Stellar Week for Astoria's Istria Sport Club
Istria Sports Club from Astoria, Queens had a week that would make the locals on the Adriatic peninsula proud. Read more
By David Harris
Istria Sports Club from Astoria, Queens had a week that would make the locals on the Adriatic peninsula proud. Last Sunday, the Division 1 side defeated OB Fenerbahce USA by a score of 5-2. The win solidified Istria's lead in the Western group of the LISFL's Division 1. Defender Zachary Gosse gave the following account of the game:
"Fenerbahce started the game very strong, scoring the match's opening goal in the first 10 minutes with a strong run down Istria's right flank. However, Istria responded appropriately with an equalizer and the go ahead goal to bring the match to half time. Fenerbahce once again was very quick from the restart of play and equalized with plenty of time in the 2nd. Nevertheless Istria responded with a maraud of goals to take all 3 points and end the match 5-2 in favor of the home team. With the win, Istria remains that the top of the table. Their next scheduled match is, Sunday April 28th, away to Port Jefferson."
On the same day, Istria's Over 30 team defeated Oceanside by a score of 6-1. Zak Ivkovic who is the Executive Director for the CUNY Athletic Conference and a player on Istria SC's O-30 team gave the following account of the game:
"Istria's over-30 squad overcame an early 1-0 deficit in the LISFL league cup semifinals to bounce back and trounce Oceanside 6-1 at Con Edison field in Astoria, NY.
Mike Giaccobone scored the equalizer on a penalty kick and Ljubo Caricic netted the eventual game-winner on a beautifully driven low drive into the lower right corner. Second half saw more of the same offensive onslaught from the LISFL's top team this season. Brooks Paskett took a Caricic feed and beat the Oceanside keeper of the near post, with Ardian Hasku driving home a long distance effort shortly after. JJ Knesich added the 5th goal on a goalmouth scramble before Dzaja closed out the scoring after Luka Kokot dribbled thru three defenders and fed the open man for the easy tap in.
Istria will look to continue their unbeaten run on April 28th at home to the Lusitano Bulls. Kickoff is slated for 9 am at Con Edison."
During the week came the announcement came that Gosse had signed to play for the Westchester Flames in the USL PDL for the 2013 season. Gosse has been a standout in the USL PDL having played the past 3 seasons with the Brooklyn Knights. The USL PDL is renowned for being a league that provides players with an opportunity to showcase their talent and go on to play professionally both in the United States and abroad. According to LISFL President Gus Xikis, 'this announcement demonstrates the level of talent that the players in the LISFL possess. To have a player like Zach and many others who have also played and continue to play at such a high level is tremendous for the league."