (CB), Adam Saif (CB), Hussain Omar (RB), Abdulgawi Mohamed (LB)
- Midfield: Ali Alomari (CM), Mustafa Alfurat (CM), Mohammed Saif (CM), Ali Shawish (CM)
- Forwards: Maurice Channer (F), Zak Shaibi (F)
Substitutions for FCY New York:
- 56:30 Witman Hernandez for Zak Shaibi
- 65:00 Majed Mohammed for Maurice Channer
- 72:00 Chris Inganji for Hussain Omar
- 79:00 Patrick Longsdon for Spencer Catalano
- 84:00 Rosh Hamza for Mohammed Saif
