It’s Over Ref! Semi-Final Victory for the NY Pancyprian Freedoms
A memoriam to the late George (Kokos) Andreou was held before the Eastern Premier Soccer League (EPSL) Metropolitan Conference semi-finals between NY Pancyprian Freedoms and long time title contenders Lansdowne Yonkers FC. Our NYPF roared back after going down 1-0 in the second half to soundly win the game 3-1. Watch the game here.
“The emotional semi-final was dedicated to our friend and supporter George (Kokos) Andreou,” said Phillip Christopher, President of the Pancyprian Associtaion. “As the minutes to the end of the game ticked away, the victory cry made famous by Kokos – ‘Ref, It's Over!’ – brought tears to the many fans who cheered the team to victory!”
“I had a sense that something special was going to happen in this game, we knew that Koko was watching us,” said Panos Onisiforou, Head Coach of the NYPF. “The players gave everything on the field today, we are very proud.”
The pre-game memoriam was attended by the Andreou Family, the directors and board of the NY Pancyprian Freedoms and the Pancyprian Association, the referees, and the players and coaching staff from both teams. The inspiring celebration included the laying of flowers on the field and a one-minute clap of honor.
The final of EPSL Metropolitan Conference will feature the NYPF versus Zum Schneider FC on Thursday, June 16th at Belson Stadium at St. John's University.
Earlier in the day the NYPF lost 1-0 in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League Fourth Division final against season rival Falco FC. The final game marked the end of an unexpected winning season for the team with a second place finish and promotion to the third division of the CSL. Watch the game here.
“Even though final game did not go our way, we accomplished our season goal of promotion into the third division,” said Paul Kontonis, Head Coach of the NYPF II. “The players worked hard this season and we intend to keep rising up the divisions.”
In addition, the NYPF Over 30s will be playing Central Park Rangers Joga D’or in the finals of the ENYSSA Marth Cup at date, time and location to be announced shortly.