The New York Pancyprian Freedoms raised the Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA) Dr Manning cup for the first time in 11 years with a victory over Doxa SC in the finals on Sunday, March 12th. With the match ending 0-0 in regulation it came to penalty kicks and the NYPF were flawless netting their five kicks with authority while the Doxa players, who looked shaky and overwhelmed, missed a kick over the bar. NYPF goalkeeper Aristides Costeas was intimidating between the posts all game.

Peter Pinori, First Vice President of the ENYSSA, and representatives from ENYSSA board and staff, presented the Dr Manning champion trophy to NY Pancyprian Freedoms captain Andreas Chronis. In his remarks he commended the NYPF directors and players on their unparalelled commitment to soccer excellence in New York State . “It gives me great to pleasure to present this trophy to you. The only thing I am asking you to do now, is to win at the region and to win the national,” said Pinori.

“Congratulations to our head coach, coaching staff and all the players. Winning in penalty kicks can be a stressful and we showed our class and composure,” said Philip Christopher, President of the Pancyprian Freedoms. “Now we begin the road to the National Championship!”.

“I am extremely proud for everyone involved in our victory. This was a team effort,” said Panos Onisiforou, NYPF Head Coach. “I want to thank our President and the Board for there continued support. We are driven to win and bring the club honor.”

The NYPF have won the Dr Manning cup in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. With this win, the NYPF move on to the USASA Region I Amateur Cup on April 23rd to play against Newtown Pride FC in Connecticut. The Region 1 Amateur Cup Champion moves onto the US Adult Soccer Association National Amateur Cup Tournament, The winner of the National Cup automatically qualifies for the Lamar Hunt Us Open Cup. The NYPF have wong the open cup in 1980, 1982 and 1983.

The NYPF (9-0-2) next play Zum Schneider FC (7-1-3) on March 18th at 8pm at Belson Satdium at St john’s University in the Metropolitan Conference of the Eastern Premier Soccer League.

Earlier in the day, the NYPF II (9-0-1) played their Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division Three home opener against Division Three West Lansdowne Yonkers FC Metro (2-1-7) at Astoria Park. The NYPF II won 4-1 with a brace from new striker Saleel Eldin. The NYPF II next play Central Park Rangers Young Boys ( 6-3-2) on March 18th at 8pm at Randall’s Island Field 75.

Source: Eleftheriapancyprian