The Ocean City Nor’easters welcome the Westchester Flames to Carey Stadium for a 7pm kick off as they complete their second game in three days after beating the New Jersey Rangers 2-1 on Friday July 6.
The Nor’easters go into the game knowing that nothing less than a win will be acceptable in front of the large Ocean City crowds. With only three games remaining it is tight at the top and with Reading away and Brooklyn at home today it is tough at the top too. The previous meeting between these two sides, just two weeks ago, produced 5 red cards and 3 goals in a Nor’easters 2-1 victory (Lacroix and Kollie). More fireworks are expected but both coaches will have told the players how important it is to keep all 11 players on the field.
The Nor’easters first met the Westchester Flames in 2002 but due to the leagues regional alignments they have only met each other 12 times. Nor’easters have a 6-2-5 record against the New York team. In 2005 the Nor’easters put the Flames to the sword with a 6-2 victory. During that game former Nor’easter Rueben Mingo put up a points record that still holds today with 4 goals and 1 assist. This long stood competitive rivalry sets to be even more intense as both games have come towards the end of the season, playoff positions will be up for grabs and those extra points even more important, and after the June 23 meeting everyone wants to win this one.
Coach Oswald talked to us about the upcoming fixture, "I expect this game to be another challenge and hurdle for us to hop over. As we close in on the playoff picture, our goal is to get 3 points and remain healthy while putting the pressure back on other teams in our division. Anytime you are the #1 seed in the division going into a game, teams will push themselves to the limit to prove they are of the same caliber. We had a very difficult road match up there against them several weeks ago and I fully expect the Flames to come in here trying to steal the momentum we have earned over the last few weeks."
"Hopefully, we bounce back from a 90 min battle Friday night with the NJ Rangers and put together a solid effort. I am sure the kids will be stoked to play in front of their home crowd to try to punch our ticket into the PDL playoffs for the 1st time since 2009 and 1st time to secure a finish in the Top 2 in divisional play since 2007. We know what's on the line...from playoff seeding to potential US Open Cup bid for 2013 and we have to go get it."
The Nor’easters play again at home on Sunday July 15 against the Brooklyn Knights, Carey Stadium, 7pm. Keep up to date with all the news and information through our twitter (www.twitter.com/oceancityfc) or like our facebook page (www.facebook.com/oceancityfc)
