Queen City FC goes 2-0 on the Weekend

By: Ryan | April 28th, 2008

Queen City FC went 2-0 this past weekend in a pair of scrimmages gearing up for their upcoming May 4th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup game.

Saturday’s scrimmage saw Club Italia of the Ontario Soccer League come to town to take on City at All-High Stadium. From the opening whistle it was apparent that Queen City were the better side, with Steve Butcher ringing one off the crossbar soon into the first of three 30 minute sessions. City kept up the pressure for the majority of the first half but failed to put one into the back of the net. Guest referee Dennis Behrens called a tight first session until substituted out with a round of applause from the fans.

The second session saw more Queen City pressure, which finally resulted in a goal from Al Franjoine. Franjoine made room for himself on the right side of the box and slotted the ball into the far side of the net, past a diving Italia keeper. Italia were a bit more lively, playing several longballs over the top of the City defense, but they were controlled and put out of danger.

In the third session, Al Franjoine netted his second on the day to seal the victory for Queen City FC. The City keepers were not called upon often during the match and most of their action was seen clearing balls upfield or coming off their line to field a deep ball into the box.

Sunday brought a change of venue and a new opponent, as City traveled down the road to Nichols High School to take on Buffalo State College.

City came out sluggish in this game, and had a hard time working the ball upfield. After a rough beginning, team captain Al Franjoine arrived and the team picked up the pace. City began to move the ball better through the midfield and kept their spacing and shape.

In the second session, Coach Tom Cordaro subbed in Colin Oliver who rewarded Cordaro with a goal minutes later on a low hard shot beating Buffalo State’s keeper to the far post. City continued to work the ball well in the box for the rest of the 2nd session and started to string passes together.

The third session was all City. JJ Bilinski scored off of a corner which was flicked on by Jeremy Watson. Bilinski volleyed the flick-on into the top of the net leaving the Buffalo State keeper with no chance. However, the Buffalo State keeper was on-point the rest of the 30 minutes, saving a City PK and also making some beautiful saves to keep the game at 2-0. Steve Butcher was a very large presence upfront, but just could not find the back of the net during the game. His constant movement and ball control was obviously frustrating Buffalo State players and created opportunities for teammates to get open.

City’s next game is Sunday May 4th at 2:00pm against Danbury United in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $7 for preferred seating. Get your tickets online at Queen City FC’s Ticket Office.

We definitely looked better on Saturday than on Sunday, but this week our normal midfielders come into town and we will be ready for the Open Cup on Sunday May 4th.

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