North Atlantic Challenge Cup: ASA Old Firm
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Welcome to the newest of the ASA feuds!
The North Atlantic Challenge Cup is a team competition played
by powerhouses Connecticut and Maryland.
It represents the great rivalry and the deep friendship and
respect between the two East Coast clubs.
It will be played in the weekend of major events in the two
States, starting on the Friday before the 2006 US Nationals in
Farmington, CT.
The winning team will take home this splendid trophy and
maintain a position of dominance on the I-95 corridor.
Until the next challenge.
The North Atlantic Challenge Cup is a team competition played
by powerhouses Connecticut and Maryland.
It represents the great rivalry and the deep friendship and
respect between the two East Coast clubs.
It will be played in the weekend of major events in the two
States, starting on the Friday before the 2006 US Nationals in
Farmington, CT.
The winning team will take home this splendid trophy and
maintain a position of dominance on the I-95 corridor.
Until the next challenge.
Latest competition:
10th EDITION: December 5, 2009 in Ellicott City, MD
click here
####
9th EDITION: November 15, 2009 in Farmington, CT
click here
####
8th EDITION: May 3, 2008 in Ellicott City, MD
Winner: SC Connecticut
Despite the club's uninspiring moment, the All-Blacks show the pride of warriors
and keep the Cup in Connecticut!
In a 2v2 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Massimo Conturso 2-0 Daniel Cranston
Miguel Marques 1-0 Patrick Sheridan
These were matchups made in Heaven! Massimo & Miguel faced Daniel & Patrick a total of 8
times during the weekend, and the scores were overall positive (4 W, 3 L, 1 D).
In the 8th edition of the Old Firm, things turned extremely positive for the All-Blacks as
Marques took the lead quite early and shifted in cruise control for the rest of the game.
After a balanced 1st half, Conturso kept the ball for 9-10 minutes scoring from the distance in
the America Cup Final rematch. The 2nd goal arrived in the last few seconds for a confidence
boost to the Italian who had suffered a 0-3 loss to MSC captain, Paul Eyes in the group stage
of the Maryland Cup.
####
7th EDITION: November 30, 2007 in Ellicott City, MD
Winner: SC Connecticut
It's 4 in a row and another Team Double!
In a 4v4 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Eddie Davidson 1-0 Daniel Cranston
Massimo Conturso 1-1 Patrick Sheridan
Miguel Marques 0-1 Stuart Russell
Jim Taylor 1-0 (OT) Paul Eyes
The two Old Firm rivals arrived to the challenge with 3 wins each. This 7th edition was special
for being the first 4-a-side competition, and became even more special when the game went
to overtime for the first time.
The SCC strategy was to use the boom boom duo Massimo-Miguel to go after Maryland's
young guns, Patrick & Stuart. JT would have tried to continue his positive streak against Paul,
while Eddie was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb against the US vice champion, Daniel
Cranston.
Instead, Massimo threw away the lead with a spare goalie error, while Mig struggled to find
the net and went down 1-0.
Eddie came to the rescue and became a roaring lion with a masterpiece 1-0 win that leveled
the score as JT protected a scoreless tie against the MSC captain.
The silence that accompanied the begining of overtime was soon broken by a jubilant Jim
Taylor! After a save by the Scot, the ball rolled all the way to Paul's shooting area, and Jim
put the game away with a one-touch perfect chip to crush Maryland's quest for the Treble.
####
6th EDITION: November 10, 2007 in Farmington, CT
Winner: SC Connecticut
SCC pull off a Liverpool and tie the series!
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Jim Taylor 1-1 Paul Eyes
Miguel Marques 1-1 Daniel Cranston
Massimo Conturso 2-1 Patrick Sheridan
The All-Blacks pull off a Liverpool as they complete their comeback from 0-3 titles in the North
Atlantic Team Challenge. Great merit goes to Jim Taylor as he was asked the hard task to
hold MSC captain, Paul Eyes. With Marques (1-1) & Conturso (2-1 win) struggling against
Maryland's young guns, Cranston & Sheridan, JT stages a gutsy performance to earn a 1-1
draw.
####
5th EDITION: May 6, 2007 in Ellicott City, MD
Winner: SC CONNECTICUT
SCC close up.
In a 2v2 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Massimo Conturso 2-0 Daniel Cranston
Rick Marques 0-0 Patrick Sheridan/Paul Eyes
In the first "double" of the competition, SCC get their 2nd consecutive win, first in Maryland
and close up for a 2-3 aggregate. MSC skipper, Paul Eyes is temporary sidelined by a back pain
and sends his students to the fight. In the first half, Rick holds the young Sheridan with a
good possession, while Massimo, despite being 1-0 up, suffers Daniel's exuberance. With faith
in Cranston, Eyes takes Pat's place and goes for the win. The plan is logical but doesn't work.
Marques is on top of his game and makes no mistakes, while the Italian keeps Cranston at
distance with another goal.
The Cup stays in Connecticut.
####
4th EDITION: February 23, 2007 in Farmington, CT
Winner: SC CONNECTICUT
It's the Treble! It's the Treble!! It's the Treble!!!
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Miguel Marques 2-0 Daniel Cranston
Rick Marques 1-2 Paul Eyes
Taylor/Conturso 1-1 Patrick Sheridan (0-1 at the break)
SCC win their first title for a historical achievement: first US club to hold the National, Holiday
Silver and North Atlantic team titles.
The matches are tight as usual and Captain Conturso decides to give Taylor a chance, with
Rick Marques to tackle down Eyes and Miguel on Cranston. Rick does an excellent job and
limits the aggressive Englishman with courage. Miguel takes advantage from a Cranston's spare
goalie error, takes the lead and never looks back. Conturso's previous strategy mistakes pay
off as he relieves JT down 0-1 at the break, ties up the game and gets close to a deserved
win.
The North Atlantic Challenge Cup is finally in Connecticut.
####
3rd EDITION: December 1, 2006 in Columbia, MD
Winner: MARYLAND S.C.
Third time's charm? Not even close.
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Jeff Davidson 0-4 Patrick Sheridan
Eddie Davidson 0-2 Daniel Cranston
Massimo Conturso 2-3 Paul Eyes
Maryland retains the North Atlantic title after a 3-0 rout of Connecticut in their first home
edition.
Despite Conturso's early lead, SCC was soon down as Sheridan & Cranston took control over
competition's first timers, Jeff & Eddie Davidson.
Before the 2nd mid-half, the cup's destiny was signed with Eyes leading 3-1 and MSC 9-1
aggregate.
To put it with Paul Eyes' words, the North Atlantic Challenge Cup has one owner only.
Just like the Holiday Silver. (+)
####
2nd EDITION: October 20, 2006 in Farmington, CT
Winner: MARYLAND S.C.
The All-Blacks get shut-out by Maryland's young stars and lose another chance for the Treble
(0-2).
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Miguel Marques 0-3 Eyes
Luis Silva 0-0 Cranston
Conturso 0-1 Sheridan
The MSC proves the Eflicker award of Club Of The Year is well deserved as they win their 2nd
straight title. Daniel Cranston & Patrick Sheridan, guided by their captain, Paul Eyes, shut
down the CT offense and leave only crumbs and many regrets to the national champions,
Marques, Silva & Conturso.
The Italian looks more & more like affected by an "A-Rod Syndrome" and just can't perform in
the clutch. He has 0 goals scored in the last 3 team finals (Nationals + 2 NACC) and in
desperate need of some kind of wake-up call. Yankee Stadium would boo him big time.
On the other hand, Eyes gets his second 3-0 win in Cup competitions and keeps carrying high
and proudly the Mid-Atlantic flag, while enjoying the fruit of his hard recruiting work.
####
1st EDITION: July 21, 2006 in Farmington, CT
Winner: MARYLAND S.C.
Maryland SC were surprising winners of the first ever competition between MSC and SCC
played in Farmington (1-1, 3-1 goals).
In a 3v3 match up, results are (SCC first):
Eylward/Conturso 0-3 Eyes
Taylor 0-0 Sheridan
Rick Marques 1-0 Daniel Cranston
A wrong approach by SCC Captain, Massimo Conturso led to a shocking defeat for the hosts in
the inaugural North Atlantic Challenge Cup.
With Eylward down 2-0 to Eyes at the break, Conturso took his place and went for an
improbable come-back. It's tough enough scoring one to Paul Eyes, nevermind scoring twice.
Instead, CT received another goal and lost for goal differential as Taylor was held to a
scoreless tie by eventual U19 national champion, Patrick Sheridan.
The correct strategy for the Italian would have been taking the place of a struggling Taylor
and trying to unlock Sheridan's defense with quick incursions on the wings.
The lesson wasn't useless though, as Rick & Miguel Marques, Luis Silva & Conturso became
Team National Champions on Sunday by defeating title holders, WTSL in an unforgettable final.
10th EDITION: December 5, 2009 in Ellicott City, MD
click here
####
9th EDITION: November 15, 2009 in Farmington, CT
click here
####
8th EDITION: May 3, 2008 in Ellicott City, MD
Winner: SC Connecticut
Despite the club's uninspiring moment, the All-Blacks show the pride of warriors
and keep the Cup in Connecticut!
In a 2v2 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Massimo Conturso 2-0 Daniel Cranston
Miguel Marques 1-0 Patrick Sheridan
These were matchups made in Heaven! Massimo & Miguel faced Daniel & Patrick a total of 8
times during the weekend, and the scores were overall positive (4 W, 3 L, 1 D).
In the 8th edition of the Old Firm, things turned extremely positive for the All-Blacks as
Marques took the lead quite early and shifted in cruise control for the rest of the game.
After a balanced 1st half, Conturso kept the ball for 9-10 minutes scoring from the distance in
the America Cup Final rematch. The 2nd goal arrived in the last few seconds for a confidence
boost to the Italian who had suffered a 0-3 loss to MSC captain, Paul Eyes in the group stage
of the Maryland Cup.
####
7th EDITION: November 30, 2007 in Ellicott City, MD
Winner: SC Connecticut
It's 4 in a row and another Team Double!
In a 4v4 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Eddie Davidson 1-0 Daniel Cranston
Massimo Conturso 1-1 Patrick Sheridan
Miguel Marques 0-1 Stuart Russell
Jim Taylor 1-0 (OT) Paul Eyes
The two Old Firm rivals arrived to the challenge with 3 wins each. This 7th edition was special
for being the first 4-a-side competition, and became even more special when the game went
to overtime for the first time.
The SCC strategy was to use the boom boom duo Massimo-Miguel to go after Maryland's
young guns, Patrick & Stuart. JT would have tried to continue his positive streak against Paul,
while Eddie was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb against the US vice champion, Daniel
Cranston.
Instead, Massimo threw away the lead with a spare goalie error, while Mig struggled to find
the net and went down 1-0.
Eddie came to the rescue and became a roaring lion with a masterpiece 1-0 win that leveled
the score as JT protected a scoreless tie against the MSC captain.
The silence that accompanied the begining of overtime was soon broken by a jubilant Jim
Taylor! After a save by the Scot, the ball rolled all the way to Paul's shooting area, and Jim
put the game away with a one-touch perfect chip to crush Maryland's quest for the Treble.
####
6th EDITION: November 10, 2007 in Farmington, CT
Winner: SC Connecticut
SCC pull off a Liverpool and tie the series!
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Jim Taylor 1-1 Paul Eyes
Miguel Marques 1-1 Daniel Cranston
Massimo Conturso 2-1 Patrick Sheridan
The All-Blacks pull off a Liverpool as they complete their comeback from 0-3 titles in the North
Atlantic Team Challenge. Great merit goes to Jim Taylor as he was asked the hard task to
hold MSC captain, Paul Eyes. With Marques (1-1) & Conturso (2-1 win) struggling against
Maryland's young guns, Cranston & Sheridan, JT stages a gutsy performance to earn a 1-1
draw.
####
5th EDITION: May 6, 2007 in Ellicott City, MD
Winner: SC CONNECTICUT
SCC close up.
In a 2v2 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Massimo Conturso 2-0 Daniel Cranston
Rick Marques 0-0 Patrick Sheridan/Paul Eyes
In the first "double" of the competition, SCC get their 2nd consecutive win, first in Maryland
and close up for a 2-3 aggregate. MSC skipper, Paul Eyes is temporary sidelined by a back pain
and sends his students to the fight. In the first half, Rick holds the young Sheridan with a
good possession, while Massimo, despite being 1-0 up, suffers Daniel's exuberance. With faith
in Cranston, Eyes takes Pat's place and goes for the win. The plan is logical but doesn't work.
Marques is on top of his game and makes no mistakes, while the Italian keeps Cranston at
distance with another goal.
The Cup stays in Connecticut.
####
4th EDITION: February 23, 2007 in Farmington, CT
Winner: SC CONNECTICUT
It's the Treble! It's the Treble!! It's the Treble!!!
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Miguel Marques 2-0 Daniel Cranston
Rick Marques 1-2 Paul Eyes
Taylor/Conturso 1-1 Patrick Sheridan (0-1 at the break)
SCC win their first title for a historical achievement: first US club to hold the National, Holiday
Silver and North Atlantic team titles.
The matches are tight as usual and Captain Conturso decides to give Taylor a chance, with
Rick Marques to tackle down Eyes and Miguel on Cranston. Rick does an excellent job and
limits the aggressive Englishman with courage. Miguel takes advantage from a Cranston's spare
goalie error, takes the lead and never looks back. Conturso's previous strategy mistakes pay
off as he relieves JT down 0-1 at the break, ties up the game and gets close to a deserved
win.
The North Atlantic Challenge Cup is finally in Connecticut.
####
3rd EDITION: December 1, 2006 in Columbia, MD
Winner: MARYLAND S.C.
Third time's charm? Not even close.
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Jeff Davidson 0-4 Patrick Sheridan
Eddie Davidson 0-2 Daniel Cranston
Massimo Conturso 2-3 Paul Eyes
Maryland retains the North Atlantic title after a 3-0 rout of Connecticut in their first home
edition.
Despite Conturso's early lead, SCC was soon down as Sheridan & Cranston took control over
competition's first timers, Jeff & Eddie Davidson.
Before the 2nd mid-half, the cup's destiny was signed with Eyes leading 3-1 and MSC 9-1
aggregate.
To put it with Paul Eyes' words, the North Atlantic Challenge Cup has one owner only.
Just like the Holiday Silver. (+)
####
2nd EDITION: October 20, 2006 in Farmington, CT
Winner: MARYLAND S.C.
The All-Blacks get shut-out by Maryland's young stars and lose another chance for the Treble
(0-2).
In a 3v3 match-up, results are (SCC first):
Miguel Marques 0-3 Eyes
Luis Silva 0-0 Cranston
Conturso 0-1 Sheridan
The MSC proves the Eflicker award of Club Of The Year is well deserved as they win their 2nd
straight title. Daniel Cranston & Patrick Sheridan, guided by their captain, Paul Eyes, shut
down the CT offense and leave only crumbs and many regrets to the national champions,
Marques, Silva & Conturso.
The Italian looks more & more like affected by an "A-Rod Syndrome" and just can't perform in
the clutch. He has 0 goals scored in the last 3 team finals (Nationals + 2 NACC) and in
desperate need of some kind of wake-up call. Yankee Stadium would boo him big time.
On the other hand, Eyes gets his second 3-0 win in Cup competitions and keeps carrying high
and proudly the Mid-Atlantic flag, while enjoying the fruit of his hard recruiting work.
####
1st EDITION: July 21, 2006 in Farmington, CT
Winner: MARYLAND S.C.
Maryland SC were surprising winners of the first ever competition between MSC and SCC
played in Farmington (1-1, 3-1 goals).
In a 3v3 match up, results are (SCC first):
Eylward/Conturso 0-3 Eyes
Taylor 0-0 Sheridan
Rick Marques 1-0 Daniel Cranston
A wrong approach by SCC Captain, Massimo Conturso led to a shocking defeat for the hosts in
the inaugural North Atlantic Challenge Cup.
With Eylward down 2-0 to Eyes at the break, Conturso took his place and went for an
improbable come-back. It's tough enough scoring one to Paul Eyes, nevermind scoring twice.
Instead, CT received another goal and lost for goal differential as Taylor was held to a
scoreless tie by eventual U19 national champion, Patrick Sheridan.
The correct strategy for the Italian would have been taking the place of a struggling Taylor
and trying to unlock Sheridan's defense with quick incursions on the wings.
The lesson wasn't useless though, as Rick & Miguel Marques, Luis Silva & Conturso became
Team National Champions on Sunday by defeating title holders, WTSL in an unforgettable final.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Competition format:
team match-up with FISTF rules.
Possible match-ups:
2v2, 3v3, 4v4.
team match-up with FISTF rules.
Possible match-ups:
2v2, 3v3, 4v4.
