The NYPF II Capture Saunders Cup in a Historic First
The NY Pancyprian Freedoms II triumphed 2-0 over Central Park Rangers United II in the final of the Harry J. Saunders Cup played on Sunday, February 26th at Riverside Park. The table topping Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 3 NYPF II frustrated and stifled CPR United II which sits atop the Division 2 Reserve table. The NYPF II grinded down their favored opponents In a matchup of teams that were undefeated in the run up to the final.
Even though the NYPF II conceded 57% possession, CPR was unable to breakthrough NYPF goalkeeper Michael Decanio. The referees called a very tight game that resulted in 40 free kicks as both teams battled to control the midfield. The opening goal came seconds before the second half from an NYPF free kick into the CPR box that bounced through their defense and was headed in by NYPF right back Andrew Decanio at the back post. The brothers, Andrew and Michael, are former Eleftheria Youth players.
“Our players and our system were pushed to the brink today by a very experienced and dangerous CPR team,” said Paul Kontonis, NYPF II Head Coach. “We played to our strengths and knew that the longer the game went on, our chances would come. We are honored to bring the Saunders Cup to the New York Pancyprian organization.”
The referee’s foul calling and handing out of numerous cautions caught up with Andrew Decanio and he received his second caution halfway through the second half. Playing with ten men, the NYPF II kept organized and looked to counter attack a CPR team that was pushing players high up the field as they frantically tried to level the game. In stoppage time, the NYPF II won the ball and played through the exhausted CPR team to NYPF II striker Sean Arus that rounded the keeper for the second goal. Arus is also a former Eleftheria Youth player.
The victory represents the first time that the NY Pancyprian Freedoms have won the Harry J. Saunders Cup which was first played in 1985. Each year the cup is open to 2nd Division Reserve, 3rd Division and 4th Division teams of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League. The NYPF II will present the Saunders Cup to Philip Christopher, NYPF President, and George Halkidis, NYPF General Manager, at the home opener of the NYPF first team.
The 202 3 Spring Season starts in March for all NYPF teams as the look to more titles, cup ands promotion. The NYPF (8-0-2) kick off the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Premier Soccer League on March 5th against Manhattan Celtic FC (4-2-4) at Icahn Stadium. The NYPF II (9-0-1) start their 2023 CSL Division 3 spring season on March 12th against Lansdowne Yonkers FC Metro (2-1-7) at Astoria Park . And the NYPF Over 30 (8-0-0) take on the Integral Kings O-30 (0-2-6) on March 19th at Astoria Park.
Special thanks to Lupe Solano for the photographs.
