New York Pancyprian Freedoms Dominate Doxa, Set Stage for Historic Hellenic Derby
The New York Pancyprian Freedoms secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Doxa FCW to move onto the finals for Eastern New York Soccer Association (ENYSSA) Manning Cup to face Lansdowne Yonkers FC. This decisive win highlights the Pancyprian's unrelenting form as they near the conclusion of the Fall 2024 season.
The scoring began with Sameer Fathazada finding the net in the 27th minute. James Tristino doubled the lead in the 35th minute, while new Pancyprian signing Thomas Gray closed out the first half with a second corner kick goal header in the 41st minute. In the second half, Harry Cooke (63') added a goals to cap off the dominant performance.
The victory sets the stage for an electrifying clash in the final game of the Fall 2024 of the Metropolitan Conference of the Eastern PRemier Soccer League (EPSL) season. On Sunday, December 15th, at 8 PM at Hofstra University, the Pancyprians will face their historic rivals, the second place New York Greek Americans, in the Hellenic Derby.
This derby marks a momentous occasion in its 50-year history. For the first time, both teams enter the match as reigning National Champions. The New York Greek Americans celebrated their first NISA Nation Title earlier this year, while the Pancyprians claimed their maiden National Amateur Cup in July 2024. The rivalry’s prestige is further underscored by their combined seven U.S. Open Cup titles—an unparalleled achievement among U.S. soccer clubs, including Major League Soccer teams.
The Pancyprian's dominance extended to their reserve squad on Sunday, December 8th, as the New York Pancyprian Freedoms II (NYPF II) defeated the College Point Flames 5-1 in the ENYSSA Strumpf Cup. Konstantinos Karousis delivered a standout performance with a hat trick, while the team’s attacking prowess overwhelmed their opponents.
NYPF II now turn their focus to the final game of the Fall 2024 Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL) season. They’ll face fourth place Aurora FC on Sunday, December 15th, at 7 PM at Randall’s Island.
