Monarchs rally late to tie Gunners

A late game rally by the Monarchs was enough to tie the Gunners and deny the team valuable points in the race for the playoffs. While still very much in contention, Capital District's room for error is shrinking.

The match started with the teams matching each other point for point as Theirry Henry assisted on both Juan Pablo Angel goals. Capital District took the lead on a goal by Alvaro Saborio and then grabbed some breathing room with an assist from Giancarlo Maldonado and a goal from Fredy Montero. Montgomery County came back with a clean sheet from newly resigned Kasey Keller, but were still down by two going in to the final game. Then Collins John and Baggio Husidic teamed up for a goal with an assist to finish the game deadlocked at five points a piece. Perhaps the slim silver lining was the Monarchs left the potential match winning point on the bench with Rodolfo Espinoza registering an assist late Saturday night.

While the tie was enough to win the Gunners the inaugural Northeast Corridor Classic and keep them in the race for one of the final two playoff spots, you couldn't tell that by the post game reactions of the team. They all knew what they had left on the pitch.

It'll be interesting to see how the team rebounds against a resurgent Gateway United in Week 16.

Game 15 Lineup

Game 11 Lineup

Angel's brace helps CD get 1st win

Behind Juan Pablo Angel's brace and Brian McBride's two points, the Gunners not only secured their first win of the season but also go up 1-0 in the 2010 Northeast Corridor Classic. Adding in Ryan Johnson's assist, the Gunners fought their way to a 5-3 win over rivals Montgomery County.

While the team will enjoy the win tonight, Manager Kevin Conner and staff will be back at work Monday morning planning for the upcoming match vs Gold Coast.

"We're thrilled to get the monkey off our backs and not just get a win, but take the advantage in the NECC. But we have to keep in mind it's not over. We'll take some time and enjoy it now, but it's back to work tomorrow."

Back to work is correct. Speculation has it the team made a roster move this weekend, with the official announcement coming sometime in the next few days.

Game 3 Lineup - NECC Game 1

Derbies and Rivalries

As it snows outside, with the 2010 BSL draft underway, the Gunners are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season. New on tap for 2010 are two derbies.

The first is the brand new Empire Cup between the Gunners and New York Greeks. The Battle for New York, Upstate New York vs New York City. While the Greeks are new to the league, they're already stoking the flames of this brand new rivalry. Matches are scheduled for Week 7, Week 13, and Week 19 with whoever wins the seasons series getting the Empire Cup.

The second derby will be against familiar opponents, Montgomery County. While the Gunners won the season series last year, 2-0-1, it was the Monarchs who held the BSL Cup aloft after shutting out the Gunners in the final. While there is no official name yet, this battle will showcase two of last year's dominant teams in a Champion vs Champion series. Matches are scheduled for Week 3, Week Week 11, and Week 15.

Even with the two derbies upcoming, most of the Gunner faithful are looking forward to the matches against one particular team. The only team who bested the Gunners in the regular season series, and oddly enough traded them their Designated Player slot, Union Southern California. Matches are scheduled for Week 6, Week 14, and Week 18.

The full 2010 Gunners Schedule will be released later this afternoon.