Uniondale, N.Y. – The Rough Riders took the 0-0 tie against the top team FC Motown on a muggy Friday evening at Mitchel Athletic Complex.
The Rough Riders took on FC Motown STA at home on a sweltering Friday evening. The Rough Riders entered their game coming off a win against Morris Elite in third place in the Metropolitan Division. The Rough Riders came into this game looking for points against a top team to strengthen their pursuit of one of the two playoff spots in the Metropolitan Division.
FC Motown comes into the game at the top of the table with 15 points and ranked as the fourth team in the entire USL League 2. FC Motown has had a blazing start winning all five of their matches this year, scoring 21 goals while only giving up five.
The game started out, but stopped after eight minutes due to a lightening storm and heavy rain that passed over the field. After an hour, the game resumed.
Later in the half, Long Island winger Ayden Kokoszka was able to dribble into the box, but his shot on goal was right at Motown’s keeper Alan Rutkowski who was able to save it and control the rebound.
FC Motown had three corners in the half, but Long Island Keeper Ethan Wood parried away a cross and stopped shots on the other two.
Both teams had a handful of good chances, but neither was able to capitalize so the score remained 0-0 at half.
After the half, Rough Riders Kokoszka and Carter Tavares each got a few more opportunities on net, finishing with three and four shots, respectively. Rough Rider substitue Oscar Quinn Pasin was brought on in the 77th minute created a few opportunities for goals and getting a shot off, along with fellow substitute Nakai Antoine.
The second half brought more chances but neither team could convert, and the game finished 0-0. Long Island out-shot Motown 15 to 9.
Long Island keeper Ethan Wood gets his second clean sheet of the season through six games. He faced and saved three shot attempts. Long Island center backs Tarik and Baptiste Boit had good games as well, snuffing many scoring opportunities in just their second appearance together this season. Only three of FC Motown’s nine shots were on target.
With this tie, the Rough Riders halt Motown’s five game winning streak. Long Island gets a point and improve to 11 points (3-1-2) on the season, staying in third place in the Metropolitan Division at the moment. FC Motown improves to 16 points (5-0-1) which will keep them first in the division.
The Rough Riders next USL League 2 action is Tuesday, June 16 at 7:30 PM vs Manhattan SC at Marillac Field in the Bronx, N.Y.
For more information on both the men’s and women’s teams, visit www.LIRoughRiders.com.