Happy post-turkey day everyone! As the temperatures drop, the last leaves are falling and the last outdoor leagues are wrapping up. Last Sunday was back to back league finals in Flushing Meadows Park for the Liga Paraguaya and the Estudantil ReCopa. In one game people rushed the pitch due to an argument, but the ref got it back under control. Both games ended 1 – 1 and went straight to penalties.
Players and supporters lined up across the halfway line as one by one each team’s best made the long walk to the penalty spot. Check out all the photos and celebrations below:
Also this past week: in the holiday spirit, Queensboro FC teamed up with Councilman Francisco Moya and others to give out turkeys in Queens. Fútbol is more than just a sport, it’s a community, and giving is as important as giving thanks. If you have some extra insulation lying around, consider donating to the NYCares Coat Drive. Anyone know of other volunteer opportunities in the coming weeks? Send them in and we’ll share them in the next QSS
Meanwhile in pro soccer:
- Flamengo of Rio De Janiero won the Copa Libertadores for the first time in 38 years! They prevented River Plate’s repeat win in the dying minutes with two quick goals from Gabigol, and celebrated back in Rio with half a million fans pouring into the streets. It’s their first Copa Libertadores title since Brazilian legend Zico played for them, and the first Brazilian team to win both the league and the Copa since Pelé and Santos win the double in ‘63.
- Champions League Group Stages! Lot’s of drama this time around—PSG’s comeback against Real Madrid, Messi’s 700th game for Barcelona was a big win against Dortmund, Dybala’s impossible winning freekick for Juve—but the highlight of the week has to be this Tottenham ball-boy assisting the winning goal in their comeback against Olympiacos. Tune in December 10 and 11 to see who won’t make it into the knockout rounds.
Coming up:
- Work off your turkey this weekend with some pickup games! FC Give, a Queens based soccer non-profit, is hosting both indoor games at Upper90 and outdoor games in LIC this weekend. Come play!
- Cardio options this winter besides kickin’ it? Queens Distance Runners have group runs almost every day of the week!
- Will Messi win the 2019 Ballon D’or or will Virgil Van Dijk be the first defender to claim the prize? Check in Monday to find out
- Big game this weekend? Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona Sunday at 3pm. Can 2019 Golden Boy winner João Felix best Messi and co or will Barca stay top of the La Liga?
Weekly Face of Fútbol
Name: Demitrio Perez
Age: 40
From: Jackson Heights and Puebla, Mexico, half and half at this point
Coach of: NY Cosmos Estudantil, 2019 Estudantil League Champions
Why “NY Cosmos,” any affiliation with the current NY Cosmos? I remembered the name back in Mexico, that Pelé had played for them. When I got a chance to name my own team, the real Cosmos team was just starting up again. We aren’t connected, but their owner, Rocco, gave us his blessing to use the name.
Upon hearing there’d be a new pro team, Queensboro FC, coming to Queens:
New team? That’d be magnífico! You know the fields over near the carousel [in Flushing Meadows Park]? They’re baseball fields. Send the Mets over there, and have the soccer team play at [Citi Field]!
Thanks again for the support everyone. If there’s an event or a perspective you’d like to see featured, please write me. I’m always looking for new fields, new leagues, and new anything fútbol or Queens.
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See you on the pitch!
Jon D