The New York Red Bulls hosted the sixth annual “Battle on the Pitch” featuring the soccer squads of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Saturday, October 4 at Red Bull Arena. Read more

FDNY and NYPD after the 2014 "Battle on the Pitch"

The New York Red Bulls hosted the sixth annual “Battle on the Pitch” featuring the soccer squads of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Saturday, October 4 at Red Bull Arena. The game ended in a 1-0 win for the NYPD over the FDNY. Both sides faced off following the completion of the Red Bulls’ 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. Proceeds from the "Battle on the Pitch" match will go to the Firefighter Villanueva Soccer Foundation and the NYCPBA Widows’ and Children’s Fund.

Prior to the match, Captain Joe Brosi who also is the FDNY Coach said, "Fans will be supporting two really great charities, they will see some great competition, and they’ll be around fans who are passionate about the FDNY and the NYPD. I think it will be a really great match.”

Although the match is a scrimmage, Brosi claims that for the two sides the game represents much more. “For 90 minutes it is a heated rivalry. Prior to the game and after the game we are very good friends,” Brosi said. “More importantly though, it is about the good we are able to do, the money we are able to raise, and the message we are allowed to share through the sport of soccer.”

Gus Xikis getting ready to present the "Battle on the Pitch" trophy to NYPD Captain Diego Martinez

On hand to present the trophy to the victorious NYPD side was Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA) 2nd Vice President and LISFL President Gus Xikis, who described the game as "another great example of all that is good about soccer".

The FDNY team play in the LISFL as the College Point Flames and Xikis explained that "We are very proud to have the College Point Flames play in our league. They always represent the league very well in everything they do."

Xikis continued, "We get to see firsthand how hard Joe (Brosi) works not only with the FDNY, but also to promote the game of soccer. He is a dear friend and invaluable member of both ENYSSA and the LISFL."