The N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms defeated Sporting SC, 2-0, in the final. (FrontRowSoccer.com Photo)

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — It’s only mid-September, but the N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms already have added yet another trophy to their burgeoning collection.

They accomplished that Sunday afternoon, as they defeated fellow Cosmopolitan Soccer League side Sporting SC, 2-0, to capture the Rapaglia Cup at the Verrazano Sports Complex.

Adam Himeno and James Thristino found the net in the 33rd and 52nd minutes, respectively, as the Pancyprians became the first team to win the competition three times.

By winning the one-day tournament, the Pancyprian Freedoms qualified for the Fricker Cup tournament. Its Eastern New York State Soccer Association opponents will be determined during a draw.

It was a long day for both finalists, who had to play 90-minute semifinals prior to the championship game.

The Pancyprians, who captured the 2019 Dr. Manning Cup, rolled to a 5-1 win over Port Jefferson (Long Island Soccer Football League) as Himeno struck in the ninth minute before Nestor Bradley tallied twice during a four-minute span in the first half to break the game open.

In the other semifinal, Sporting, the Flamhalf Cup champions, overcame a 3-2 deficit against CA Tumi (Eastern District Soccer League) by scoring four second-half goals to register a 6-3 triumph.

 

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.