The California Cougars and New Jersey Ironmen both entered The Rock early Thursday morning both needing a win. Both teams were fighting for position in an ugly lower mid-table battle. With the playoffs less than two months away, the crunch time cliche is beginning to find true meaning.
Obviously it is needless to say, from the title of this post, that the Irons walked away triumphant with a 16-8 win. Put the five game losing streak in the books and the past, because if the Irons continue to show half the intensity they showed in this game we are post season bound.
The first goal came in the 3rd minute as Kante assisted on an Antoniuk strike. The Brazilian Tiguinho knocked in the 2nd goal of the game at 4:40. As the 1st quarter was winding down California made a statement that they would not go lightly as Evan McNeley tickled the twine in the 12th minute.
The second quarter was all Iron. Kante connects once again with Antoniuk for another 2-pointer. In the 10th minute Captain Lazo Alavanja fired a rocket 3-pointer, bringing the halftime score to 9-2.
At 8:46 in the 3rd quarter Alavanja fires again from behind the arch becoming the team's all-time/season 3-point leader (5 total if you were wondering). Now up 12-2 the hacking is becoming more and more visible, and the game is starting to look more like hockey with the way players are being put in the boards. Meloa who was having a great game in the nets takes a hard fall 11 minutes in, giving backup keeper Elvin some minutes. He returns to the game shortly, and at 14:07 the Belgrade boys connect. Goran Vasic sends a nice ball in that Stefan Stokic had no trouble putting away, bringing the score to 14-2 at the end of the third.
1:46 into the 4th quarter Antoniuk assisted on a Tim O'Neill two pointer making it 16-2. It would be all California from there. 8:57 was Pedro Lupercio. 10:29 Semir Mesanovic. 13:19 Chris Handsor. Now if I did my math correctly final score Irons 16-8. The forth quarter also brought us some heated discussions to put it nicely. Words were being exchanged on both sides in regards to the endless cheap shots, body checks and fouls that occurred. It did almost get physical, but the main debaters where separated. Meola also did some time in the box. Why? I'm not entirely sure, but it was definitely an intense game. I'd also like to add that the defense looked better today. Kante might be the type of player we needed to bring some stability back there.
What's up next for the 11-10 Ironmen? Sunday March 2nd, at The Rock in Newark, the Irons take on Orlando. It should be an exciting one.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ironmen Falter For Fifth Consecutive Time
The Ironmen (10-10) dropped their fifth straight game when they fell to the Blast Saturday night, 10-6.
- Ironmen goalkeeper Lé Clembo do Carmo made his MISL debut in the match. I am not sure what Tony Meola’s status is at the moment, but will keep you updated if information becomes available.
- Irons' midfielder Goran Vasic had a goal and an assist in the match. The assist was the 225th of his career.
- Juninho da Silva netted a pair of two pointers.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Ironmen (10-9) at Baltimore Blast (12-8)
The Ironmen will return to action when they travel to 1st Mariner Arena to take on the Baltimore Blast Saturday night. The match is set to get underway at 7:35 PM.
The Irons headed into their two week layoff reeling from a four-game losing streak. New Jersey’s offense was especially ineffective in their last two games, managing only six points against Milwaukee at home and a paltry four points in Chicago. The Ironmen have gone 2-6 since the beginning of January. Their current losing trend has sunk them to fifth in the standings after being only one game out of first place less than a month ago.
The match will be defender/forward Ibrahim Kante’s first game in an Ironmen uniform. Kante was picked up by the Irons to shore up the defense and add stability to the attack. The twenty-six-year-old’s career has included stays with the New England Revolution and Crystal Palace USA.
New Jersey will be without forward Kevin Sloan (4 G, 2 A), who is nursing a toe injury. Check the below link for a more comprehensive injury report from Big Apple Soccer:
http://bigapplesoccer.com/teams/ironmen2.php?article_id=13036
Baltimore won six matches in a row before finally falling to Milwaukee Friday night 16-12. The Blast’s top ranked defense held opponents to single digits on the score sheet five times during the win streak. Baltimore keeper Sagu leads the league with an 8.22 points against average.
Blast midfielder Denison Cabral will not take part in the match against the Irons after drawing a red card against Milwaukee. The suspended Cabral is seventh in the league in points scored.
The Ironmen defeated the Blast 13-12 when Kevin Sloan netted a come-from-behind game-winner with less than a minute left in regulation during their last meeting at Prudential Center. The Blast dominated the visiting Irons 15-2 in their first contest of the season.
Saturday night’s match will be webcast live on the Teamline website and on Baltimore station WCBM 680 AM’s home page. Links provided below:
http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=5308&eventcode=34
http://www.wcbm.com/
The Irons headed into their two week layoff reeling from a four-game losing streak. New Jersey’s offense was especially ineffective in their last two games, managing only six points against Milwaukee at home and a paltry four points in Chicago. The Ironmen have gone 2-6 since the beginning of January. Their current losing trend has sunk them to fifth in the standings after being only one game out of first place less than a month ago.
The match will be defender/forward Ibrahim Kante’s first game in an Ironmen uniform. Kante was picked up by the Irons to shore up the defense and add stability to the attack. The twenty-six-year-old’s career has included stays with the New England Revolution and Crystal Palace USA.
New Jersey will be without forward Kevin Sloan (4 G, 2 A), who is nursing a toe injury. Check the below link for a more comprehensive injury report from Big Apple Soccer:
http://bigapplesoccer.com/teams/ironmen2.php?article_id=13036
Baltimore won six matches in a row before finally falling to Milwaukee Friday night 16-12. The Blast’s top ranked defense held opponents to single digits on the score sheet five times during the win streak. Baltimore keeper Sagu leads the league with an 8.22 points against average.
Blast midfielder Denison Cabral will not take part in the match against the Irons after drawing a red card against Milwaukee. The suspended Cabral is seventh in the league in points scored.
The Ironmen defeated the Blast 13-12 when Kevin Sloan netted a come-from-behind game-winner with less than a minute left in regulation during their last meeting at Prudential Center. The Blast dominated the visiting Irons 15-2 in their first contest of the season.
Saturday night’s match will be webcast live on the Teamline website and on Baltimore station WCBM 680 AM’s home page. Links provided below:
http://www.teamline.cc/sportpage?teamcode=5308&eventcode=34
http://www.wcbm.com/
Ironmen Sign Ibrahim Kante
That's right folks... we have some transaction news!!!
The Irons announced today that they have signed defender/forward Ibrahim Kante. His rights were acquired from the Milwaukee Wave for the Irons' first two '08 College draft picks Jacek Przednowek and Tracis McKenzie, as well as future considerations. He'll be joining the team tomorrow night as they take on the Baltimore Blast (12-7).
Kante is a Malian International (if you can count one cap,not sure if he played anymore). In 2003 he made two appearances for the New England Revolution (MLS), before making his move to the MISL. Between 2005 and 2006 he made 56 appearances for the Baltimore Blast, knocking in 23 goals. Last year he made 12 appearances for Crystal Palace Baltimore of the USL2. This doesn't come as a shock with the Ironmen's relationship with Crystal Palace Baltimore players.
His experience in the MISL should help secure the Irons back line a little better. After all, that is one of the teams biggest issues as of late.
So welcome to the team Ibrahim. Let's start pulling some wins together.
The Irons announced today that they have signed defender/forward Ibrahim Kante. His rights were acquired from the Milwaukee Wave for the Irons' first two '08 College draft picks Jacek Przednowek and Tracis McKenzie, as well as future considerations. He'll be joining the team tomorrow night as they take on the Baltimore Blast (12-7).
Kante is a Malian International (if you can count one cap,not sure if he played anymore). In 2003 he made two appearances for the New England Revolution (MLS), before making his move to the MISL. Between 2005 and 2006 he made 56 appearances for the Baltimore Blast, knocking in 23 goals. Last year he made 12 appearances for Crystal Palace Baltimore of the USL2. This doesn't come as a shock with the Ironmen's relationship with Crystal Palace Baltimore players.
His experience in the MISL should help secure the Irons back line a little better. After all, that is one of the teams biggest issues as of late.
So welcome to the team Ibrahim. Let's start pulling some wins together.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day - A NJ Ironmen Dancers Update
It's that time of year again.
So we figured why not show the Ironmen Dancers some love.
First off....
The Professional Cheerleader Blog gave them a shout out back on Feb 9th. LINK HERE!
Secondly...
If you're a girl, (I assume) you can get in on the Dance Clinic they're throwing. So feel free to contact them on that.
The Ironmen Dance team is offering the opportunity to Perform with them at the Prudential Center at one of our March/ April games!
We are working with studios in the area where students:
* Learn one of our Routines
* Have question and Answer Session
* Receive T-shirt
* Have a Photo posted on the Ironmen Website
* Receive Tickets to the game their studio chooses
* And gets to Perform with us on that Game Day
This is an amazing opportunity that shouldn't be passed up. If interested or know anyone that will be, please contact us.
Lastly...
Go show them some love over at the MySpace Page, as well as their Official Page
If I missed anything someone feel free to shout it out.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Upcoming Ironmen Promotion News
Sometimes we just like to drop generic news. The Irons have some promotions coming up, and I figured I spread the word a little.
- McFamily Pack - 4 Lower Level Tickets, 2 Ironmen Limited Ed. Shirts for $59 (valued at around $110).
- Soccer Mom Night - March 2nd vs Orlando Sharks. A portion of the proceeds going to research for breast cancer. Wine and cheese reception before the game, and a sneak peak the the off broadway show, "Secrets of a Soccer Mom." $16 (valued at $30)
- Boy Scout Night - March 15th vs Chicago Storm
- Girls and Goals (Girl Scout Night) - March 29th vs La Raza de Monterrey
- Faith and Family Night - April 4th vs Baltimore Blast. Voucher for pizza and soda, with testimonials from some of the Ironmen. $15
Again... just news.
Contact a ticket rep. http://www.njironmen.com/ or 1-800-IRONMEN
Nothing was received from this. We aren't shills here.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Return of the Website?!?!?
The Irons are currently in the midst of a break, but your friends at the Local Fe26 were hard at work. The actual website should be up and running again in a matter of days.
Just a little news we wanted to share.
Just a little news we wanted to share.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Own Goal Helps Sink Irons 9-6
Well, at least the Giants won.
The Ironmen (10-9) dropped their fourth straight match when they took on the first place Milwaukee Wave (14-6) yesterday at the Prudential Center. The loss was their second in consecutive days.
Fatigue seemed to be a factor early in the match as the Irons and Wave were able to muster only one goal apiece in the first half. Both teams played matches less than 24 hours prior to Sunday’s contest.
The Irons struck first when a Gordon Kljestan cross found an open Ryan Johnson in the penalty area, who deposited the ball for a two-point tally with 1:17 to go in the first quarter. However, the Wave pulled even midway through the second stanza when Marcelo Fontana banged home a two-pointer after the Ironmen defense failed to clear a contested ball deep in their zone.
Irons’ keeper Tony Meola was sharp early on, stopping three quality scoring opportunities. Meola’s best save occurred about six minutes into the match when he left his line to block a close-range shot from a wide open Warren Ukah.
Despite the respectable start, New Jersey came apart in the third quarter after a pass back from Irons’ forward Gary Brooks found its way past a surprised Tony Meola, who was positioned close to the top of the penalty area. The Wave added a pair of two-point goals after Brooks’ gaff to bring the score to 9-2.
The Ironmen closed the gap to 9-6 on Tim O’Neill and John Krause goals, but were unable to muster any serious pressure in the closing moments of the contest despite bringing on a sixth attacker with 4:10 left on the clock.
The Irons entered this weekend’s contests in fourth place and only two games out of first. Their loss Saturday night to the 12-7 Chicago Storm, coupled with Sunday’s defeat, drops the Ironmen to fifth in the standings and places them 3.5 games behind league leading Milwaukee.
On a lighter note, the match looked to be relatively well-attended despite being scheduled on Super Bowl Sunday. A few die hard Fe26 members were in the crowd cheering on the sputtering Irons.
New Jersey’s next game will be in Baltimore on 2/16. Check back for a game preview.
The Ironmen (10-9) dropped their fourth straight match when they took on the first place Milwaukee Wave (14-6) yesterday at the Prudential Center. The loss was their second in consecutive days.
Fatigue seemed to be a factor early in the match as the Irons and Wave were able to muster only one goal apiece in the first half. Both teams played matches less than 24 hours prior to Sunday’s contest.
The Irons struck first when a Gordon Kljestan cross found an open Ryan Johnson in the penalty area, who deposited the ball for a two-point tally with 1:17 to go in the first quarter. However, the Wave pulled even midway through the second stanza when Marcelo Fontana banged home a two-pointer after the Ironmen defense failed to clear a contested ball deep in their zone.
Irons’ keeper Tony Meola was sharp early on, stopping three quality scoring opportunities. Meola’s best save occurred about six minutes into the match when he left his line to block a close-range shot from a wide open Warren Ukah.
Despite the respectable start, New Jersey came apart in the third quarter after a pass back from Irons’ forward Gary Brooks found its way past a surprised Tony Meola, who was positioned close to the top of the penalty area. The Wave added a pair of two-point goals after Brooks’ gaff to bring the score to 9-2.
The Ironmen closed the gap to 9-6 on Tim O’Neill and John Krause goals, but were unable to muster any serious pressure in the closing moments of the contest despite bringing on a sixth attacker with 4:10 left on the clock.
The Irons entered this weekend’s contests in fourth place and only two games out of first. Their loss Saturday night to the 12-7 Chicago Storm, coupled with Sunday’s defeat, drops the Ironmen to fifth in the standings and places them 3.5 games behind league leading Milwaukee.
On a lighter note, the match looked to be relatively well-attended despite being scheduled on Super Bowl Sunday. A few die hard Fe26 members were in the crowd cheering on the sputtering Irons.
New Jersey’s next game will be in Baltimore on 2/16. Check back for a game preview.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Ironmen (10-8) vs. Milwaukee Wave (13-6)
The Ironmen, losers of three straight, will attempt to stanch the bleeding when they travel home to the Prudential Center to take on the first place Milwaukee Wave today. The match will get underway at 4:00 PM. Live coverage of the game can be seen on the SportsNet America website.
Today’s game will be the Irons’ second in less than 24 hours after stinking up the Sears Centre with a 15-4 performance against Chicago last night. For the second match in a row, the Irons opened the contest by allowing a three-goal run. The Storm took a 7-2 lead into the halftime break and never looked back. The Irons could only muster two points during the remainder of the game. The loss sank New Jersey to fifth in the standings.
Milwaukee enters the contest riding a two-game win streak. The Wave jumped into the top-spot in the MISL standings with their latest 14-7 victory over California last night. They feature the league’s leading scorer, forward Greg Howes, who has tallied 31 goals this season.
The Ironmen were defeated by Milwaukee 10-8 earlier this season in their first meeting.
Today’s game will be the Irons’ second in less than 24 hours after stinking up the Sears Centre with a 15-4 performance against Chicago last night. For the second match in a row, the Irons opened the contest by allowing a three-goal run. The Storm took a 7-2 lead into the halftime break and never looked back. The Irons could only muster two points during the remainder of the game. The loss sank New Jersey to fifth in the standings.
Milwaukee enters the contest riding a two-game win streak. The Wave jumped into the top-spot in the MISL standings with their latest 14-7 victory over California last night. They feature the league’s leading scorer, forward Greg Howes, who has tallied 31 goals this season.
The Ironmen were defeated by Milwaukee 10-8 earlier this season in their first meeting.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Ironmen (10-7) at Chicago Storm (11-6)
The fourth-place Ironmen head into this weekend’s matches trailing top-spot Detroit by only two games in the MISL standings. They will face off with two other teams vying for first-place on Saturday and Sunday.
First up will be an 8:00 PM tilt against the third-place Storm at the Sears Center in Chicago. The Storm look to rebound after a road loss to regional rival Milwaukee Wave last Sunday.
The Storm, who have conceded only 170 points this season, features the league’s second-stingiest defense. Goalkeeper Jeff Richey leads the league with a 7.9 points against average.
The Ironmen are in the midst of a two-game slide after falling to Philadelphia and Monterrey in their most recent contests. They went 2-4 in January matches.
The Irons scored three times in overtime to defeat the Storm 18-16 in a November matchup in Chicago. Forwards Frederico Moojen and Dan Antoniuk both earned hat-tricks for New Jersey in the match.
Saturday night’s contest with the Storm will be broadcast via tape delay on February 15th on Fox Soccer Channel.
The Irons will square-off at home against 12-6 Milwaukee in their second match of the weekend on Super Bowl Sunday. The game is scheduled for a 4:00 PM start. Check back later for a game preview.
First up will be an 8:00 PM tilt against the third-place Storm at the Sears Center in Chicago. The Storm look to rebound after a road loss to regional rival Milwaukee Wave last Sunday.
The Storm, who have conceded only 170 points this season, features the league’s second-stingiest defense. Goalkeeper Jeff Richey leads the league with a 7.9 points against average.
The Ironmen are in the midst of a two-game slide after falling to Philadelphia and Monterrey in their most recent contests. They went 2-4 in January matches.
The Irons scored three times in overtime to defeat the Storm 18-16 in a November matchup in Chicago. Forwards Frederico Moojen and Dan Antoniuk both earned hat-tricks for New Jersey in the match.
Saturday night’s contest with the Storm will be broadcast via tape delay on February 15th on Fox Soccer Channel.
The Irons will square-off at home against 12-6 Milwaukee in their second match of the weekend on Super Bowl Sunday. The game is scheduled for a 4:00 PM start. Check back later for a game preview.
Namazi the Bull: Round III
Dead!
Bigapplesoccer.com got the inside scoop. (ed- Respect where respect is due)
According to BigAppleSoccer.com, sources with in the league said Iron's owner Jeffery Vanderbeek was standing firm on Namazi's contract. Click the link above for more info.
We know JCO wanted him, but it just wasn't going to happen. As for the back up plan? Good ol' Richie Williams gets a bye, and is retained as assistant coach.
Well that ends that drama.... on both fronts.
Bigapplesoccer.com got the inside scoop. (ed- Respect where respect is due)
According to BigAppleSoccer.com, sources with in the league said Iron's owner Jeffery Vanderbeek was standing firm on Namazi's contract. Click the link above for more info.
We know JCO wanted him, but it just wasn't going to happen. As for the back up plan? Good ol' Richie Williams gets a bye, and is retained as assistant coach.
Well that ends that drama.... on both fronts.
Last Weekend's Update
I'm sorry for the delay. There is a reason we've been slow to post. That reason was trying to find something positive to say about the two games we dropped this weekend. The first one to La Raza the second to the Kixx.
I will admit I was late to Friday's game versus Monterrey La Raza. I walk in to see us ahead. The first thought to cross my mind is, "Are we winning because Meola's not in goal?" Relax it's a joke filled with half truths. What else can you say about the 17-12 loss?
Positives?: It was fun seeing ex-Metrostar Kiss of Death Byron Alvarez running around for La Raza. Yup. That's about it.
So the Ironmen leave Newark and head down to Philly. Bang... they run right into a 17-13 loss.
Positives?: I got nothing. It wasn't another loss at home?
That's the weekend wrap up.... without being too bitter.
I will admit I was late to Friday's game versus Monterrey La Raza. I walk in to see us ahead. The first thought to cross my mind is, "Are we winning because Meola's not in goal?" Relax it's a joke filled with half truths. What else can you say about the 17-12 loss?
Positives?: It was fun seeing ex-Metrostar Kiss of Death Byron Alvarez running around for La Raza. Yup. That's about it.
So the Ironmen leave Newark and head down to Philly. Bang... they run right into a 17-13 loss.
Positives?: I got nothing. It wasn't another loss at home?
That's the weekend wrap up.... without being too bitter.
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