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.
