New York Pancyprian Freedoms Secure Fourth Straight Victory with Dramatic Win Over Manhattan Celtic
The New York Pancyprian Freedoms, reigning 2024 National Amateur Cup champions, continued their winning streak on Sunday, October 6, with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manhattan Celtic at Tibbetts Brook Park. This marks their fourth consecutive win in the Metropolitan Conference of the Eastern Premier Soccer League, solidifying their position at the top of the table with an unbeaten record of 4-0.
The match took a tense turn in the second half when Manhattan Celtic opened the scoring, putting the Pancyprians on the back foot. However, their response was swift and emphatic. Immediately following the kickoff, Luis Argudo brought the Freedoms level with a composed finish, restoring parity and reigniting the team’s offensive push.
As the game edged toward a draw, Augustus McGiff stepped up in stoppage time to deliver a stunning, last-minute winner. His 94th-minute screamer from distance sent the crowd into a frenzy and secured another hard-fought victory for the Freedoms, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.
The Pancyprians are now focused on their next challenge: the highly anticipated first home game of the season on Sunday, October 13, at Belson Stadium. In this key fixture, they will face second-place Lansdowne Yonkers FC in what promises to be a top-of-the-table clash. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m., and it will be an opportunity for the Pancyprians to extend their lead and assert further dominance in the league.
The October 13 matchup is also significant for another reason. It marks the first home game doubleheader in nearly a decade, with the New York Pancyprian Freedoms II playing Smart Sports FC at 5:30 p.m., also at Belson Stadium. This historic back-to-back for the first team and reserves is being held in recognition of the somber 50th anniversary of the illegal occupation of Cyprus. The Freedoms have dedicated the 2024/2025 season to honoring this dark chapter in history, reinforcing their identity and deep-rooted commitment to their heritage.
With this momentous occasion on the horizon, the Pancyprians are not only playing for victories on the field but also for a cause much greater—uniting their community in remembrance and resilience. Sunday’s doubleheader at Belson Stadium will be an event filled with both high-stakes competition and profound significance for the team, the fans, and the broader community.
