Brutal Lottery for Brooklyn as Nets fall to 8th

BQE Admin on May 14, 2025

Mavs climb 10 spots, earn rights to Cooper Flagg

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

It was a rough NBA Draft Lottery for the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, as they fell to the 8th overall pick. After holding the 6th worst record in the league, Brooklyn wasnít rewarded for a lackluster season that is best described as tank-adjacent.

To add insult to injury, the Nets will be selecting behind the Philadelphia 76ers, who were unpunished despite their blatant descent into the draft lottery.

Philly is guaranteed a chance for one of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, or Ace Bailey, the consensus top four in the class.

The outright winners of the lottery were surprising. Aside from the 76ers, the only other teams to move up in the lottery were the San Antonio Spurs (+6 spots) and the Dallas Mavericks (+10).

Conspiracy theorists can rejoice with Dallas landing the top overall pick, as they are just a few months removed from arguably the worst trade in NBA history. After moving Luka Doncic to the Lakers, the Mavs set a record for the highest jump in the lottery and can replace him with Flagg, the Duke standout.

Brooklyn will still be able to select plenty of talent, as they hold four first round picks (#8, #19, #26, and #27). Plenty of teams will also be calling, looking to offload albatross contracts in exchange for more picks and prospects.

For next season, the question turns back to the tank. The last two lottery winners finished with the 10th and 11th worst records, so is it wise for the Nets to hunt a top pick in 2026 even after recent lottery trends?

NBA DRAFT LOTTERY RESULTS

Dallas Mavericks (+10 from 11)
San Antonio Spurs (+6 from 8)
Philadelphia 76ers (+2 from 5)
Charlotte Hornets (-1 from 3)
Utah Jazz (-4 from 1)
Washington Wizards (-4 from 2)
New Orleans Pelicans (-3 from 4)
Brooklyn Nets (-2 from 6)
Toronto Raptors (-2 from 7)
Houston Rockets (-1 from 9)
Portland Trail Blazers (-1 from 10)
Chicago Bulls
Atlanta Hawks
San Antonio Spurs

NY Pancyprian Freedoms Win APSL Metro Title

BQE Admin on May 14, 2025

Polonia SC claims first ever CSL D1 regular season championship

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms are APSL Metro champions after defeating NY Athletic Club 5-0

It was a big weekend for both the NY Pancyprian Freedoms and Polonia SC, as they each picked up big wins to clinch regular season titles in the APSL Metropolitan Conference and CSL Division 1 respectively. The Pancyprians downed NY Athletic Club on the road at Travers Island while Polonia battled the NY Ukrainians on their shared home field at McCarren Park.

The Pancyprians have enjoyed a phenomenal season that has brought them to the national stage. Just a few weeks ago they clashed with MLS side FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup, and coming up soon is another match in the National Amateur Cup. They’ve only suffered one loss in the APSL this season, coming to 2nd place side NY Greek Americans.

The Pancyprians have only lost once this APSL season

Against NYAC, the Pancyprians came out on fire. On the edge of 5 minutes played, James Thristino tapped in his first goal of the game, doubling the advantage with a header at the half-hour mark. After the half, Thristino completed his hat trick in the 81st minute, the fourth of five goals for the Pancyprians. The other scorers were Junior Rosero and Nicholas Zielonka.

Goalkeeper Josh Levine was only called into action a few times. He made the one save necessary in the 90th minute to preserve the 11th clean sheet of the year for the Pancyprians.

Shortly after, Polonia SC put the NY Ukrainians to the sword in Brooklyn, picking up a 4-1 win to clinch their first regular season CSL title. Right from the kickoff, Antoine Laurient pressed and won the ball inside the Ukrainians’ half. He squared it across to Alex Goldman for the opening goal just 15 seconds in.

Antoine Laurient won the ball in the opening seconds to help open the scoring for Polonia

Polonia would find a second strike in the 32nd minute and Chouran Camara added the third and fourth goals on either side of halftime. Goalkeeper Carter Dutton-Kneaves was only beaten once, as Ivan Koshurba pulled a consolation goal back for the Ukrainians. He maintained his impressive record, conceding no more than one goal per league match.

Polonia celebrated with bottles of champagne on the field after the win. The club will now weigh their options, as the CSL winners are offered promotion to the APSL. They’ll also look to follow up the title with their third playoff championship after the season ends.

Polonia SC celebrated with champagne on the field at McCarren Park

With the champions decided, all that’s left is to sort out razor-thin playoff and relegation battles. In the APSL the bottom five clubs are separated by just five points with one match to go. In the CSL, all that’s left to decide is the final playoff spot, up in the air between Central Park Rangers’ and Hoboken FC’s second teams.

My Local Heroes: Jessica Ramos

BQE Admin on May 8, 2025

By ELEANOR TRAUBMAN | news@queensledger.com

Eleanor Traubman is the founder of My Local Heroes, which lives on both Facebook and Instagram. Now in its fifth year, MLH is a celebration of activists, artists, athletes and entrepreneurs from Brooklyn and beyond who are working to make their communities better places to live.

Launched during the pandemic, the project was featured in News12 and The Patch, and received a Covid-19 Heroes Award from the former Brooklyn Borough President.

This article is part of a series of posts Eleanor is writing about community leaders and their take on local community involvement. This week, we’re featuring her conversation with state Senator Jessica Ramos, who is running for mayor this year.

My Local Heroes: How did you become interested in community-building and civic leadership?

Jessica Ramos: I have been interested in public service since I was a little girl, having experienced the challenges of growing up in Queens in a working class immigrant family.

There was a defining moment for me: It was when I traveled to Colombia with my dad and I saw a young boy begging for money to buy food for himself.

I asked my dad “How come I don’t have to do that?” My dad explained things about history and income inequality. That incident changed my life.

I was very influenced by my dad; I am definitely my father’s daughter. My father was always involved in building community in one way or another. He came to Queens, New York from Colombia during the crack [cocaine] epidemic. Jackson Heights was dubbed the “Coke Capital” at that time. Colombians were stereotyped as drug dealers and smugglers.

My dad became obsessed with making a good name for our community. He was a community board member. He helped start a Colombian Parade in Jackson Heights. He hosted a radio show where, amongst other things, he played Colombian music. Many incarcerated men who listened to him expressed how thankful they were for that show and the way that it connected them with their homeland.

Ramos as a child, with her family.

My father went on to start a visitation program for incarcerated Colombian men who had no family to visit them in prison.

Through my dad, at an early age, I became aware of land use issues, of racism and discrimination, of the lack of opportunity for people of color.

My mom was a union member and instilled a lot of labor values in me. So between my mom and my dad, this is what I know, this has shaped who I am and how I know to be.

Once you are aware of the issues that are all around you, it becomes impossible not to speak out or to not take action.

MLH: What has been the trajectory of your involvement in civic leadership?

JR: I formally got involved in civic life when I joined a community board in my 20s. I started my career in public service 20 years ago as a staffer in the City Council. I left to work in the labor movement where I was better-compensated.

From there, I went on to become a member of a former mayoral administration. I was part of the team that delivered Universal Pre-K.

I have been in the senate for 7 years. There, I have been able to champion legislation that I never thought was possible: I helped raise the minimum to match inflation. I won a bill which provided funding to workers excluded from unemployment insurance during the pandemic. I’m very proud of my efforts to expand childcare eligibility.

Ramos at a rally in support of street vendors. Courtesy state Sen. Ramo

MLH: What is the importance of getting involved in one’s local community?

JR: Our quality of life and freedom is under attack by the Federal Government and it is our duty to each other to ensure that our voices are being heard about the concerns that we have.

There is a quotation attributed to the writer Alice Walker: “Activism is the rent we pay for living on the planet.” At a time where so many of our neighbors are under attack, it is our duty to lead.

Our anger is righteous and it must be put into action so that we may provide for a better world for the generations to come.

MLH: What are some specific ways that people can get involved in their communities?

JR: I like to encourage New Yorkers to join their local community board, tenant or homeowner’s association, or block association. Building community also starts with saying “Hi” to your neighbors, and getting to know your neighbors so that you can build community together.

Polonia SC Move Within Reach of Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division 1 Title

BQE Admin on May 6, 2025

NY International repeat as Kilby Cup champs, but promotion hopes fade

By Noah Zimmerman

Polonia SC players celebrate a big goal in their title race battle against NY International FC

It was a beautiful Sunday morning at McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as the two top teams in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League got set to face off. Polonia Soccer Club and New York International FC entered the day level on points, but Polonia held the tiebreaker via head-to-head.

When the two sides met in September, it was a rainy affair at Randall’s Island. After a scoreless first half, NY International got on the board through Josh Adejokun in the 52nd minute. Polonia weren’t able to answer until the 75th when they scored the first of three unanswered goals. A Lukasz Bielen header, Hazel Coogler free kick, and Jakub Madej strike gave Polonia a late comeback win.

It was one of just two losses in the Fall portion of the 2024-25 season, as International won 8 of their 11 matches, before winning 7 of 8 in the Spring. Despite this they were right in the thick of a wild title race, separated by mere points from Polonia, FC Sandzak, Hoboken FC 1912 II, and Central Park Rangers II.

It was a busy week for International, with cup finals for both their reserve and first teams. On Wednesday night the Lions won the CSL’s Kilby Cup for the second straight year, defeating Hoboken FC II, though their reserves were unable to claim the Saunders Cup the next night.

Polonia were also busy over the week as they played their game in hand on Thursday night against Borgetto FC. A 3-1 Polonia win avenged their 1-0 loss in October, the latter of just two losses suffered this season.x

As expected, the visiting Lions started the match hungry, pressing hard and fighting for early chances. Despite this, it was Polonia who found the match’s opening goal. A brilliant diagonal ball by Sam Resnick was redirected in at the far post by Filip Glowala to put Polonia ahead 1-0 inside the first quarter of an hour.

The two top sides in the CSL fought hard for an edge in a razor-thin title race

20 minutes later, the task got more daunting for International as a straight red card was shown to Alexandru Teodorescu for making contact with the linesman. The Lions were forced to see out a 1-0 deficit for the final 10 minutes of the half.

Even after being sent down to 9 men, NY International were able to pull back a late goal

Even with a man disadvantage, International were persistent in the second half. Once again, their efforts were hindered by a controversial red card. The referee claimed to have heard discriminatory language towards the assistant referee and despite NYIFC’s protests that he had been speaking in Spanish to a teammate, the Lions were down to 9 men.

Polonia were able to add two late goals, with Matthew Saluga making it 2-0 in the 70th minute and Conrad Nowowiewski scoring the third in the 80th. International were able to pull a goal back from a free kick, but that was all they could muster as they fell to Polonia 3-1 for the second time.

Polonia is yet to concede more than one goal in a match during league play, only allowing 13 goals in their 20 matches played. The impressive defensive record has been paramount in their title push.

“It justifies what we’ve been working on all season. From the very first day of training in the summer we all had a sense that there was something special with this team,” said Filip Glowala following the match.

“We’ve always had the guys, we finally have the commitment and it’s really nice to see it finally come together. We wanted to be a top dog and we showed that we are one,” said head coach Corey Smith.

“Today our discipline let us down, not just with the cards,” lamented NY International coach Nick Platt. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but ultimately I’m very proud of the guys and of the cup win. Now we’re gonna push hard for the rest of the season and hope for a miracle.”

Polonia can clinch the Division 1 title and promotion to the American Premier Soccer League (APSL) with a win over NY Ukrainians next week. In order for International to sneak back in, Polonia would need to drop points in both of their last two matches.

New York City FC beats Cincinnati at Citi Field

BQE Admin on May 6, 2025

Boys in Blue now 2-0 in Queens

By Noah Zimmerman

Justin Haak shields the ball from a Cincinnati attacker

Thiago Martins made his 100th appearance for New York City FC. Photos by Noah Zimmerman

New York City FC returned to Citi Field over the weekend for their second home match in Queens. The Boys in Blue were winners of two of their previous three matches, a 1-0 win at Citi Field over Philadelphia and a 1-0 road win in Toronto. Hunting consecutive wins for the first time since early March, New York hosted Eastern Conference contenders FC Cincinnati.

It didn’t take 10 minutes for NYC to find the net, keeping their foot on the gas from the opening whistle. A deflected centering ball fell kindly at the top of the box for Julian Fernandez, who expertly tucked it into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Wearing the captain’s armband and celebrating his 100th appearance with the club, Thiago Martins was effective on both ends of the pitch early in the first half. He was able to fend off Cincinnati’s attackers while delivering piercing through balls to spring the NYC offense. Just a few minutes after the opening goal, Martins threaded a ball into New York’s attacking third.

Alonso Martinez was brought down inside the box and it seemed like things were going from bad to worse for Cincinnati until his penalty shot bounced off the post and away from the goal. Still, NYC were able to dominate the offensive chances in the opening 45 minutes, forcing goalkeeper Roman Celentano into a number of saves. New York nearly conceded in first half stoppage time, but a headed goal was called offside.

Rather than just sit back and defend, New York kept the tempo up in the second half. Both sides found themselves in good positions to score, but both defenses and goalkeepers were up to the task. The 1-0 score would last the remainder of the 90 minutes as NYC picked up a big win in Queens.

With the win, NYC were able to propel themselves into the top half of the East. Despite a slow start, New York are keeping matches close, with three of their four losses coming in 1-goal games. Through 11 matches, NYC are level on points with Nashville and Orlando and sit in 7th place, a point above New England and two above the New York Red Bulls.

Next week NYC will host CF Montreal at Yankee Stadium and visit DC United before returning to Citi Field for the Hudson River Derby on Saturday, May 17. They will kick off against the rival NY Red Bulls in Queens at 4:30pm.

After the derby NYC will play two more home matches at Citi Field; August 9 vs Columbus and September 24 against Miami. The venue for their final home match on October 18 is TBD.

At “People’s Hearing,” Brooklynites Rally Against Plan to Expand Natural Gas

BQE Admin on April 30, 2025

BY JACK DELANEY | jdelaney@queensledger.com

To a passerby strolling down the sunny sidewalk, it might have seemed improbable: the main obstacle preventing one of the largest gas providers in New York from receiving billions to expand its fossil fuel infrastructure across the state was this small crowd on Java St, hell-bent on being heard, and two bearded twins in pirate costumes.

For the past decade, a local nonprofit called Sane Energy Project has campaigned to decommission the nearby Greenpoint Energy Center, a natural gas depot — at 117 acres, the largest in the state — on the waterfront of Newtown Creek. The facility is owned by National Grid, the British energy behemoth responsible for servicing over 20 million people in New York and Massachusetts, which has repeatedly sought approval from the state regulator to upgrade the site’s two tanks. But in part due to community backlash, most of those requests have been denied. (Last August, the state did eventually allow a $271 million overhaul of the center, financed by rate hikes for gas customers.)

The stakes are greater this time. National Grid is asking the state to approve a long-term plan that would not only expand the Greenpoint Energy Center, but also entrench the use of hydrogen and natural gas throughout New York by building miles of new pipelines. The most conservative scenario in the plan calls for $60 billion, much of which would be passed off to consumers as higher gas rates. Over 1,800 members of the public have submitted comments, opposing the proposal by an overwhelming margin. And after a year of tense hearings and legal back-and-forth within the Public Service Commission (PSC), the state agency in charge of regulating utilities, a verdict is nigh.

This was the last push. The roughly 40 people gathered on Wednesday outside the Polish and Slavic Center on Java St — an assortment of concerned neighbors, environmental activists from groups like Sane Energy, Newtown Creek Alliance, and 350 Brooklyn, and staffers for local politicians — had come for the penultimate hearing of the public comment period. But they were intent on doing it their own way: the regulator had denied their demand to have an in-person meeting, so they had decided to hold a “People’s Hearing,” logging into the virtual platform as a united front with the name “North Brooklyn Community.” (“If we were online,” an organizer asked, “would we be able to feel the power of the people as we are right now?”)

Approximately 40 people — a mix of locals, activists, and politicians — testified against National Grid’s proposed long-term plan during a Public Service Commission hearing last Wednesday. The plan would expand natural gas infrastructure across New York, which the company says is an interim measure before transitioning to renewable energy.

That was the plan, at least. After a series of brief speeches just off Manhattan Ave, the throng filed into the building for the hearing. Greenpointers of all ages filled an unused classroom to the brim; in the back, two supporters perched on a piano bench. The mood was boisterous as the proceeding began and a PSC functionary read out the rules. When it came time to testify, however, pandemonium set in.

“Steff McGraw? If you are a call-in user, please press star-three so I can identify you,” said an administrator, deaf to the chaotic shouts in Brooklyn. She paused briefly before moving on. “The next registered speaker is Michael Davis. If you are a call-in user…”

It quickly became clear that the “North Brooklyn Community” would not be able to speak — its mic was muted, and officials were not responding to requests to enable video. The residents scrambled to call in as the PSC facilitator marched briskly through the list, crossing names off as no-shows.

Finally, Greenpoint City Councilman Lincoln Restler asked to jump the online queue. Restler first expressed his opposition to National Grid’s designs for the Greenpoint Energy Center, arguing that “any long-term plan that does not propose working towards retiring this facility is not a long-term plan that needs to be in our community.”

“Now is the time to put all of our energy and all of our resources into renewable energy, not infrastructure that will soon be obsolete,” he said. “This plan is frankly irresponsible.”

Then Restler addressed the elephant in the room. “Before I wrap, I want to say that I’m getting a series of text messages. There are 40 people called ‘North Brooklyn Community’ on the WebEx, and they’re not permitted to call in. They’re eager to speak and contribute and share their expertise—”

“If there’s time at the end of the hearing, we’ll call people who haven’t registered,” interjected Hon. Anthony Belsito, the presiding judge, cutting him off brusquely.

Kim Fraczek, founder of Sane Energy, claimed that the PSC had in recent months made it more difficult for community members to access crucial context about the plan. In early April, Fraczek’s group filed a motion asking the regulator to “withdraw its sudden, arbitrary, and capricious decision to prohibit further information sharing” between the nonprofit and an independent monitor, PA Consulting, which the state hired to verify the assertions in National Grid’s long-term plan. “After months of open communication among National Grid, Sane and other stakeholders, and Staff as well as its consultant, PA Consulting, Staff abruptly cut off information sharing at a critical part of the proceeding — one week before comments were due for National Grid’s consideration.”

But Restler pressed Belsito, and eventually, after sorting through a few technical hiccups, the judge relented. The floor was open.

Like all of New York’s utilities, National Grid does not make its profits from selling gas to customers. In return for the monopoly the company is granted by the state, it instead must ask the regulator to raise rates — and justify those hikes with expenses like capital investments, such as building pipelines or upgrading the Greenpoint Energy Center.

The relationship between the utility and the state can be contentious. In 2019, the PSC denied National Grid’s proposal for a $1 billion, 37-mile pipeline; in retaliation, the company refused to activate gas hookups for both new and returning customers, turning down over 3,000 requests and leaving developers, landlords, and tenants in limbo, unable to connect to the gas supply with winter fast approaching.

The Public Service Commission allowed the gathered residents to speak after being pressured by City Councilman Lincoln Restler. Administrators had initially insisted they call in individually, though many had technical issues doing so.

Yet the state struck back. Then-Governor Andrew Cuomo gave National Grid an ultimatum: either lift the moratorium on hook-ups, or have their license to operate in downstate New York revoked.

That the hearing on Wednesday happened at all is a consequence of that battle. Facing Cuomo’s threat, National Grid backed down, but the state wanted to ensure that such a hostage-taking situation wouldn’t occur again. In 2022, the PSC required that gas utilities publish long-term plans on a three-year cycle, outlining the steps they would be taking to follow New York’s landmark 2019 climate law, the CLCPA, which mandates decarbonization.

In the plan currently up for consideration, National Grid writes that it supports “a strategic transition away from fossil natural gas.” However, it argues that the shift to renewables should not “impose undue cost burdens on customers who currently rely on this fuel for home heating,” and its $60 billion proposal involves “ongoing maintenance of the gas network and near-term investments in strategic assets to maintain the gas network.”

From their base in the Polish and Slavic Center, residents and politicians alike made clear that they weren’t buying that logic.

The aforementioned Steff McGraw, chief of staff for state Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, highlighted the economic ramifications of the plan.

“Many of the constituents I serve struggle financially,” she declared, “surviving on low wage jobs while grocery prices skyrocket and the real estate industry preys on our neighborhoods, jacking up rents. One of the most persistent problems we face is the annual increase in rates from investor-owned utilities. You, the Public Service Commission and the Department of Public Service, have the power and obligation to protect New Yorkers from these steadily rising bills.”

“[National Grid] is financially motivated to continually increase the reach and lifetime of the gas system,” read McGraw, “not because it is needed, but because it makes investors and executives rich. There are other and better ways than gas to meet the need for heat — implementing these would not only eliminate the need for the Greenpoint Energy Center and expanded gas capacity, but also improve health and safety. With a climate denier in the White House, state governments must move with extreme urgency to phase out fossil fuels now. I urge the PSC to see this proposal for what it is — a reckless cash grab that will lock working families into a cycle of higher energy bills and climate chaos — and reject it.”

Sara Gronim testified on behalf of the 4,500 members of the environmental group 350 Brooklyn, picking up McGraw’s thread. “Many people have given you all the reasons you’re familiar with,” she said. “I’m going to give you another one: the cost to replace gas lines in the city is something like $6 million a mile. Expansion of service, such as what National Grid proposes, is also phenomenally expensive. All of this is billed to us, the customers.”

“It’s wasteful, and it delays essential action,” Gronim added. “As everyone has said, we need investment in 21st century solutions: thermal energy networks, recycling, wasted energy efficiency, and electrification.”

Along with finances, the community voiced concerns about the health implications of allocating more funds to natural gas infrastructure.

“I’m speaking on behalf of all the sick people,” said Vincent Vespole, who has lived in the neighborhood for 60 years. “People don’t know what those white tanks are, but my father grew up in Greenpoint on Beadel St, right next to the facility, and he died from cancer. My mother grew up in Greenpoint, she died from cancer. My brother died from cancer. And now I’m being treated for cancer.”

“It’s deadly serious,” Vespole stressed. “What we need is renewable, safe energy there, and we need our Little League back, which was closed because the soil was too toxic.”

Last summer, Greenpoint activists lobbed mud balls packed with nutrients into a defunct Little League field, which was found to be contaminated. The parcel is currently owned by National Grid. Photo by Jean Brannum, former community editor of the Greenpoint Star

In a statement, a spokesperson for National Grid said that “the Long-Term Plan demonstrates that the natural gas network is essential for meeting our customers’ energy needs, especially on the coldest days when customers’ gas demand peaks. The plan also outlines our vision for the future of gas in New York and identifies the policies and investments necessary to put New York on track to achieve the CLCPA’s emissions goals.” He further noted that “ongoing and planned operations at the Greenpoint Energy Center will not impact environmental remediation efforts in the area.”

But state Senator Kristen Gonzalez echoed Vespole’s calls for the Greenpoint Energy Center to be retired, and for the site to be remediated. “I stand with my constituents in opposing National Grid’s long term plan,” she said via a representative. “My waterfront district, which is increasingly vulnerable to flooding due to climate change, can’t wait until 2050 for National Grid to make good on their commitment to transition to clean energy. [The company] says they’re fully committed to our CLCPA goals, but this plan says quite the opposite.”

Earlier this month, New York City also called upon the PSC to require that National Grid revise its long-term plan. In its formal comments, lawyers for the city noted that the company’s choice of the “Clean Energy Vision” — the more fossil-fuel-intensive course of action, compared to “Advanced Electrification” — relies on “unreasonable assumptions regarding the availability of renewable natural gas and the expected usage of hydrogen.”

Many of those who testified voiced support for the long-stalled NY HEAT Act, which would cap energy bills at 6% of household income and shift subsidies from gas projects to fund renewable energy upgrades for low and middle-income New Yorkers.

After three hours, a weary Belsito cued in the last caller, who introduced himself as Cory. His earnest intro was a fake-out: thirty seconds in, he launched into a rowdy, “ahoy matey” parable about a lighthouse. The bottom line, buried ten leagues down in the metaphorical ocean deep, was that National Grid’s plan should be rejected.

“I liked that accent,” an administrator said in the background, as the screen went dark.

The independent consultant is set to file its final report on May 9, and the PSC’s deliberations will take place this fall. You can follow the proceeding as it develops here, and can read the long-term plan here.

CSL and APSL Title Races Reach Deciding Points

BQE Admin on April 30, 2025

Polonia SC takes on NY International in Brooklyn

By Noah Zimmerman

Polonia SC and FC Sandzak battled at Randall’s Island to a 1-1 draw last Wednesday night. The CSL title race remains razor thin. (Photo: NZ Media)

The top division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League has been locked into a wild title race since the opening weeks of the season. NY International FC, Polonia SC, FC Sandzak, and Central Park Rangers II have been separated by just a few points for months, with multiple clubs spending time atop the D1 table.

With just a few matches remaining, Polonia and International have been trading places at the top of the league. After last weekend’s matches, NYIFC held a three point lead with one more match played than the other title challengers.

With a win over Borgetto FC this Thursday night, Polonia would match International with 45 points, but their 3-1 win in the Fall would propel them back into a lead, as head-to-head serves as the first tiebreaker.

The real tiebreaker is coming up this Sunday in Brooklyn when NY International visit Polonia at their longtime home at McCarren Park. The two top dogs of the CSL will face off to likely decide who ends up lifting the league title. The league winner will also earn promotion to the American Premier Soccer League (APSL).

Kickoff will be at 10am on Sunday on what should be a beautiful morning in Brooklyn. The McCarren Park soccer field, located on Lorimer St between Driggs Ave and Bayard St, is open to the public. You can also watch the match live on Game in Frame, who have been broadcasting the CSL title race alongside their coverage of academy, amateur, and semi-professional soccer in the Northeast.

“Sunday’s title battle has a special feel to it, we’ve covered a lot of great matches, but it’s rare you get a game where an entire season rides on one result,” said owner and commentator Josh Pratt. “These teams have been fighting for the CSL D1 title dream and promotion to the APSL since September, the emotions will be high, we are looking forward to broadcasting the drama.”

Livestream coverage will begin just before kickoff at www.gameinframe.com as well as their YouTube page.

Sandzak took on FC Ulqini on Tuesday night in Staten Island with a chance to pull within four points of the leaders. CPR II will play their game in hand next Thursday against KidSuper Samba AC II, who are locked into a relegation battle with Manhattan Celtic II.

Hoboken FC 1912 II held 1st place for a good portion of the Fall, but a 7-game losing streak dropped them down to 5th. They are still in reach of the Division 1 playoffs; 34 points with three matches to play.

Pancyprians close in on APSL Metro title

Meanwhile in the APSL, the NY Pancyprian Freedoms are close to lifting the league title, up three points on the NY Greek Americans with a game in hand. They’ve only conceded a remarkable 14 goals in their 18 matches. Four of those goals were scored by the Greek Americans, coming in a 1-1 draw and a 3-1 win, the only defeat suffered by Pancyprians this season.

Pancyprians head to Staten Island on Sunday night for a match against newly promoted Richmond County FC, who won CSL Division 1 last season. Richmond are close to securing safety in their debut APSL season, a rare feat in a very competitive league. They’ll take on the Greek Americans the following week before finishing the season against SC Vistula Garfield.

NYGA will take on Doxa FCW at their home field at Hofstra University. After that they’ll only have two matches remaining to catch Pancyprians, who would need to drop points to open a window for a late title push.

The relegation battle is also razor thin, with the bottom four of Vistula, KidSuper Samba AC, Doxa, and Central Park Rangers separated by a few points. Richmond sits just one spot ahead of them in 8th.

Hoboken FC 1912, NY Athletic Club, and Zum Schneider FC 03 sit in the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions respectively. They are all out of reach of the APSL playoffs, but well clear of the relegation battle.

My Local Heroes: Atiba Edwards

BQE Admin on April 24, 2025

Edwards in front of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Courtesy BCM

By ELEANOR TRAUBMAN | news@queensledger.com

Launched during the pandemic, the project was featured in News12 and The Patch, and received a Covid-19 Heroes Award from the former Brooklyn Borough President.

This article is part of a series of posts Eleanor is writing about community leaders and their take on local community involvement. This week, we’re featuring Eleanor’s conversation with Atiba Edwards, CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights (and check out our past coverage of the museum’s 125th anniversary celebrations!).

My Local Heroes: Why is participation in one’s own local community important?

Atiba Edwards: This level of participation is important as it is an opportunity to shape the place we live rather than have it be shaped for us in ways that don’t include the input of the community.

Proactively, this participation can help shape and highlight the things not evident in terms of need and offerings.

MLH: What is an example from your own life, past or present, where you’ve experienced the power of being involved in local community?

AE: I used to co-lead a middle school. While I was there, a friend and I launched a club where we would take a group of students on trips throughout the five boroughs to allow them to realize that the world is bigger than their block.

These trips included an outing to 5 Pointz (the original one), and outings to other art galleries and museums. We provided experiences that were not part of most people’s normal day or month.

It was enriching to see how they lit up with joy taking part in all of these experiences from riding the train to Queens to taking DJ lessons at @ScratchDJ Academy and more.

MLH: What are a few specific ways that individuals can get involved in their local community?

AE: Identify the one or two things you are deeply passionate about, then think about how to either bring them to life or find others who have the same level of passion. Then approach each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind as you work to bring these visions to life.

MLH: What are some ways you’ve created community at the Museum?

AE: In the last few years, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has expanded the types of communities we serve and how we can be a space for them. For example, we created a culinary residency program in our café, and also provided a space for a variety of programs from comedy shows, to weddings, to staff trainings.

We deepened our work with schools and provided space for local community- based organizations including more than five youth plays, dance recitals and talent shows!

Paint & Sip at Maison Provence in Williamsburg

John on April 14, 2025

Every Thursday from 4 to 6 PM, Maison Provence, a charming French restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, hosts its popular outdoor Paint and Sip event, led by talented local artist, Pedro Cuni.

Maison Provence is a regional, rustic restaurant inspired by the flavors and charm of the South of France. Set on the patio surrounded by the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, Paint & Sip is the perfect way to unwind and get creative in the open air.

The event welcomes guests of all ages and skill levels to explore their artistic side in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Each week features a new painting to complete, with Pedro offering step-by-step guidance and plenty of encouragement along the way.

“We have a lot of fun. Every week we do a different painting. It’s a painting that you can have a glass of wine, have fun, and keep for a great memories,” said Cuni.

As you paint, enjoy a taste of France with Maison Provence’s signature offerings: a curated French board, freshly made crêpes, and a unique selection of wines. With music, laughter, and vibrant canvases all around, the patio comes alive with the joy of community and creativity.

“No dress code required. Just bring your best smile, good vibes, and let’s cheers together under the Nice sun — right here at Maison Provence,” said owner Lolo Dantonio. “All ages and skill levels are welcome,” he added.

A $60 ticket includes a seat, blank painting, and one free glass of wine.

Whether you’re flying solo or coming with friends, this weekly event is a perfect midweek escape.

Reservations are required—call 347-223-4838 to secure your spot. Paint, sip, and soak in the spirit of Provence, right in the heart of Williamsburg.

Maison Provence is located at 52 Havemeyer St. Brooklyn, NY.

Meet the Stars of Brooklyn FC

BQE Admin on April 11, 2025

The Star caught up with three of BKFC’s players, including forward Mackenzie George, seen dribbling above.

BY NICHOLAS GORDON | news@queensledger.com

Brooklyn Football Club (BKFC), the first Brooklyn women’s professional soccer team, is currently tied for first place with a record of 9-5-4 in the inaugural season of the USL Super League. With Brooklyn FC returning to its home pitch at Maimonides Park in Coney Island this spring after playing its home matches at Rocco b Commisso Stadium last fall, we caught up with a few of the team’s star players to learn more about their professional journeys, their experience playing soccer for Brooklyn FC, and the things they love in life almost as much as soccer itself. The interviews have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Mackenzie George

Hometown: Lincoln, California

College: University of Tennessee

Years Pro: 1

Position: Forward

2024-2025 BKFC Stats: 3 goals, 3 assists, and 27 chances created; Selected for USL Super League Team of the Month for September 2024

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to professional soccer?

Playing professional soccer was something people always talked about with me but I didn’t really embrace that until my last couple of years in college when I started to change my mindset about my life and soccer and realized that’s what I wanted to do. I started getting calls from NWSL coaches and it looked like I was probably going to be drafted, but then I had a difficult senior year with injuries and setbacks and I lost a lot of confidence. I struggled for a while before going to Iceland to start my soccer career, where I got good experience, and it also inspired me to want to play on an even higher level.

When I finally came home, I didn’t play for nine months and felt down and discouraged about it for different reasons. It was a difficult time and in my head I felt like I had quit soccer, I was done. Then my agent called about Brooklyn, and though I still had doubts I realized I had to go and try out for the team. It’s definitely been a rollercoaster and a humbling experience, but I persevered and I’m really grateful to now be playing at such a high level with Brooklyn. I guess I just can’t stay away from the game of soccer!

What’s been a highlight of your experience playing for Brooklyn FC so far?

The fun we had on the field last fall was a real rush of highlights. As a startup team we dealt with a ton of adversity and unknowns, so when we stayed together and started to become successful it reaffirmed why we’re here and what we’re doing. The goal celebrations we did, with everyone smiling, everyone involved. I’ll never forget the feeling of scoring a goal and having those celebrations with the team.

What can fans expect from Brooklyn FC matches at Maimonides Park this spring?

It’s going to be exciting, and our team is going to bring some energy, some grit, and some flair! Last year wasn’t ideal with having to change fields but we still had fun. Now we’re playing at home, the environment is fun and I can already feel it in my bones. We’ve been waiting for this for so long and it’s going to show when we play.

I understand your dog, Rocky, is one of your biggest fans and supporters. Can you tell us about his role in your soccer career and with Brooklyn FC?

I got Rocky when I started playing in college, and he became a team dog, traveling with me, training with me. When I came here, it was already known that Rocky was a big part of my life. My coaches adore him and my teammates have been the best dog aunties ever. When we’ve had low points, Rocky’s always joyful, so I think that’s why he’s always included too. It’s truly a special thing how he’s treated by everyone here and I love having him with us.

What does your off-season look like, including your training regimen and free time?

Off-season is an opportunity to get better and feel confident about the difference you can make heading into the season. I change up my workout plan a lot, but most days it’s some ball work, some ridiculous sprinting and running, and then lifting six days a week. Rocky and I also ran a marathon. I work out harder in the off-season than I do in season. It’s pretty intense but I love it and I can’t let it go.

In my free time right now I’m trying to learn Spanish. I think it’d be a great skill to have for future jobs and to communicate with other individuals. I also enjoy painting and drawing, which I find very soothing.

If you weren’t a pro soccer player, what profession might you be working in?

I love being creative and working with people and engaging in movement, so it’d have to be something that combines those things. Maybe marketing or sales for a sports team or sports company, something fun and stimulating where I can utilize my creativity and social skills.

What’s your second favorite sport?

If I could do another sport, it’d have to be gymnastics. I also love lifting weights.

What are you watching, reading, or listening to lately?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Latin music lately, which goes hand in hand with learning Spanish. For reading, I like self-help books that are inspiring and insightful. For shows, I love “New Girl” and “How I met Your Mother” and “Friends,” shows that are nice and easy to watch after a hard day of training.

What tip would you give to someone visiting your home state?

If you’re visiting California, rent a car so you can drive along the coast and also see the state’s geographic diversity, such as the desert and mountains and lakes and beaches.

What’s one meal or food you could not live without?

Cauliflower gnocchi. And Greek yogurt, it energizes you. I eat both of those things almost everyday.

Where do you see yourself in ten minutes?

I’m heading to the park with Rocky to play frisbee!

* * *

Jessica Garziano

Hometown: Melville, NY

College: St. John’s University

Years Pro: 1

Position: Forward

2024-2025 BKFC Stats and honors: 4 goals (tied for team lead with Luana Grabias) including first goal in club history; 20 shots on goal, with 13 chances created (tied for third on team); Selected as USL Super League Player of the Month for September 2024

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to professional soccer?

Growing up playing for my club coach, Ron Albert, he always told me I could go pro, so the thought was always in the back of my head. But then after having a pretty rocky freshman year in college, I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to play soccer anymore. My college coach, Ian Stone, really encouraged me and told me “you’re too good not to play” and that I could go pro someday. So I think having coaches who believed in me and gave me confidence is part of the reason I got here today.

What’s been a highlight of your experience playing for Brooklyn FC so far?

I would say the win at Dallas for our last game in the fall was a big highlight for us, because it pushed us so high up the board to secure first place. It was a nice end to the fall season going into the break on a high. Dallas is a really hard place to play against a really good team, so getting a win there in the last ten minutes or so was a really cool win and a gritty team win. We’d been playing for six months, everyone’s exhausted, but we knew we had to win that game in order to help us for the spring. That was a big win for us.

What can fans expect from Brooklyn FC matches at Maimonides Park this spring?

A lot of goals and a lot of wins, hopefully. I feel like we have a really fun style of play, and a lot of creative players along with that. There’s a lot of fluidity in our style, and there’s not just one person that other teams can scout for, because our team is all really good. We have a lot of different goal scorers, which makes it fun to play with this group, because we’re unpredictable. We’re so excited to be able to play in Brooklyn, we can’t wait!

What does your off-season look like, including your training regimen and free time?

In the winter we had five weeks off. In the first week we go completely off, and I go away from soccer. I don’t watch game film or do any running, I’m just relaxing and spending time with my family. I have four brothers so I have a big family. I love going home to catch up with everyone.

In the summer offseason, I work out a lot and play in small-sided soccer games with some people from Long Island who also play professionally. When I wake up, I go to the gym, then go play soccer, and then sit outside with a book. I also love going to the beach and tanning when I have time.

If you weren’t a pro soccer player, what profession might you be working in?

I did my master’s degree in applied mathematics so I’d say something with sports statistics or data analytics. I’d love to work with a professional team and do the data side, that’d be really cool. And my undergrad degree is in teaching so I could see myself doing that, too.

What’s your second favorite sport?

I would say either basketball or volleyball. Both of those sports are really fun and I played them while growing up, too.

What have you been watching lately?

I’m watching the drama series “Designated Survivor” and I just finished watching “Paradise.” I also love reality tv. I recently watched “Traders” and that’s really good. Me and my roommates always watch “The Challenge.” If someone recommends a good show, I’ll binge it.

What tip would you give to someone visiting your hometown?

The bagels are amazing on Long Island. I love Bagel Biz or Long Island Bagel Cafe.

What’s one meal or food you could not live without?

I love Hibachi. It’s one of my favorite things in the world and I’d go every day if I could, if it wasn’t so expensive.

Where do you see yourself in ten minutes?

Making dinner. I’m going to make steak and kale tonight. I love steak and I love to cook!

* * *

Kelsey Hill

Hometown: Elk Grove, California

College: Pepperdine University

Years Pro: 3

Position: Defender

2024-2025 BKFC Stats: 53 clearances (team lead); 6 blocks (tied team lead); USL Super League’s Team of the Month bench in February 2025

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to professional soccer?

When I first started playing soccer when I was 4 years old, I always looked up to Mia Hamm and the Women’s National team, so I’ve always wanted to play professionally. The journey definitely didn’t go how I thought it was going to, it had a lot of bumps along the way, but I guess everyone’s journey does. Heading into my senior year in college, I broke my hip during preseason, and then had to sit out the whole season. Even with this setback, I knew that I still wanted to play at the highest level possible, but I wasn’t drafted by a pro team. I started networking with all the coaches in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) trying to find an opportunity and I got invited to Angel City FC’s preseason. They didn’t sign me at first but I stayed on training with the team for six months and eventually got a contract with them. After that I played in Denmark six months before signing with Brooklyn FC.

What’s been a highlight of your experience playing for Brooklyn FC so far?

Just being with this team, we’ve been through a lot of adversity and had a lot of things to figure out as a new team in a new league. The group of girls we have is so special and working together with the support of our staff has made it possible for us to be doing as well as we are.

What can fans expect from Brooklyn FC matches at Maimonides Park this spring?

More of our goal celebrations. I think it’s going to be a really cool environment. We’re so excited to play there and we’ve been really looking forward to it. It’s going to be great energy there.

What does your off-season look like, including your training regimen and free time?

After the big part of the season, we have to take time off. Our bodies have been broken down and in order to build back up again we have to rest a bit. I take a week and a half off, stepping away from soccer, and to stay active I do a bit of hiking. I found an amazing trainer in L.A. who’s become a mentor. He has his own gym, and he brings together a lot of women’s soccer players. I have quite intense training days in the offseason. I start lifting at 7am, and then I go to the field for conditioning and playing in soccer games, then it’s recovery time. For downtime, I love to read. My roommate and I also like to do puzzles during the New York winter when we’re not outside as much.

What are you reading lately?

Usually I prefer self-improvement and meditation-type books but lately I’ve gotten into a fiction series by Sarah Moss, along with a lot of my teammates. We have like a huge book club on our team with everyone on a different book in the series. That’s also what’s interesting about our team, everyone’s always reading. Right now I’m on the Crescent City series by Moss.

If you weren’t a pro soccer player, what profession might you be working in?

I’d probably be using my degree, I was a math major, and physics and art minor. I’d like to try engineering or architecture.

What’s your second favorite sport?

Probably ping pong. I love playing against my teammates on travel trips. When I’m home I play against my family, especially my sister, we have full on tournaments.

What tip would you give to someone visiting your hometown?

From my hometown (in northern California), I’d recommend driving a few hours to Lake Tahoe, it’s unreal, so beautiful. I’d also say don’t miss driving down the coast.

What’s one food you could not live without?

Sushi.

Where do you see yourself in ten minutes?

I just got back from acupuncture and practice, so probably rolling out with foam rollers and stretching for recovery before I take a shower.

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Mackenzie George

Jessica Garziano

Kelsey Hill

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