Rough Riders' Victory at Stony Brook

National Champs win first-ever match at new stadium

The 2002 National Champion Long Island Rough Riders soccer team will played their July 26 match at Stony Brook University’s new Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium..

HIGGINS TO THE RESCUE: Midfielder scores two goals for second straight game.

The Rough Riders triumphed with two second half goals to defeat New Jersey 2-1 at Stony Brook's new stadium. It was the first time the team had played at the sports facility and despite the permanent football markings on the turf, it suited the soccer match perfectly. Although the crowd was sparse on the warm summer evening, it was primarily a family crowd. Many of the young soccer enthusiasts wore their own uniforms to the game.

The Stallions scored early in the game, but midfielder Shaun Higgins came through with a shot from the alley to tie the game. His second goal came a twenty minutes later when Higgins headed in a deflected shot to take the lead.

The Riders next home game will be a playoff contest on the second weekend in August, also at the university stadium.

Between halves the field was turned over to players from local soccer leagues who played a ten minute half field match. The younger athletes showed some excellent footwork and ball control during their match as well.

With four seating levels, the stadium can seat over 8,000 including 500 VIP seats. Tickets for this game are available by calling 1-888-332-5600, by visiting the Citibank Park Box Office in Central Islip, or by logging on to www.rough-riders.com and clicking on the tickets icon.

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