PHANTOMS SHORT HANDED FALL TO OTTAWA
On Wednesday the NH Phantoms traveled to Ottawa with only 14 players available to play. Due to International Visa and student travel permits seven regularly rostered players where unable to travel to Canada. This left the Phantoms with out a lot of depth on the bench and lacking in experience. In the first have the Phantoms played inspired soccer and good containing defense to keep the high powered Ottawa offense off the board for most of the time ending the half trailing 1-0. Despite the great effort the Phantoms simply ran out of gas in the second half conceding 3 late goals and losing 7-0.
The Phantoms brought up several U20 players for this game to plug some gaps left by the absence of the players unable to travel. “It was good to see the future out there tonight working along side of the older players, I feel very proud of the work that our youth program is doing,” stated Jim DeDeus after the game.
The Phantoms will return home to play Ottawa on Friday at 7:30 at SNHU. Jim DeDeus’s last words before leaving Ottawa were, “We have our full compliment of players available on Friday at home and I foresee a completely different outcome.”
FUTURE IS NOW FOR THE PHANTOMS
For years the New Hampshire Phantoms have been building their Super Y program in hopes to feed the big club with young talent, until recently that dream has not come to fruition. This season the Phantoms have seen former Phantoms youth player Adrian Shippers step in and help lead the team offensively. Starting tonight Coach Jim DeDeus is ready for the future and he is ready now. “Tonight when we travel to Ottawa we will have 4 players from the current U20 Super Y team and we are excited about the development of our youth program so that we are able to call up these players,” stated Jim in a released statement this morning. DeDeus went on to say “Our continued commitment to developing talent in our system is starting to pay off and there are a great number of players on our youth teams that will be playing with the Phantoms and Lady Phantoms in the coming years.”
The players coming up from the U20 team for tonight’s game are Baram Boenmez-Forward, Chris Mitchell-Midfielder, Brad Larz-Defender who will all be seeing their first action with the men’s team. While U20 starting goalkeeper Jonathan Mayo, who has been a reserve keeper with the Phantoms all season will play in the goal after a great performance in Saturday’s game in Vermont. The Phantoms are sending a clear message to the youth of New Hampshire and the League—Get ready to play because the Phantoms are not waiting for the future.
The Phantoms travel to Ottawa tonight for a 7:30 game and return for their final game on Friday, July 18, 2008 at SNHU against the same Ottawa team.
MAYO SAVES PK, REF GIVES VERMONT REDO
The New Hampshire Phantoms looked like they were well on their way to a win in Vermont on Saturday if not at least a point was on the table, but it all went wrong in the 72nd minute when a late whistle on a contested call in the penalty area led to a penalty kick for the Vermont Voltage….
The Phantoms traveled to Vermont on Saturday to play the Voltage coming up short in a 1-0 loss. As in recent games the Phantoms dominated the possession, shots taken, even corner kicks, but struggled to get on the score board. The Phantoms took 12 shots in the first half to only 6 by the Voltage, several of which just went begging and one was pushed aside by the Vermont goalkeeper. The Phantoms kept up the pressure for the entire half, relentlessly attacking the Vermont goal, only giving up an occasional counter attack opportunity. But the game remained scoreless at the half.
One main difference on Saturday was the Phantoms did not give up an early goal thanks to an very organized defense led by Jon Mayo and Romelle Burgess. In the first half the Phantoms gave up very few scoring opportunities to the Vermont Voltage, but when they did the Phantoms were more than ready with Mayo making 5 saves in the first half and the defense picking off passes and setting up the offence with quick transition.
The second half was more of the same with New Hampshire applying relentless pressure and it seemed only a matter of time until the Phantoms would get a tally. Then in the 72nd minute a Voltage player made a run through the box and went down after several seconds of appeals by the Vermont players the Ref awarded a penalty kick. Daniel Stevens took the PK for the Voltage, but was stoned by goalkeeper Jon Mayo. But the Phantoms delight turned into frustration as the ref ordered a retake due to encroachment by a Phantoms Player. Stevens converted on the second penalty kick giving the Vermont a 1-0 lead. Despite a furious finish by the Phantoms that is how the game ended. Jon Mayo earning his first start in goal for the Phantoms this season record 12 saves on the night.
“I was happy with the effort tonight, we had such a promising start to the season, I guess one day the breaks will go our way again,” said Jim DeDeus. He went on to state “You know things are not going your way when your keeper saves a penalty kick and the ref gives the other team a re-kick because one of our guys was standing on the line.”
The Phantoms will finish the season with a home and away series with Ottawa traveling to Ottawa on Wednesday and then back home for their final home game against Ottawa on Friday, July 18th at SNHU.
Phantoms Have Tough Loss to Rival Cape Cod
New Hampshire lost a 2-0 decision to first place Cape Cod Crusaders (8-3-3) Tuesday night at Southern New Hampshire University. The loss dropped the Phantoms record to 3-6-4 on the season.
Stepping on the field, the Phantoms dominated the first half of the match out shooting the Crusaders 9-7, unable to find the back of the net. It seems as if a ghost has been lurking in the shadows all season long haunting the Phantoms.
At the start of a scoreless second half, the Crusaders applied tremendous pressure on the Phantoms who seemed to be struggling to get their composure. In the 73rd minute, the Phantoms gave up the first goal to Crusaders Jason Masse. The second Crusader goal was scored when substitute Matt Horth came in at the 78 th minute, finishing with a header pass the Phantoms goal keeper Tim Murray.
Phantoms coach, Jim DeDeus stated: “ It has been a struggle, but we are hopeful to end our season on a good note and are going to play our last games with the intent to win.”
New Hampshire travels to Vermont Saturday in hopes of ending their losing streak. They then travel to Ottawa on Wednesday and they finish their season off against Ottawa on Friday, July 18 th at SNHU.
NEW HAMPSHIRE PHANTOMS RALLY TO EARN POINT
Going into the game Saturday against Rhode Island, fans of the Phantoms were excited about the possibility to end the long scoreless drought of the Phantoms early. Unfortunately they witnessed a Rhode Island goal in the 3rd minute of play. “We came out flat, and unready to play early, and you have to give them credit they came out and took advantage,” stated Coach Jim DeDeus. As has been the luck of the Phantoms in recent weeks they attacked steadily for thirty minutes and could not find the back of the net. On the fifth corner of the half for the Phantoms AJ Dubois finally put the Phantoms on the board with only seconds left in the first half. Both team had their chances in a second half full of attacking soccer, but the score remained knotted at one. The tie earned the Phantoms there first point in 4 games, leading to a rematch with Cape Cod on Tuesday. After the game Coach DeDeus said, "I was excited that we were able to put the ball in the net today, but we are still leaving to many goals unfinished. Hopefully we can build on this and put some in the net against Cape Cod."
The Phantoms will play the Cape Cod Crusaders at SNHU on Tuesday July 8, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The Phantoms are looking for a huge turn out in what has been one of their toughest rivals.
PHANTOMS CAN’T CATCH BREAK ON THE FIELD, GET ONE WITH THE SCHEDULE
The NH Phantoms continued their now three and a half game scoreless streak and fell to the visiting Rhode Island Stingrays 2-0. The Phantoms have tried everything to break the scoreless streak, changing line-ups, formation, even attacking at times with 9 players, but nothing seems to work. The last two games have been dominated by the Phantoms in every aspect of the game, possession, shots, even corner kicks, everywhere but on the scoreboard. Thursday’s game against Rhode Island was no exception as the Phantoms more than doubled their opponent’s shots amassing an amazing 22 shots and 7 corner kicks. The Phantoms hit the post, had two shots cleared off the line by defenders and several other shots deflected by defenders before making it to the target.
New Hampshire head coach Jim DeDeus said, “Right now the guys are very frustrated they have been playing great soccer and doing everything we ask, we just can’t get the ball to go in right now.” DeDeus went on to say “It would be easier if we were playing poorly or not executing the offence, I could yell and get upset, but the guys are putting everything together and playing incredibly we are just unable to finish.”
The Phantoms do get a break with their hectic schedule getting an entire week off to rest up and go over some things before a rematch with the Stingrays, Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 7:30 at SNHU.
PHANTOM’S LOOK FOR WIN AGAINST FAMILIAR FOE
The NH Phantoms take on the Rhode Island Stingrays at Dr. George J. Larkin Field on the campus of SNHU on Thursday June 26th at 7.30pm. To celebrate the end of school for the summer the Phantoms announce that Thursday’s game will be free to all students high school age and younger who wear a jersey to the game. The game is extremely important for both teams as they look to start the second half of the season on a strong note. The Phantoms have not scored in their last two games leading to two loses. After a promising start this season the Phantoms have stumbled recently and look to get back on track Thursday against the Stingrays. The Phantoms have out shot their opponents in the last two games but have been unlucky hitting the post, the keeper and even stray defenders, everything but the netting.
The Stingrays look to end their own three game losing streak tonight and avenge an early season, home lose at the hands of the Phantoms. Head coach Jim DeDeus is looking forward to the rematch; "It’s very simple, we have to put the ball in the back of the net, we have been playing great soccer we just can’t find the goal. It has not been do to a lack of effort we just hit one of those patches were the ball has not bounced our way" The Phantoms will get some much needed rest before finishing their three game series with the Stingrays on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at home. Kick off will be 7:30 p.m. at Dr. George J. Larkin Field on the campus of SNHU.
The Phantoms received some bad news today as the league ruled on the abandoned game in Ottawa , the Phantoms trailed Ottawa 1-0 just minutes into the second half when the game was called due to weather. The Phantoms had appealed the decision, but the governing body upheld the decision giving the game to Ottawa . The Phantoms season record now stands at 3-4-3.
PHANTOMS LOOK TO STOP SKID AT HOME THURSDAY
The New Hampshire Phantoms will host Rhode Island Stingrays at SNHU Thursday at 7:30. The Phantoms look to recover from a two game skid that saw them loss at home for the first time this season to Cape Cod Crusaders and fall to New England rival Vermont Voltage in Vermont on Saturday.
The Phantoms fell to Cape Cod at home 2-0 giving up a goal in the second minute of the game. For the rest of the game the Phantoms attacked and attacked but could not find the back of the net. They hit the post, the keeper and even a defender but could not find the goal. Then in the 69th minute the Crusaders scored a counter attack goal against the run of play to end the scoring.
Then the Phantoms traveled to Vermont to take on the Voltage where there two game scoreless streak continued. Unable to find the goal despite a barrage of shots out shooting the Voltage 14-7 and gave up the only goal of the game just minutes before the half. The Phantoms return home to face the Rhode Island Stingrays not only looking to get points on the scoreboard but trying to earn those important points in the standings with a win.
HOME GAMES FOR THE NH PHANTOMS TO MOVE TO SNHU
After two seasons at Manchester Memorial High School the New Hampshire Phantoms will play the remander of the their 2008 home games at Southern New Hampshire University. Due to repairs and upgrades to be made to the track surronding the playing surface at Memorial High School that will take at least four weeks the turf at Memorial will be unavailable to the Phantoms for the rest of the season. SNHU has stepped up and offered the Phantoms the use of their fields for the rest of the season. Do to scheduleing conflicts at SNHU all Wednesday games will be changed to Thursday. The game scheduled for June 18 will be changed to June 19, the game on June 25 will be changed to June 26, and the game on July 9 will be played on July 10.
WEATHER PLAYS HAVOC ON TRIP TO CANADA
The Phantoms traveled to Ontario, Canada to play the Ottawa Fury on Sunday, but a thunderstorm caused the game to be called just 6 minutes into the second half. The league will determine when and if the game will be replayed.
NEW ENGLAND RIVALS PLAY TO 1-1 DRAW
On Saturday the New Hampshire Phantoms looked to stay undefeated as they hosted their New England rival, Vermont Voltage. The game started the way the Phantoms wanted with an early brilliant individual effort by Steve Burnelle, scoring an unassisted goal in the 11th minute. But the led did not last long as the Voltage retaliated with a goal just 16 minutes later in the 27th minute. The rest of the game was back in forth as each team took tremendous shots at the other net, but sterling play by both goalkeepers and some unlucky bounces keep the score knoted at one goal a piece. The Phantoms will travel to Ottawa on Sunday, before returning home on Wednesday.
NH PHANTOMS TO CONTINUE TOUGH SCHEDULE
For the second week in a row the New Hampshire Phantoms PDL team will play two games in 24 hours, with long travel required between games. After last weeks thirteen hour marathon road trip, that saw the team arrive with weary legs, the team will play at home Saturday against the Vermont Voltage before leaving to play in Ontario, Canada against the Ottawa Fury on Sunday. The Phantoms will turn around and play at home on Wednesday against Cape Cod Crusaders. Despite the long trips and the tired legs the Phantoms are confident that they will continue to perform at a high level. The Phantoms head into Saturday’s game with a 3-1-2 record leaving them second in the team standings behind Cape Cod, having played one game less than the Crusaders
Jim DeDeus says “We look forward to renewing our border rivalry with the Vermont Voltage, they have a very strong team and this game is always very intense.” Jim went on to say “If we can continue to play an up tempo game and continue to be aggressive this could be a very rewarding week for the Phantoms.”
The Phantom’s defense is led by center backs Matt Delaney (SNHU) and Joe Annese (UNH), while the team is led offensively by AJ DuBois (UNH), Kyle Urso (UNH), Steve Bonnell (Univ. Michigan), and the leading scorer for the NH Phantoms Adrian Schippers ( Springfield College), with 5 goals and 2 assists. The Phantoms will be without Henry Brauner ( Philippines), Romelle Burgess ( Barbados), who have been called up to their national teams.
Saturday’s game against the Voltage will be the last game played at Memorial High school this season due to rising cost and budget cuts. An announcement will be made on Monday as to the new home of the New Hampshire Phantoms.
PHANTOMS WAIT LONGER THAN NORMAL TO GET ROAD SPLIT
Saturday's game against the Northern Virgina Royals started promising enough as the Phantoms jumped all over the Royals in the first half scoring three goals and leading 3-1 at half. Steve Bonnell started the scoring on a cross from Patrick Gay, followed quickly by Adrian Schippers on a great ball by Kyle Urso. AJ Dubois finished the scoring for the Phantoms with an assist from Schippers. Tim Murray returned to the net for the Phantoms after Zach Simmons played the previous night's game against the Reading rage, giving up one goal in the first half to the Royals on a deflected shot.
After heading to the locker room with a 3-1 lead the Phantoms felt pretty comfortable with their evening and looked forward to returning home from the long road trip with a win, but mother nature would spoil their comfort. The officials stopped play due to inclement weather and both teams were ordered to the locker rooms. After 3 hours and several promising signs the game was officially called, the Phantoms we awarded the game as it had reached the half way point and was official.
This improves the NH Phantom's record to 3-1-2 on the season with the Phantoms returning home to Manchester on Saturday June 14 at 7:30 p.m. The Phantoms are undefeated at home and are looking forward to getting their entire lineup back for the first time in three weeks against the Vermont Voltage.
PHANTOMS FALL FOR THE FIRST TIME TO READING ON THE ROAD
The Phantoms started their road trip with a disappointing loss 2-1 to the Reading Rage. The Phantoms stepped off the bus after a long road trip at 5:00 pm and could not gather their legs until late in the game as they trailed 2-0 until the closing minutes when Kevin Woods was dragged down in the box allowing Joe Annese to score on a penalty kick. The Phantoms left NH Hampshire without several starters including Manny Brito (family concerns) and Henry Brauner (national team) leaving them with only 16 players available for the trip. Zach Simmons got his first start in goal for the phantoms making 3 saves.
The loss drops New Hampshire's record to 2-1-2.The Phantoms play again against the Northern Virginia Royals at Fairfax, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., before heading home to face Vermont at home next weekend.
Phantoms to Play U23 State Team Free Tickets
Tonight Thursday May 29, 2008 the NH Phantoms men's team will play the U23 New Hampshire State team in an exhibition match at 8:00 p.m. at Manchester Memorial Stadium. All tickets are free. The Phantoms have a week off before heading on the road for their next two games, thus the need to play an exhibition match to keep them sharp as they look to stay atop the rankings in the USL.
The NH Phantoms next two games are on the road on June 6th at Reading Rage (PA) and June 7th at Northern Virginia Royals.
DESPITE AN INSPIRED EFFORT DRAW KEEPS PHANTOMS OUT OF U.S. CUP
Leaving Rhode Island last week the New Hampshire Phantoms new they were going to be short handed this weekend, but they had no idea how short handed they would be. The news went from bad to worse as AJ Dubois was out serving a suspension for a red card in the final minutes last week, then Adrian Schippers was unable to play with a leg injury, and Kevin Woods was sidelined with the flu. Adding to the lose of three players that have accounted for 85% of the Phantoms offense this season, the Phantoms learned Henry Braunner would not be available for the game after being called up to Philippines National team. Despite these set backs the Phantoms put forth an inspired effort to draw 1-1 with the Brooklyn Knights.
The game started with the knowledge that a tie would not put the Phantoms in the U.S. Cup, this was fuel the Phantoms used to apply an onslaught of early pressure but were unable to score on opportunities by Romelle Burgess and Kyle Urso. After pushing aside the Phantoms early pressure the Knights put forth their own version of high pressure, but an unyielding Phantom defense left the game 0-0 at half. The Phantoms seamless endless set backs on the day continued as Paulson Edum was sent off in the 57th minute. Sensing a momentum swing Brooklyn really stepped up the pressure and finally got on the scoreboard in the 60th minute. Phantoms goalkeeper Tim Murray pushed away the initial shop but the rebound was not cleared and Matia Damiani put the ball in the net for the knights. Despite being down a man the Phantoms put forward non-stop pressure for the rest of the game, knotting the score at 1-1 on a penalty kick by Joe Annese.
Even thought the Phantoms were able to salvage a draw, they were unable to qualify for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Cup. Phantoms record improved to 2 wins and 2 ties to remain undefeated in the Northeast Division. of the PDL. Phantoms next two games on the road on June 6th at Reading Rage (PA) and June 7th at Northern Virginia Royals.
