In an exhilarating opening match for both teams, FCY New York squared off against Invictus FC on a cool, overcast Sunday in Verona, NY. The anticipation in the air was palpable as both squads were eager to make their mark and start the season strong.
Invictus FC was the first to draw blood, scoring a goal with 15 minutes left in the first half, putting them up 1-0. However, their lead was short-lived as FCY New York responded with a vengeance, scoring twice in quick succession. Ali Shawish masterfully advanced the ball up the field and fed Witman Hernandez who then square pass assisted Mo Channer for the equalizer giving Witman the 1st assist and Mo Channer the first goal of the season. In a dazzling display of teamwork, Hernandez then set up Shawish with a goal of his own, courtesy of a slick combination play flick with Ali Mohamed who drove into the 18 yard box creating the opportunity. The first half ended with FCY New York ahead 2-1.
The second half saw FCY New York further extend their lead. Shawish found Moe Saif at the top of the box, who fired a shot that ricocheted off the Invictus goalkeeper’s hands, allowing Hernandez to pounce on the rebound and net his first goal of the game. In the 54th minute, Shawish capitalized on a poor header from an Invictus defender, and Channer appeared to score off the rebound. However, the goal was controversially disallowed due to an offside call.
Undeterred, FCY New York continued their attacking prowess in the 64th minute. Getting his 3rd assist, Hernandez drove into the box and laid off a pass to Hussain Omar, who had surged forward from his defensive position to tap in the fourth goal. Invictus FC managed to pull one back in the 67th minute, converting a penalty kick awarded for a clip in the box to make it 4-2.
But FCY New York wasn’t done yet. In the 77th minute, Diego Rivera gets credited with the assist to Mo Channer, making the score 5-2. Invictus FC managed to score a consolation goal in the 90th minute from a set piece free kick, bringing the final score to 5-3 in favor of FCY New York.
Despite having no scrimmages before the season due to weather and scheduling constraints, FCY New York, under the guidance of their new head coach Jim Hesch, managed to secure a thrilling victory in their first match. Although the coach acknowledged there was room for improvement, he was pleased with the team’s performance and results, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
FCY New York’s starting lineup featured Andy Queen, Hussain Omar, Adam Saif, Yousif Kowa, Jabreel Almontaser, Glorie Ndagno, Mohammed Saif, Ali Shawish, Ali Mohamed, Witman Hernandez, and Mo Channer. Substitutes: Abdulgawi Albari, Cory Nash, Diego Rivera, and Bassam Harhara, Chris Ingangi, Patrick Longsdon