Phantoms Open Season with Draw

Next Up: Cape Cod

May 7, 2008

The New Hampshire Phantoms opened up the 2008 season with a 1-1 draw against the Long Island Rough Riders last Saturday night.

Two former Phantoms’ youth team players accounted for the goal, as Adrian Schippers (Springfield College) buried an AJ DuBois’ (UNH) feed for New Hampshire’s lone strike.

Long Island started strong and controlled possession early but once the Phantoms settled down game became an up and down contest in the cold and wet conditions.

Saturday night was the first time the squad was all together due to NCAA restrictions.

GM Jim DeDeus was impressed with Long Island.

“They were as good as any team we faced last season in USL-2,” he said. “Our defense was very solid on the night and Gabe Mercier, Matt Delaney and Joe Annese really shut them down. At the other end Adrian Schippers and AJ DuBois were a handful for their defense."

Additional players will be added to the squad this week as all the college players are released from their college obligations. The locals will face a serious test this weekend when they travel to Cape Cod to renew an old rivalry with the Cape Cod Crusaders. The game is Saturday May 10th. It will be Cape Cod's first league game of the season while the Phantoms are now 0-1-0 on the year.

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