IRONBOUND CLINCH A SPOT IN THE MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS
Express walked into the sunset with a 3-0 victory over the Ocean City Nor’easters
IRONBOUND CLINCH A SPOT IN THE MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION PLAYOFFS
OCEAN CITY, N.J. - The rain put a damper on the commute to the family friendly atmosphere of Ocean City, New Jersey, but one the Ironbound express rolled onto the field it was business as usual. Needing one point to clinch one of two spots in the Mid-Atlantic Division post-season, the Express walked into the sunset with a 3-0 victory over the Ocean City Nor’easters at Carey Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Express entered the contest being shutout in their previous two contests to Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia the past weekend. A combination of veterans and rookies took the field with one thing on their minds, “win”.
“Today we played well”, said head coach George Vichniakov. “We have practiced hard this week after a disappointing weekend.”
The Express got on the board in the 32nd minute as former Ocean City Baron defender Robert Youhill caught a beautiful cross pass from Hamir Niebles inside the box to beat OC netminder Tunde Ogunbiyi. Keeping the pressure on the Nor’easters, the Express capitalized on one of four corner kicks in the half as Niebles’ kick found the head of Chris Karcz to give the Express a 2-0 lead six minutes later in the 36th minute.
The Express outshot their opposition 7-2 in the first half, playing one of their best half’s of the season.
To start the second half, Vichniakov made a successful substitution, as newcomer Joseph Ovenseri replaced Niebles and made a name for himself on the pitch. The, 6’4, Ovenseri was all over the offensive side of the field and was not credited for shots on target. In his first attack he nearly connected on a one-timer sweep kick on a nice corner kick from Alesci. The lanky Nigerian striker did connect in the 76th minute to give the team a 3-0 edge.
The Ironbound outshot the Nor’easters 16-4 in the contest and 5-0 on corner kicks. Ironbound netminder Ryan Meara was credited with his PDL leading ninth shutout of the season making two saves. Ogunbiyi made 10 saves as the Express peppered the Boston College netminder.
The Ironbound Express would like to thank their fans for an amazing regular-season. The Express will have off for the remainder of the week and will begin training for the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Please check the USL PSL website along with Ironboundsoccer.org for more information on where and when the Express will compete in the playoffs.
PLAYOFF INFORMATION
IRONBOUND AS #1 SEED – Reading United AC has to lose two of their final three games.
MAGIC NUMBER IS ONE FOR THE IRONBOUND EXPRESS
For the first time this season, the Express failed to score in back-to-back games
NEWARK, N.J. --- Heading into the weekend, the Ironbound Express needed to get a victory and a point to clinch home field advantage for the Mid-Atlantic Division playoffs, but all they were able to walk away with was a single point in the finale of the two-game trip.
For the first time this season, the Express failed to score in back-to-back games, resulting in a 1-0 loss to Hampton Road on Saturday evening and then pitching a scoreless tie to Northern Virginia just hours before the FIFA World Cup Finals.
In an important first game of the weekend, a game the Express needed to win, the Express took advantage of a 19-6 shooting advantage, but failed to find the back of the net against the Piranhas. The Express went down early in the contest, as an 8th minute penalty kick by Renato Barbosa put the home team up by a goal. The Express felt they were at a disadvantage in the contest, due to questionable officiating against that didn’t grant the Ironbound at least three penalty kicks after multiple fouls inside the box. The Express out played Hampton Road in both halves, owning a 5-1 difference in corner kicks.
In the second game of the weekend, the Express made a visit to Northern Virginia, and while neither team found the back of the net, both team owned opposite halves. The Express outshot the Royals in the opening half, 7-5, but then were outshot 8-4 in the final 45 minutes.
Ryan Meara made a combined five saves over the weekend, with a series high four saves on Sunday against the Royals.
The Express will finish the regular-season on Wednesday against Ocean City at 8 p.m.
Check out Ironboundsoccer.org to know the whereabouts of the Express Playoff destination at the conclusion of the week
Three Points were on the line
Neither Reading or the Ironbound Express could capitalize on the opportunity resulting in a 2-2 tie
NEWARK, N.J. --- Three Points were on the line and the chance to take the overall lead in the Mid-Atlantic Division, but neither Reading or the Ironbound Express could capitalize on the opportunity resulting in a 2-2 tie on Wednesday evening at Lubetkin Field on the Campus of NJIT.
Neither team scored in the first half, but the Express took a one shot edge, 6-5, over the visiting team after 45 minutes. The Express nearly scored in the first half, as Jerrod Laventure and Josh Trott missed the goal by near inches.
Reading scored midway into the second half as Corey Hertzog found Jon Ports to give the United a 1-0 lead. Nearly two minutes later, the Express were granted a penalty kick and were successful as Laventure’s boot went low to the left side of the cage to tie the contest at one in the 67th minute.
The Ironbound took a lead in the 77th minute off a set piece on a corner kick, as Chris Karcz headed a rebounder off his initial shot to take a 2-1 lead. Reading make a substitution after allowing the goal, s move that worked to perfection as reserve forward Eric Detzel found Hertzog with five minutes remaining in regulation.
The Express finished with 11 shots with six finding its way to the target. Reading netminder Jeremy Vuolo made four saves to keep his team in the contest. Ironbound goalie Ryan Meara made five saves, including three quality saves in the second half.
The Express will have a short window to prepare for this weekend’s Virginia trip, as they will meet Hampton Roads on Saturday evening and then Northern Virginia Sunday morning
Ironbound Overcome Central Jersey
Set Record for Most Wins in Franchise History
Ironbound Express Press Release
July 1, 2010
NEWARK, N.J. - Add another three points to the Ironbound Express, as the team defeated local rival Central Jersey, 3-1, to set a new high in single-season victories with their ninth win of the year. In their inaugural season, the previously named “Newark Ironbound Express” won eight games and qualified for the PDL Northeast Conference semifinals.
In Wednesday’s derby match, the Express took advantage of an early foul inside the box as captain Jerrod Laventure capitalized on a penalty kick past Spartans goalie Bryan Meredith. For Laventure, his fourth goal of the season gave the team a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute.
The Express took six shots in the first half, as the home squad looked to capitalize on a few defensive mistakes by the Spartans. Two corner kicks and three free kick set pieces allowed the Express to keep the ball in the offensive zone for a large portion of the half.
“We played great on the defensive side tonight against a good team,” commented head coach George Vichniakov.
In the second half the Express need only two minutes after the kick-off to take a two-goal edge as defender Arthur Kulkov sent a beautiful pass to fellow defender Andrew Konopelsky who blasted a 35-yard shot to the top right corner of the goal behind Meredith. Nine minutes later, the Spartans scored their only goal of the contest, as departing forward RJ Allen scored in the 56th minute.
With the clock winding down, Laventure added his second goal of the contest after a pass from forward Josh Trott found his foot on a breakout to beat Meredith for the second time. Once again the franchise’s all-time leading scorer added his fifth goal of the season and 23rd as a member of the Ironbound Express.
The Ironbound Express finished the contest with 11 shots, while Central Jersey finished with seven.
In goal for the Express starter Ryan Meara made four saves and was instrumental in keeping the squad ahead late in the contest, when the Spartans took two shots in the final eight minutes.
For the Spartans, Meredith also made four saves but was troubled in the defensive zone as the Express took five shots in the second half.
The Express will remain home and train the rest of the week until they meet Reading United AC next Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Lubetkin Field in the final regular season home game of the season. The Express will conclude the remaining three games on the road against Hampton Roads, North Virginia and Ocean City.
MINI VACATION TO BERMUDA FOR THE EXPRESS, COME HOME WITH 6 POINTS
The Express took both games against the Bermuda Hogges on Friday and Sunday
HAMILTON, BERMUDA --- The Ironbound Express left Newark, New Jersey on Friday morning with their bags packed with a jersey, a pair of shorts, boots and swim gear. They returned to Newark on Monday with the same gear along with six points in the Mid-Atlantic Division standings.
The Express took both games against the Bermuda Hogges on Friday and Sunday evenings by scores of 1-0, respectively.
With the victories, the Ironbound Express owns first place in the Mid-Atlantic Division with 25 points overall, two points ahead of Reading United AC, who they will see on July 7th at home.
In the first game of the two-game doubleheader, the Express once took apart the Hogges defense as Frankie Alesci scored the lone goal in the 36th minute off a defensive error by the Hogges. The Most Valuable Player went to goal scorer Frankie Alesci, and honorable mentions to Center Back Shane Recklet and Goalkeeper Ryan Meira who despite suffering a severe head injury stayed in the game and kept a clean sheet.
The Express finished neck and neck with the Hogges in shots after the first contest tied at nine, but added pressure late in the contest on Hogges goalie Freddy Hall. The Express got three shots in the contest from John Sallhag, who led the squad in total shots against Hall, who he beat in the previous contest played in Newark.
In the Sunday evening affair, the Express scored their only goal with five minutes remaining in the first half, as midfielder Frank Alesci struck goal in his second consecutive game. This time it was a low shot between the legs of Hall. It was assisted beautifully by Jerrod Levanture The team out played their counterparts in the latter stages of the half and into the final stanza. The Most Valuable Player went to Frankie Alesci and Defensive Player of the game was Shane Recklet. Goalkeeper Ryan Meara recorded his sixth shutout in seven starts for the 2010 season.
The Ironbound Express will return for their second to last regular-season home game this Wednesday at 8 p.m. against Central Jersey at Lubetkin Field. Fans that can’t attend the contest can follow live with match tracker on the Ironbound Express PDL site.
CRUSHING DEFEAT AT HOME FOR THE EXPRESS
EXPRESS FALL 2-0 TO NEW JERSEY IN DERBY MATCH
CRUSHING DEFEAT AT HOME FOR THE EXPRESS, FALL 2-0 TO NEW JERSEY IN DERBY MATCH
NEWARK, N.J. --- The Ironbound Express found themselves on the other side of the fence on Wednesday evening as they dropped their second game of the season and split the season series with the New Jersey Rangers, falling 2-0 at Lubetkin Field in a Mid-Atlantic Division derby match.
The Express were slow out of the gates, as the Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the middle of the first half, as Jason Goreski found the back of the net past Ironbound goalie Michael Drozd, who made his second consecutive home start.
The game got chippy as two yellow cards were given to the Rangers in the first stanza to Goreski in the 30th minute and Nick Whipple nine minutes later. The visiting team finished with five shots after 45 minutes, as the home team was looking for answers.
Ironbound Express head coach George Vichniakov made a substitution to begin the second half, as Mike Konicoff replaced Hamir Niebles and moved Jerrod Laventure back to forward with the anticipation that the team’s top scorer would get the team back in the game. However, the Express picked up three cards in the latter portion of the contest and allowed a goal by the Rangers reserve forward Samuel Petrone in the final seconds of the contest.
Drozd finished the contest with five saves as he faced nine shots. For the Rangers, Ryszard Gorski made five saves on 11 shots faced for the shutout. The rangers finished with an 11-9 edge in the shots total as the Express keeps their lead in the Mid-Atlantic Division but allow the Rangers three crucial points.
The Ironbound Express will have the remainder of the week off before heading to Bermuda for a pair of games next Friday and Sunday against the Hogges at the Bermuda Athletic Association Field. The Express will return home to close out the month of June with a derby match against Central Jersey on the 30th at 8 p.m. at Lubetkin Field.
Remember fans, all Express home games will feature match tracker from the Ironbound Express PDL site.
The Ironbound Express took an important three points
Express got goals from forwards Josh Trott and Hamir Niebles
EXETER, Pa. --- The Ironbound Express took an important three points away from Reading United AC on Sunday evening with a 2-0 victory at Don Thomas Stadium in Exeter, Pa.
The Express got goals from forwards Josh Trott and Hamir Niebles all in the first half. The Express took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute, as Trott headed a ball across the line after a missed shot by a Niebles hit the crossbar. 11 minutes later, Frank Alesci found Niebles for his second goal of the season and the 2-0 lead for the visiting team.
Earlier in the contest, the Express had a goal taken away on a free kick by Niebles in the 22nd minute. The ruling on the pitch was that the ball did not cross the line after the shot nicked off the cross bar and dropped to the goal line.
In goal for the Express, Ryan Meara posted his fourth shutout of the season with four saves against Reading.
The Express however, were out shot by Reading, 9-4, as the home team had many opportunities to score late in the contest, but the Express defense and Meara were on top of their game.
The Ironbound Express will return home for a derby match against the New Jersey Rangers on Wednesday at 8 p.m.
BACK ON THE EXPRESSWAY, IRONBOUND DEFEATS BERMUDA 5-0
Ironbound Express got back in the win column with an impressive 5-0 victory
NEWARK, N.J. --- After a two hour flight to the United States, the Bermuda Hogges felt the jetlag as the Ironbound Express got back in the win column with an impressive 5-0 victory over their Mid-Atlantic division foe at Lubetkin Field in NJIT on Thursday evening.
The Ironbound Express, who entered the contest winless in its previous two contests, got on the board in the opening minute of the contest, as forward John Sallhag beat Bermuda netminder Freddy Hall. The Express added another goal 10 minutes later, when defender Chris Karcz came up to blast a shot past Hall, as the Express took an early 2-0 lead.
Later in the first half, Jerrod Laventure found the back of the net, as the Express claimed a 3-0 lead. The last time the Express had a three goal lead was back on May 19th in a 3-0 edge over Ocean City.
In the squad’s fifth shutout of the season, the Ironbound defense allowed only three shots in the first half, as goalie Michael Drozd was asked to make two saves.
Sallhag added his second goal of the contest in the 54th minute, as the Ironbound Express chased an already inured Hall from the goal. The native of Vaxjo, Sweden is in the top-10 in the PDL in points with 10 and trails the league leader Armani Walker of the Orange County Blue Stars by nine points.
As head coach George Vichniakov went to the bench for the final 25 minutes of regulation, reserve forward Renan Rodrigues scored his first goal of the year in the 80th minute past Hogges backup netminder Tahj Bell to give the team a 5-0 cushion.
The Ironbound Express finished the contest with a 15-5 edge in shots, while Drozd made four saves for his second shutout of the year.
The Ironbound Express will head to Reading, Pa. for an important three-point game against Reading United AC on Sunday, June 13th at 6:30 p.m. The Express will return back home for a derby match against Dominic Reinold and the New Jersey Rangers on Wednesday, June 16th at 8 p.m.
Remember fans, all Ironbound Express games can be viewed with Match Tracker on the Ironbound Express PDL page.
IRONBOUND EXPRESS ON THE WORLD CUP
members of the Ironbound Express were asked to predict the winner of the 2010 South African World Cup
With the FIFA World Cup beginning this weekend, members of the Ironbound Express were asked to predict the winner of the 2010 South African World Cup. While most of the players are from the United States, neither picked their home country to win the cup.
Former Long Island University forward and Ridgewood, N.Y. native, Frank Alesci chose Spain as his choice to win the cup because they are coming off a great Euro Cup and have the best depth that can carry them late into a contest. Joining Alesci on the Spanish bandwagon is head coach George Vichniakov. The coach picked Spain because they have great players and easily defeated Poland last week, 6-0.
Staying in Europe, Express forward and Scandinavian John Sallhag chose England because they have a great team with great players include Wayne Rooney. However, Sallhag joined a majority of the group saying “England is a great team, but Argentina is the team to beat.”
Staying to his Arabic roots, Flushing, N.Y. native, Mohammed Mashriqi chose Algeria as the team to beat in the 32-team tournament. The former United States U-14 member did not mind that Algeria will be without captain Yazid Mansouri for the first game.
Heading to South America, many of the players and even assistant coach Lucio Russo felt the Argentinean squad was the best. Joining coach Russo on the Argentinean selection was former St. Peter’s College star and Kibbutz Maabarot, Israel native, Assaf Sheleg.
In an interesting pick, Kaze Etiene from Cameroon, Africa, chose Lionel Messi and Argentina because of their explosive scoring.
Rounding out the predictions is the team from Brazil. The next home of the World Cup in 2014, the Green and Yellow are supported by both Ironbound Express goalies Ryan Meara and Michael Drozd due to the top goalie in the tournament Julio Cesar. Add Ironbound Express General Manager Gali Maimon to the list of Brazilian fans for the cup and It was an easy choice for Brazilian Renan Rodrigues, who was decked out in Brazilian attire prior to the team’s 5-0 victory over Bermuda on Thursday evening.
Out of the nine players asked for their predictions, reigning World Cup champions Italy were left in the dust. Also left high and dry was 2006 Cup finalist France along with powerhouse Germany. Assistant General Manager and Operations Director Eric Maimon took northern Europe favorite the Netherlands as his choice for Cup champs, as the Dutch will feature Arsenal forward Robin van Persie.
The Ironbound Express will have a month to bite their nails as the 2010 FIFA World Cup takes place, but Express fans will have two more opportunities to catch one of the hottest and most diverse teams in the Premier Development League on June 30th and July 7th against the New Jersey Rangers and Reading United AC respectively, at Lubetkin Field at NJIT.
Express finally allowed a goal after a 380 minute shutout streak
The shutout streak may be over
HOLMDEL, N.J. – The shutout streak may be over, but the Ironbound Express are still perfect on the season as they walked away with a 2-2 tie against the Hampton Roads Piranhas on Thursday evening at Holmdel High School.
The Express finally allowed a goal after a 380 minute shutout streak, as Bryan Iotte took a 20 yard free kick to beat Ironbound Express goalie Michael Drozd. The shot seemed to creep pass the Express wall and behind a sprawling Drozd. The Express answered back just six minutes later in the 26th minute as midfielder Jeff Matteo netted his first goal of the season off a rebound.
However, the Express couldn’t keep the tie in the first half and allowed the Piranha’s to take a 2-1 lead in the 32nd minute. Hampton Road’s used a mishandled ball by Drozd to capitalize and take the lead as Mamadou Kone stood in front of the net for the squad’s second goal of the night.
The Express tied the contest in the second half, as Frank Alesci scored in the 69th minute. The Express out played the Piranha’s in the final stanza, outshooting them 8-4 and 14-11 in the contest.
Hampton Roads netminder Tyler Benham made seven saves, while Drozd made three saves all coming in the first half.
The Ironbound Express will return to Newark on Sunday for a 5 p.m. kickoff against the Carolina Dynamo. The Express will conclude the week with a Thursday evening meeting with the Bermuda at 8 p.m.
Ironbound Express Staff Member meet PELE
Beloved soccer icon and three-time World Cup champion, Pelé,
May 28th , 2010
Newarl, NJ
Beloved soccer icon and three-time World Cup champion, Pele', appered on May 26th, 2010 at ESPN Zone in NYC to commemorate his new childrens book, For The Love of Soccer. In his new picture book, Pelé celebrates the kicks and thrills of his favorite sport just in time for the 2010 World Cup. The first 100 Guests met Pelé and received his autograph.
Sometimes being perfect just isn’t enough
Qualification for the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is never easy
Two teams went all out in making sure they had their chance to make the US Open Cup: the Ironbound Express of Newark and Reading United AC (formerly the Reading Rage). Ironbound made their case by shutting out all the teams on their schedule, defeating the West Virginia Chaos, Central Jersey Spartans, New Jersey Rangers, and Ocean City FC. They finished with 9 goals scored. At the time, Reading was 2-0, having beaten Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, and had a +5 goal differential with 6 goals scored. They would need to win both their games (both on the road) by a total of 4 goals, as well as having to in order to make the tournament. Any slip up, and Ironbound were Open Cup-bound. They proceeded to beat West Virginia 1-0 and Carolina 4-0, finishing at 4-0 with a +9 goal differential (tying Ironbound) and 10 goals scored (edging the Express by 1 goal). With that, Reading United qualify for the US Open Cup for the second straight year, and their fourth trip overall. Ironbound received the unfortunate distinction of being the third team since the current PDL qualifying format began in 1997 to win all four of their games and still miss the tournament (the other two being the Colorado Comets in 1999 and the Southern California Seahorses in 2005). However, out of those three teams, they are the first to miss out after earning shutout victories in all four of their qualifying games.
The Express next game will be June 3rd 8:00 pm Start at Holmdel High School vs. Carolina Dynamos.
Express finish Open Cup qualifying with a perfect 4-0-0 record.
Ironbound Express beat Nor'easters 3-0, finish qualifying 4-0
Newark NJ May 19, 2010
The perfect record does not assure the Express a spot in the tournament. While their win eliminates Ocean City, Northern Virginia Royals, Carolina Dynamo and the New Jersey Rangers, Reading United (2-0-0) can still match Ironbound’s 4-0-0 record if they win their next two matches.
The Express struck first in the 32nd minute when Express midfielder Kevin Meyer found space on the right wing and fired in a cross to the far post. John Sallhag found himself on the other end of that cross, volleying it past Ocean City goalkeeper Tunde Ogunbiyi , who was making his 2010 debut.
The Nor’easters nearly tied it up before halftime when Kevin Curran played a through ball into Alex Weidman who dribbled in one-on-one with the Ironbound goalkeeper. Weidman, making his first PDL start, bent the ball around the keeper, but it struck the post and kept the visitors off the scoreboard.
The Express would strike back moments after Weidman hit the post as they raced up the right wing, and repeated the combination of the first goal. Meyer from the right wing found Sallhag in the box who volleyed the ball into the back of the net to double the lead. At halftime, Ocean City made changes to their lineup
The change helped light a spark in the offense, but the hosts would add another in the 66th minute. Former New York Red Bulls player Jerrod Laventure was fouled in the box by Max Hamilton, leading the referee to point to the spot. Laventure converted the penalty kick to make it 3-0.
Ocean City’s best chance to pull one back came in the 75th minute when Curran’s cross from the wing found the head of Carmichael, but the club’s all-time leading scorer was denied his first goal of the year by the cross bar.
Express GK Ryan Meara record his third shutout of the season in three starts.
The Express will wait to find out the result of Reading United’s next two games. If Reading fails to win at West Virginia on Thursday or at Carolina on Saturday, Ironbound will qualify for the Open Cup for the first time.
NEWARK, NJ -- Jerrod Laventure scored the lone goal as the Ironbound Express improved to 3-0 on the season with a 1-0 victory over the New Jersey Rangers on Saturday afternoon at the Morris Catholic High School Field.
With the victory, the Express lead the Mid-Atlantic Division in their quest to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
Neither team scored in the opening half, but the Express held a 7-3 shot advantage over the Rangers, as Michael Drozd made three stops.
The score remained scoreless until the 79th minute, when Laventure scored his first goal of the season.
Once again, Drozd was stellar in the second half, making two saves for a game total of five.
The Express finished the contest with 12 shots on target.
The Ironbound Express will return back home to Lubetkin Field on Wednesday for the final contest in the Open Cup qualifier against Ocean City, beginning at 8 p.m.
Express improves to 2-0
The Ironbound Express picked up an important victory
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – The Ironbound Express picked up an important victory over the Central Jersey Spartans, 2-0, on Wednesday evening at the PDA Complex.
The Express got a goal in the 39th minute as midfielder Michael Konicoff found Kevin Meyer to give the team a 1-0 lead. The Express took eight shots in the first half, while their opponents took three.
In the second half, the Express took a 2-0 edge as forward Jerrod Laventure fed Mohammed Mashriqi in the 47th minute. The Ironbound Express outshot the Spartans, 13-6, as Ryan Meara was not credited with a save, but did get his second shutout of the season.
With the victory, the Express moves to 2-0 on the season and now has six points with two games remaining in the Lamar Hunt Open Cup qualifier. Central Jersey is now 0-1 with three games remaining in the Open Cup qualifier.
The Ironbound Express will stay on the road for a meeting with the New Jersey Rangers on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Morris Catholic High School.
Ironbound Blanks Chaos 3-0
Ironbound Express News Release
Saturday, May 8, 2010
NEWARK, NJ -- The Ironbound Express picked up their first victory of the season defeating West Virginia, 3-0, on Saturday night at Lubetkin Field on the Campus of NJIT.
The Ironbound Express took 14 shots on cage as Josh Trott, Matia Damiani and Gary Boughton all scored in the season opener.
The Express scored in 22nd minute as Trott made it a 1-0 lead. The Express outshot the Chaos 7-4 after the first 45 minutes.
In the final six minutes of regulation, the Express added two more goals when Richard Lesmes found Damiani in the 84th, followed by John Sallhag sending a pass to a streaking Boughton two minutes later.
The Ironbound Express outshot the Chaos, 14-6, in the contest and took six corner kicks, but with the wind gusting around the field caused most kicks to sail away from the box.
Ryan Meara made three saves for his first shutout of the season for the Ironbound Express.
The Express will travel to Central Jersey on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Unity is strength
2010 Newark Ironbound Express PDL team
NEWARK, N.J. – “Unity is strength” is the motto for the 2010 Newark Ironbound Express PDL team. Under head coach George Vichniakov, the Express will open the season at home against West Virginia on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Lubetkin Field on the campus of NJIT.
Leading the Express this season will be PDL veteran Jerrod Laventure, who led the team last season with nine goals for 21 points. Looking to make an impact this season in goal will be Ryan Meara, who won six games last season as a member of the Long Island Rough Riders. The Express is also happy to welcome Michael Konicoff, a former USL’s super-20 MVP. The team will be comprised of many local collegiate athletes from New York and New Jersey, while taking some international flavor with the likes of Kaze Etiene, Hans Kiel Pierre and Renan Rodrigues.
This season team will feature some new faces including a new general manager in Gali Maimon. Maimon is an 11 year veteran of the PDL circuit and is looking to get the Express back into the playoffs and compete in the squads first Lamar Hunt Open Cup.
Last season the Express finished 6-8-2 and failed to qualify for the Northeast Division playoffs. This season the Express have moved into the Mid Atlantic Division and are looking for success, but will have to face the likes of Reading FC, Bermuda and Carolina for division supremacy.
Fans that can’t attend Saturday’s contest can follow the game live on their computers with Match Tracker. For the fans planning on attending the contest, tickets are $10 and the Express do offer family discounts and packages.
The Express will head on the road for their next two contests against Central Jersey on May 12 and then on May 15 against New Jersey. The Express will play six more games at Lubetkin Field and one special game in Holmdel, N.J. on June 3.
Ironbound Names 2010 Players
Ironbound Express Press Release
April 23rd , 2010
NEWARK, NJ – Ironbound Express General Manager Gali Maimon along with Head Coach George Vichniakov, coach Lucio Russo and Technical Advisor Mayers Sequeira have announced the members of the Ironbound Express roster for the 2010 USL Premier Development League season. All signings are pending USSF approval.
Leading the charge this season will be veteran midfielder Jeff Matteo, a 2001 graduate of St. Johns University. In January 2002, Matteo traveled abroad to train with Monza of Italian Division C1, but returned to play Major League Soccer with the Columbus Crew, who selected him 17th overall in the MLS SuperDraft.
Matteo played with Columbus and Red Bull New York in the MLS and spent three years in the United Soccer Leagues First Division. He began his USL career with the Minnesota Thunder in 2004 and went on to play with the Charleston Battery and Miami FC. He will be looked upon for leadership and help the coaching staff as a vocal leader on the pitch. During the fall, Matteo coaches at his alma mater as an assistant coach under Dr. Dave Masur.
Joining Matteo this summer will be former Red Storm teammate Matia Daimiani. Local notable college’s student-athletes on the Ironbound Express will be Kyle Grato (Rutgers), goalie Ryan Meara (Fordham), goalie Michael Drozd (Drake University), Assaf Sheleg (St. Peter’s), John Sallhag (St. Francis College), Jeverton DeLorenzi (St. Francis College), Farzan Bigdeli (St. Francis College), Leroy Sequeira (NJCU), Michael Konicoff (Boston College) Robert Larocca (Monmouth), Mazzullo Michael (columbia U.), Gary Boughton (Medaille College), Adam Dominic (Quinipiac U.) and Shea Brown (Essex CC).
Konicoff was named the USL Super-20 League’s Most Valuable Player in 2007.
Also on the team this season will be two former Long Island University midfielders Frank Alesci and Mohammad Mashriqi, Former St. Peters midfielder Richard Lesmes, Henri Bega and Rodriguez Renan.
from NY Greek-American Atlas, Kaze Etiene , John Londono, Andrew Konopelsky, Joseph Afful, Arthur Kolkuv, Hemir Niebles, Kevin Meyer and Josh Trott .
The Ironbound Express will finalize the roster before their May 8th season opener against West Virginia.
Full Schedule
** Ironbound Express - Premier Development League 2010 **
Tryouts for the 2010 season for the Ironbound Express Premier Development League team in the United Soccer Leagues will continue at the NJIT Soccer Stadium in Newark , NJ.
The tryouts from now on will be by invitation only, Players that are not invited will not be allowed to tryout.
Saturday, March 27 at 5:00 p.m
Sunday , March 28 at 4:00 p.m.
United Soccer Leagues announced the official alignment for the 2010 Premier Development League season, unveiling the conferences and divisions for the 68-team league.
Mid Atlantic Division: Bermuda Hogges, Carolina Dynamo, Central Jersey, Hampton Roads Piranhas, Ironbound Express, New Jersey Rangers, Northern Virginia Royals, Ocean City Barons, Reading United, West Virginia Chaos
Express Head coach George Vichniakov and Asst. Coach Lucio Russo will conduct the tryouts. they can be reached by e-mail at george@ironboundsoccer.org and lucio@ironboundsoccer.org
The PDL is the top league in North America for the development of players with professional aspirations. The Express compete for the national championship as well as in the U.S. Open Cup, and have sent several players on to MLS and Europe.
Newark Ironbound Express entered the PDL having enjoyed a great deal of success at a junior level with their Ironbound SC, which was a major force in the USL Super-Y League for several years. The team plays its home games at Lubetkin Field on the campus of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where they have played since 2008.
For the last two years, the Express’ 26-man roster has participated in 10-day trips to Portugal and Russia, competing against teams from two nations in the presence of international agents and scouts One of the Mission of National Soccer Academy/ Ironbound Express Soccer Program is to Expose our Talented players to the European Markets and Show case our Talented players around the Globe.
Express Reserve Team Tryouts Set
Ironbound looking for Super-20 players in Newark
NEWARK, NJ – The Ironbound Express of the USL Premier Development League has announced the re-launching of the Reserve Team program for the 2010 season. The team is under new management this season and will be under the Umbrella of the PDL team, serving as the Elite youth team of Ironbound SC.
A former youth coach with Ironbound, Rui Dos Santos taken over as Head Coach of the Super-20 League side. The team’s General Manager will be John M. Soares. Reserve teams typically consist of a combination of emerging youth players and first team squad players. These teams are distinct from a club’s youth team, consisting of players fewer than 20-years old.
The reserve team will play in the Mid Atlantic Division of the Super-20 Men’s League. Tryouts for the 2010 season will start at the New Jersey Institute of Technology Soccer Stadium in Newark, New Jersey on:
Saturday, March 27 at 3:00 PM ET at Ironbound Stadium in Newark NJ , and on Sunday, March 28 at 6:00 PM ET. Ironbound Express Reserve Team Head Coach, Rui Dos Santos and Manager John M. Soares will conduct the tryouts. They can be reached by e-mail at rui5541@gmail.com and jsoar22@aol.com.
About the USL Super-20 League
As the only U20 men’s and women’s north American amateur league, the USL Super-20 League (S-20) provides the platform for top 17-20 year olds in the United States and Canada to compete at the elite level. While serving as reserve team system for many W-League and Premier Development League teams, the USL Super-20 League features teams competing in four regional conferences, consisting of 8-10 regular season matches throughout the summer months.
letter of support to the Haitian Soccer/Football family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the many victims, the injured and their families
Ironbound Express players and staff sending this letter of support to the Haitian Soccer/Football family in the wake of the terrible earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation earlier this week.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the many victims, the injured and their families
The earthquake, which measured 7 on the Richter scale and had its epicenter just 9 miles outside the capital, Port-au-Prince, shook the country on Tuesday night. Virtually all the buildings in the capital were destroyed, among them the Presidential Palace, and it is not yet known how many people have been killed in the disaster.
Ironbound Express Tryouts a Success
Monday, December 21, 2009
NEWARK, NJ – Newark Ironbound Experess successfully held tryouts this past Saturday, December 19 under very tough weather conditions at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in Newark, New Jersey.
“The tryouts were a big success,” said Ironbound Express General Manager, Gali Maimon. “To have this kind of success in the extreme weather conditions with the snow dropping and the wind howling is a big compliment and credit to the Express. This is just another example of the organization’s commitment to bring soccer opportunities to elite players in the northeast.”
Over 75 players attended the tryout. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the third-year franchise drew candidates in from outside the local community including players from Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware and New York.
The Express completed a 6-8-2 run in USL’s Premier Development League during the 2009 season, bringing the club’s all-time USL record up to 14-11-8.
2010 Tryouts
The Ironbound Express USL-PDL Tryouts
Tryouts for the 2010 season for the Ironbound Express Premier Development League team in the United Soccer Leagues will begin at the NJIT Soccer Stadium in Newark , NJ Saturday, December 19. at 1 p.m. and Sunday December 20 at 1 p.m.
Express Head coach George Vichniakov and Asst. Coach Lucio Russo will conduct the tryouts. they can be reached by e-mail at george@ironboundsoccer.org and lucio@ironboundsoccer.org
The PDL is the top league in North America for the development of players with professional aspirations. The Express compete for the national championship as well as in the U.S. Open Cup, and have sent several players on to MLS and Europe.
Newark Ironbound Express entered the PDL having enjoyed a great deal of success at a junior level with their Ironbound SC, which was a major force in the USL Super-Y League for several years. The team plays its home games at Lubetkin Field on the campus of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where they have played since 2008.
For the last two years, the Express’ 26-man roster has participated in 10-day trips to Portugal and Russia, competing against teams from two nations in the presence of international agents and scouts One of the Mission of National Soccer Academy/ Ironbound Express Soccer Program is to Expose our Talented players to the European Markets and Show case our Talented players around the Globe.
IRONBOUND EXPRESS 2010
EXPRESS 2010
Clifton's Niziolek captures soccer honor in Land of the Czars
International soccer has become an annual tradition for the Ironbound Express
International soccer has become an annual tradition for the Ironbound Express, a United Soccer League franchise that competes in the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the Premier Development League. Following the final of three games from July 5 to 15, competing against three Russian teams in which it posted a 1-0-2 record, Clifton’s Teddy Niziolek received a plaque as the MVP of the final contest. It was advertised as the "Battle of Russia and the USA" that was played in Podolska, the birth place of Russian soccer.In its inaugural 2008 campaign, the team journeyed to Portugal for 10 days, posting a 2-2 record against local Portuguese teams.
Opening this year’s international tour on Tuesday (July 7), the Express battled Moscow’s Sports Academia, to a 2-2 draw. The venue was the Division 2 pro league team’s facility that was embellished with historic artifacts from the World War II-era. Edison Bilbao and Niziolek deposited goals in the Moscow’s squad cage in a contest that began with an exchange of traditional Russian gift sacks that included a mascot of the school.
On Saturday (July 11), Bilbao netted his second goal of the trip while Michael Diop and Tiquenho also scored in a 3-1 victory over Saturn at the Premier League’s team complex.
In the game played the following day that was played in Podolska that included a police-led motorcade to the stadium. Patrick Figuerido rallied the Express to a 1-1 draw against Vityaz in front of a crowd of 3000 spectators that participated in the Vityaz club’s 100th anniversry celebration
Clifton’s Niziolek captures soccer honor in Land of the Czars
From Brooklyn to Newark
Gali Maimon named Ironbound Express GM
TO IRONBOUNDFROM BROOKLYN
NEWARK, NJ - Former Brooklyn Knights General Manager, Gali Maimon was named the new General Manager of the Newark Ironbound Express today.
Maimon, the 2008 Premier Development League Executive of the Year, spent three years with the Knights. Over that period the Knights went 26-12-10 in the regular season, qualifying for playoffs in three consecutive seasons. The Knights record in playoffs the past three seasons was 1-2-3.
His new team, Ironbound was 8-2-6 in 2008, their inaugural year. They lost their first-ever playoff match, 4-2 to the Reading Rage that season after nipping at the heels of the Knights throughout the regular season. Brooklyn won the PDL’s Northeast Division that season with a record of 10-2-4. Newark finished second with an 8-2-6 mark.
In head-to-head competition the past two years, Brooklyn holds a 2-1-1 advantage over the Express.
Greek American-Atlas Head Coach Lucio Russo also was named Assistant Coach to Newark’s head man, George Vichniakov, who is in his third year.
Garry Tim was named the Media Director for the Express.
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With the victory, the Express lead the Mid-Atlantic Division in their quest to qualify for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
The Ironbound Express took 14 shots on cage as Josh Trott, Matia Damiani and Gary Boughton all scored in the season opener.
Matteo played with Columbus and Red Bull New York in the MLS and spent three years in the United Soccer Leagues First Division. He began his USL career with the Minnesota Thunder in 2004 and went on to play with the Charleston Battery and Miami FC. He will be looked upon for leadership and help the coaching staff as a vocal leader on the pitch. During the fall, Matteo coaches at his alma mater as an assistant coach under Dr. Dave Masur. 
