The Queensboro FC Academy took the field for the first time in an official match, kicking off the club’s first ever competitive season. On Mother’s Day, QBFC hosted Brooklyn-based FA Euro in the first match of the USL Academy League, playing at Mitchel Athletic Complex at Nassau Community College.
On Sunday, the two New York clubs officially began their season, the inaugural Academy League season. Queensboro FC and FA Euro are both founding members of the USL’s new developmental league, facing off a handful of times in preseason.
For Queensboro, the preseason consisted of more than just conditioning and training. With the club just months past their open try-outs, QBFC was still making additions to their academy roster.
One of the final steps the club took to expand their academy roster was partnering with Puerto Rican club Bayamón FC. It’s been five years since Bayamón became the home of David Villa’s first DV7 soccer academy, a project developed by the future QBFC part-owner.
QBFC held an additional try-out in Puerto Rico, adding a few more names to the academy team before the season began. While the reinforcements arrived in the middle of preseason, they were able to provide immediate help, carrying into Sunday’s match.
The first name on the scoresheet for QBFC was a product of Bayamón FC, José “Chewi” Lopez. Lopez fired a second-half screamer from distance, which flew over a few defenders and past the keeper.
The sparse crowd at Mitchel Field erupted into cheers as QBFC swarmed the goal-scorer to celebrate the strike.
With a lead finally established, the task was nowhere near complete. Although QBFC was unable to convert on the bulk of their chances, solid defensive effort was needed to ensure the victory and three points.
An impressive showing from Spanish goalkeeper Pol Rodriguez helped do just that. A handful of key saves earned him man-of-the-match honors as he kept a clean sheet for a 1-0 win.
“It was very important for us to win this game because it was the first game for Queensboro,” said Rodriguez after the match.
“It’s good to have this win, but we’ll keep working and focusing on the next match.”
Extra effort at the end of the match made the difference for QBFC as they were forced to make a few late adjustments. Late injuries led to a few players being pushed out of position.
“I think winning these types of matches is very important since we had difficulties like last minute injuries,” Rodriguez added.
“A few of our players had to play in positions they usually don’t but the whole team did a great job working together.”
With an early first win and a boost of confidence that comes with it, Queensboro FC seems more than prepared to take on this season. They’ve proven that despite this being just their first season playing together, they can handle the difficult opposition they’ll face the rest of the way.
The academy is a good first test for Josep Gombau, who will take over as the senior team’s head coach next year. In his first year in Queens, Gombau is working to establish his playing style and build a foundation for the club, starting with the academy.
With a first win under their belts, the academy has given a first taste of what’s in store. Soccer has finally landed in Queens, and the QBFC is already showing the heart and passion they’ll take onto the field for years to come.

In a time where protecting seniors has been more vital than ever, home health aides have answered the call citywide.

Beacon Eldercare, located at 69-23 Grand Ave. in Maspeth, has helped elder community members navigate home care solutions during the uncertainty of COVID-19 by employing strong communication skills.

“Because we employ hardworking and compassionate home health aides who speak many languages, including Spanish, Polish, Filipino, and Arabic among others, we are able to provide care to many clients,” said Beacon Eldercare’s founder and CEO, Yvonne Murphy, “We’re committed to educating the community about eldercare and family planning as effectively as we possibly can, while helping our clients remain independent and extend their life in their homes.”

When families need in-home support for a loved one who has taken ill, Beacon Eldercare secures their clients home care through insurance coverage and/or live-in care through private pay. Beacon has a vast network of compassionate, professional, and highly skilled Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses serving the five boroughs and Nassau County. Beacon also guides families in filing Medicaid applications, understanding Medicare and HMO policies and the nursing home or assisted living application process.

Beacon’s Geriatric Consulting Team provides convenient in-home consultation to customize a plan that matches the family’s needs and lifestyle demands – sometimes even more.

“We went to Beacon when my grandmother really started to slow down and she needed help when my parents and I were at work,” said Benjamin Tifa, a longtime Elmhurst resident. “Eventually, we found out that they also advised families about protecting generational wealth and we were able to hold onto my grandmother’s house after she passed away.”

Despite reluctance by many citizens, especially seniors, to attend social events or large gatherings, Beacon’s home health aides follow strict guidelines and protocol upon entering any residence. Once inside, Beacon’s PCAs, LPNs and RNs provide discreet and dedicated support to your loved one.
It’s a partnership that has earned the agency a reputation for providing some of the best home health care available to New York City residents.

“Our home health aides work in partnership with the families of loved ones dealing with illnesses and we take that trust very seriously” Murphy said. “Administering reliable, quality home care during these uncertain times is at the very heart of what we do.”

Beacon Eldercare is located at 69-23 Grand Avenue in Maspeth and their phone number is 718.406.9500. To learn more about their company visit beaconeldercare.com.