By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
The Long Island Rough Riders will vie for their third national championship in their 29-year history when they will face the Ventura Fusion in the USL League Two final in Ventura, Calif. at 9 p.m. ET. on Saturday.
The has reached the final the “hard way” -by playing all their playoffs matches on the road.
They will try to make it five consecutive away wins.
“It’s why you play soccer, it is to play in finals and win trophies,” head coach Tom Bowen said. “It’s been two decades since the Rough Riders had this chance. It’s the first time since turning non-professional they have this chance.
“Considering the other teams and some of the resources we are up against, it’s some achievement to get this far. But now that we’re here, we’re not just happy to be here. We’re going to win the game. With the group that we have, the personality and character that we have. I’m confident that we can bring it home.
“But it’s on the road again. It would be five playoff wins in a row on the road to make it happen. When the odds are against us, I think this is when this team is at its best.”
The Rough Riders have secured two national titles, having won the 1995 U.S. Interregional Soccer League championship and the 2002 USL Pro League crown.
LI (15-1-2), which finished second in the Metropolitan Division, have enjoyed a marvelous postseason run. The squad began with a 3-1 win over the Ocean City Nor’easters in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals in Newport News, Va. on July 22. It continued it with a 2-1 result over Vermont Green FC in the conference semifinals in Newport News on July 24. In the conference final in Knoxville, Tenn. on July 29, the Riders defeated the Seacoast United Phantoms, 2-1.
The Rough Riders clinched a spot in the final with a 2-0 triumph over North Carolina Fusion U-23 in the national semifinals in Knoxville on Aug. 1.
The team arrived in California Friday.
“It’s a little bit easier just knowing that you’re going to one game rather than the uncertainty whether will it be one or will it be two,” Bowen said. “We’re going to leave on Thursday. With the time difference, we should get there early, a chance to relax, unpack and maybe go for a walk or even train on the game field. Friday evening, we have a national banquet, which will be a nice experience.”
Ventura County (8-2-2) finished second in the Southwest Division before enjoying its postseason success.
“I’ve already started looking at them,” Bowen said. “We’ll do our homework as best as possible. It’s tough. They’re at opposite ends of the country. So don’t too much about them. I haven’t come across them before in terms of a head-to-head matchup. But luckily with technology, streams and film, we can figure out as much as possible and we’ll make a plan accordingly.
“I’m excited. I’m confident in the group. If we show up and play to our potential, there’s no reason we can’t win the game.”
