Cosmopolitan Soccer League

Metro-1 Division East

KORABI – NYPD FC 1-0
Goal: Albert Ruci

Bekim “Bek” Papraniku
March 7, 2010 – Staten Island, NY – First game of the spring season started with a win defeating NYPD at home with the only goal by Albert Ruci.

Korabi did not have the full squad, did not have any substitution, and some players got injured during the match but was still able to hold their 1-0 lead despite these factors.

Korabi’s strong defense hardly allowed any shots on goal keeper Ari Dema. The squad fought hard and played with determination.

Well done!

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League

Metro-1 Division East

1:30pm

KORABI

-vs-

NYPD FC

at

Midland Beach Field

Father Cappodano Blvd, Staten Island

Cosmopolitan Soccer League

2010 Indoor Tournament

February 28, 2010 – Waldwick, NJ – Having entered the tournament in 2008 and taking first place two years in a row, Korabi was now defending their title.

Coach: Rusty Papraniku
Players: Bekim Papraniku, Albert Ruci, Azmir Dzemoski, Abdulla Begai, Lirim Begai, Eric Russo, Philippe Sala, Jamil “the Turk”, Ilir Papraniku
Goalkeeper – “Ozzie”

As the tournament progressed, Korabi defeated Homenetmen of NY, SC Enitracht and tied NY Eagles FC in their Group. Korabi advanced through the tournament stages and defeated Lansdowne Bhoys in the semi-finals.

The final for 1st place was now between Korabi and BW Gottschee. Korabi outplayed their opponent to start the match but missed many opportunities to score. Korabi was able to finally get a goal but then with seconds left in the match a defensive error caused an own goal leading to a 1-1 draw. To decide the winner, each team had one penalty shot. BW Gottschee was able to upset the defending champions in the penalty shoot out.

Korabi took second place, which is still a great accomplishment considering the record since starting this tournament in 2008 – 2008 Champions, 2009 Champions, 2010 – 2nd Place.

Congratulations Korabi!

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Metro-1

NY Eagles FC – KORABI 2-2 (0-1)

Bekim “Bek” Papraniku
Long Island, NY – December 13, 2009 – It may have been a miserable day for soccer, heavy rain, cold weather and wind, but that did not stop the “battle of the Eagles”. It was the Polish and Albanians who on this day did not allow the weather to halt play. It wasn’t pretty but Korabi dominated over 70% percent of the game and could only come up with a 2-2 draw. Korabi was missing a majority of the starting squad, had no substitutions and was playing with an injured player.

Korabi scored in the first half thanks to a shot that deflected off of the 14 year old Ilir Papraniku, who made his first Metro One Men’s Division debut. Korabi dominated this half but failed to capitalize on their opportunities.

Despite the tough defense of Korabi, the NY Eagles were able to slip two goals in the second half. With minutes to play, Korabi was able to score and pull out a draw even after outplaying their opponent in this half as well.

Until next time when the conditions are normal, Korabi will get a chance to show the Polish who are the true “Eagles” of New York.

We wish Rusty a quick recovery, he lost his voice and fell ill due to coaching in the rain.

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Metro-1

NY State “D’Arpino Cup 2009″

KORABI Bears – Oyster Bay (LISL) 1:1 (1:0)
Penalty Shots: KORABI – Oyster Bay 4:3

Staten Island, NY – December 6, 2009 – This week was a very tough task for Korabi as they faced an unbeaten Long Island Soccer League’s Oyster Bay team who had won 14 games without a loss this season.

It seemed that Korabi was up for the challenge as they played well in the first half, with plenty scoring opportunities. In the 30th minute Azmir Dzemoski headed a cross to an open Berat Islami who was in front of the net and put it away for a 1-0 lead.

Korabi continued an attacking game in the second half believing that a one goal lead may not be enough to win the game. This proved to be true as Oyster Bay scored in the 16th minute to even the score at 1-1. Both teams played well but failed to add to the score and the game ended in a tie to send the game to penalty shots.

After the coin toss Korabi took the first shot and Russo converted to make it 1-0 while goalkeeper Ozzie saved Oyster Bay’s first penalty and things looked good. Abdulla Begai, who normally takes all penalty shots during games, failed to convert and the visitors scored to even the score at 1-1 with 2 penalties each and 3 to go. Manuel and Lirim Begai scored the next two for Korabi and so did the next two Oyster Bay shooters and now it down to the last penalty shots. Albert Ruci converted on his penalty and Oyster Bay need to score to stay alive. Ozzie made a fantastic save on the final shot to give Korabi the win.

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Metro-1

KORABI – Missile FC 2-3 (1-1)
Goals: Abdulla Begai

Staten Island, NY – November 22, 2009 – Korabi has played very well in the least few games but today came out flat and dissapointed losing at home.

The visitors got on the scoreboard early taking a 1-0 lead. Korabi was frustrated, failing to capitalize on a number of defensive blunders by the visitors defense. In the final minutes of the firs half Berat Islami was taken down in the restricted area and Abdulla Begai converted the penalty to even the score at 1-1.

Korabi played better in the second half pushing forward and obviously going for the win. This proved costly as the visitors scoried twice, with 10 minutes to play, on counter attacks. At this point it was all or nothing and Korabi pushed evryone up, Abdulla Begai scored on a give and go to come within a goal but time was running out and Korabi would be denied the equalizer.

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Metro-1

NY State “D’Arpino Cup 2009″

NYPD FC – Korabi Bears 0-4
Goals: Abdulla Begai, Philipe Sala , Manuel, Alban Zekaj

Bekim “Bek” Papraniku
Queens, NY – November 15, 2009 – Someone call 911… NYPD got robbed, mugged and man-handled!

Korabi came out looking like they just watched a Barcelona match and had to imitate it. It was a game that Korabi can be proud of. Everyone on the pitch played “the beautiful game” of soccer. Korabi was passing, switching the ball, crossing the ball, one touch, two touch, give and go…doing all the right things and doing it well.

The first half opened up to 4 goals and a smile on the Coach’s face. The second half open up to a frustrated NYPD without any back-up. The referee stopped the game early due to NYPD players and coaches threatening and cursing at him.

On this day it was Korabi who was NYC “Finest”.

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Metro-1

KORABI Bears – Long Island United 2-0 (1-0)
Goals: Philipe Sala, Abdulla Begai

Bekim “Bek” Papraniku
Staten Island, NY – November 8, 2009 – On this sunny day, Korabi outshined the “steroid rage” of Long Island United.

Having played Long Island United last year and knowing that this team is full of immoral, unruly, loudmouthed so- called ” players”, Korabi came out with a game plan to play soccer and not get distracted from their antics. Korabi pressed continuously in the first half which led to a brilliant goal by Philippe Sala in a “Ronaldinho-esque” fashion.

Long Island United’s steroid rage came out in the 2nd half in full “swing”. This led to a little mayhem and resulted in red cards for a player on each side. Gladly to state, Albert Ruci’s red card was one that many of the Korabi players didn’t mind at all. Ruci came to the defense of his teammate after being innocently pummeled from behind (many thanks Ruci). Good to know that Ruci’s left hook is much better than his left foot.

Once play continued, Korabi went back to their game plan and scored on a penalty by Abdulla Begai. The entire Korabi team played “united” as Long Island tried to figure out what went wrong with their dosage.

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Metro-1

BW Gotschee – KORABI Bears 1-1 (1-0)
Goals: Berat Islami

Bekim “Bek” Papraniku
Randalls Island, NY – Nov 1, 2009 – Korabi settled for a 1-1 draw playing away at Gotschee.

Korabi was unfortunate that a careless defensive mistake in the 1st half led to a goal for their opponent.

Korabi dominated the 2nd half but missed many scoring opportunities. Berat Islami was able to put one goal away to tie the game. Berat has improved his goal scoring abilities this season and came through for the team.

 Cosmopolitan Soccer League Metro-1

KORABI Bears – Forza 7-0

Staten Island, NY – October 25, 2009 – In this bye week from CSL Korabi played a friendly with Forza of the Staten Island Spanish League fielding some Extra players, giving them an opportunity to play with the stronger Bears players.

The game was a mismatch with Korabi easily winning 7-0.