SC Portuguese 5-2 Secaucus FC - Game Report

Ironbound Stadium, Newark – Secaucus FC opened up its Champions League campaign this past Saturday evening as they took on five time NJ Champions League champions Sport Club Portuguese at Ironbound Stadium in Newark.

The game started off with Daniel Brown’s side bunkering in, keeping ten men behind the ball as the newly promoted SFC looked to weather the storm from a powerhouse SCP. That worked for all of about fifteen minutes until Sport Clube were able to break the deadlock. The Green and Red side from Newark would finish two more chances before the half, but not without a reply as Secaucus FC were able to bulge the back of the net prior to the halftime whistle when Gaston Haupert pounced on a loose ball in the box and made the half-time score 3-1.

Coach Brown changed things up at the half switching from a catennacio formation to a more familiar 4-4-2, taking out the sweeper and adding an attacker. SFC enjoyed better possession with the switch, however still gave up another goal, and a soft penalty in the second half. Again, the blue and white from Secaucus were able to scratch one goal back when substitute Dave Stoffel made a nuisance of himself in the SCP box. The ball broke for strike partner Boris Shabovta at the edge of the six yard box where he proceeded to thunder it past the keeper from a tight angle.

Secaucus FC left this intense match with a greater appreciation for what awaits them in their new division. Dan Brown has much work to do with his squad before next week’s home opener against Piast Polonia Centrum, who have reportedly re-tooled their squad after a mediocre finish to last season. Brown is boosted by the return of last year’s top goalscorer Eugene Gormley and Dustin Holbrook,

The Boys in Blue will be hoping they can to put a hard fought 5-2 loss behind them and are able to step up to the challenge of another veteran Champions League side this coming Saturday.

- September 20, 2009