First defeat faced by Pancyprians in EPSL as we head into the winter break
NOAH ZIMMERMAN
noah@queensledger.com
The NY Pancyprian Freedoms suffered their first loss of the EPSL season, dropping the Fall finale to the NY Greek Americans in the “Hellenic Derby” at Hofstra University.
NY Pancyprians were near perfect in league play, with 9 wins and a draw heading into the rivalry matchup. They boasted a division-leading 33 goals and 7 goals allowed (+26 GD) with 5 consecutive wins since their 2-2 draw to Lansdowne Yonkers prior to the final contest.
Right behind the Pancyprians were the Greek Americans, who had gone 7-1-1 since their Week 1 loss to NY Athletic Club. They sat just behind the leaders in points and goals scored entering the final week.
Under the lights at Hofstra, the Greek Americans put their rivals to the test. In the 28th minute, a deflected free kick gave them a 1-0 advantage heading into the half.
In the 64th minute Brian Saramago doubled the Greek lead, going on to complete his brace with their third goal just minutes later.
The Pancyprians were able to pull a goal back in stoppage time, but ultimately fell 3-1 in the derby. They maintain a three point advantage in the EPSL Metro Division as we await the second half of the season following the Winter break.
