Massachusetts Adult Soccer

Balkan Powder Keg traveled to Milwaukie Wisconsin, to represent Massachusetts in the USASA O40 Cup in the Championship of Regions.

They faced a very talented Sporting TRFC of North Carolina in the national semifinals. Although level 1-1 at the half, two early second half goals gave TRFC the momentum and unfortunately Balkan was unable to recover.  The final score was Sporting TRC 4 and Balkan 1.

Thank you to Balkan for traveling to the tournament and for representing our state. We look forward to seeing most of you back on the pitch this fall in the NEOTHSL!

Photos from Balkan vs Sporting TRFC

Balkan Powder Keg traveled to the Ukranian American Sports Center in Philly to play Christos FC of Maryland in the USASA O40 Cup Regional Final.

Despite BPK's top goal scorer (Romeo) having the unfortunate luck of a flight delay that kept him from arriving in time for the match, Balkan put forth a strong effort.  Christos FC, a seasoned club with many past players from past US Amateur Cup runs, had run of play in the first half, but Balkan kept them scoreless.

In the second half, Balkan had some opportunities, however, also was held scoreless through regulation.

This match went to PKs and Christos prevailed 5-4 in kicks. 

We wish Christos best of luck in the national finals and thank Balkan for repping Mass Soccer so well. Well played Cup, BPK!

On May 18th Balkan Powder Keg traveled to Tilton Falls, New Jersey for an over 40s USASA Region I Semi-Final game with the Jackson Lions. A strong wind throughout the game was the only slight downside on an otherwise perfect spring day for a high-profile game between two very evenly matched sides.

Balkan Powder Keg was able to get on the board early in the game despite attacking into wind after an unlucky bounce caused a handball in the box by a Jackson central defender. The ensuing penalty kick was converted by Jon Bavota. After a bit of back and forth, Vincenzo Conigliaro was able to tie the score midway through the first half on a powerful strike from 30 yards out on the right sideline that caught just enough wind to sail over the Balkan goalkeeper Jon Peters. Peters however stole the show over the next period of the game as he made two world class saves a few minutes apart that kept the score knotted at 1-1 heading towards halftime.  However, the Massachusetts champions were able get back in front before the break when a pinpoint cross from the left flank from Mike Reda was expertly controlled at the top of the box by Romeo Zeqo and then slotted into the net.

The second half continued with even play until Ted Papadopoulos was able to block an attempted Jackson clearance at the top of the box and quickly poke the ball into the corner of the net before the Jackson goalie could react to the change of possession putting the visitors up 3-1. Jackson continued to press for a second, but chances were few as the Balkan backline of Thomas Halpenny, Tim Karalexis, Eric Owens, and Chris Zura were well organized all game and able to limit the opportunities of a very talented Jackson team. Balkan then grabbed a fourth goal midway through the second half when Romeo Zeqo skillfully trapped a sliced Balkan clearance and quickly sent Jon Bavota on a break towards goal where he finished off the scoring after beating the last Jackson defender 1v1 and calmly finishing past the goalie. The remainder of the game saw the midfield led by iron man Yoshi Kaneko along with Mike Reda, Mike Papatrou, Matt Sarbanis, and Ryan Kath put in professional performance by allowing Jackson possession in their own half but quickly closing down space in the final third and limiting the development of Jackson scoring opportunities. The final whistle blew with a score of 4-1.

The Balkan players did want to send a heartfelt thank you to the Lions for being such great hosts and also to fans who came out to support both teams. A crowd of the youth players coached by the Jackson players showed up loud and with signs to create a great atmosphere for all and truly represent the very best of what these types of tournaments should be.

Balkan now move on to the Regional Final June 14th against Christos FC from Maryland at the Ukranian American Sports Complex in Horsham PA. Great job to all the players and best of luck in the final!

In the over 40s USASA Region I Quarterfinals, Balkan Powder Keg faced Eastern New York's Central Park Rangers at Burlington High School on April 27th. Though the visitors had the advantage and most of the possession in the first part of the half, it was the local team that struck first with a Powder Kegs goal to make it 1-0 off of a free kick to Eric Owen (#9) in the 22nd minute.

It was not long after some great passing and individual dribbling that Central Park evened the score in the 38th minute when Sekou Cox (#45) took a low shot from the top of the box through the Powder Keg's defense.

The score would again be tipped 2-1 in the Balkan's favor when in 45th minute, John Bavota (#17) finished a cross field cross from defender Chris Zura (#3).

Soon after halftime, the wind picked up and balls put into the air often stalled before landing. When combined with the occasional drizzle and slippery turf conditions, it was still truly anyone's game and Central Park took advantage, evening the score 10 minutes into the second half on a goal by Mauricio Turizo (#10). 

With the game level, and a tie breaker looming, play intensity grew as did the encouragement from the sidelines. 

After a foul from the Central Park goalie's sliding save on a Powder Keg breakaway, it was the resulting penalty kick that was the game's difference maker. In the 84th minute, Romeo Zeqo (#15) drove a shot into the net making it 3-2 in favor of the Balkan Powder Kegs. 

Balkan moves on to the semifinal round and will play Jackson Lions FC in New Jersey on May 18th.  Fixture to be announced.