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NJ Rangers FC
2009 PDL Northeast Division
Rangers Rally Past Westchester
Ciklic scores two to lead Rangers to second win of season
Marko Ciklic netted two goals on Saturday to lead the Rangers to a 2-1 win over the Westchester Flames at Morris Catholic High School. The Seton Hall University striker took a pass from Pino Tubito in front of the Flames net and Ciklic slotted home to put the home side up with just 17 min to go.
The visitors took the lead early in the game on a
goal by John Niyonsaba. A miscommunication in
the Rangers defense released Niyonsaba whose
low shot eluded starting keeper John Weber.
“That stunned us for sure. It was the first time
they were in our end and the first shot goes in,
it was like, here we go again.”, commented
Head Coach Andy Rotsides. “It took us a few
minuets to right our selves and we began to #23 Marko Ciklic
create some good chances.”
Ciklic leveled the game at the 25 min. mark when he took a lead pass from Erik Vendola and beat the Westchester keeper with high shot into the upper corner. “That was a big goal for us. We needed to get back in the game and he did what we needed.”, added Rotsides.
The game was even for the rest of the way as both teams saw their fair share of chances. Zach Carr took over in the Rangers net in the second half and came up with some key saves to keep the game even before Ciklic netted his second of the game.
The Rangers were reduced to ten men in the 80th min. when Seton Hall midfielder Tony Domiguez was shown the red card for a hard tackle. Domiguez was making his PDL debut for the Rangers and played a strong game in the middle of the field. “Tony plays with a tremendous amout of passion and heart, sometimes these things happen. It looks like it will be a two game suspension for the straight red but we like what we see from Tony and we look for more from him before the season is done.”
Borrajo finding success in the Pro Ranks of USL-2
Former Ranger defender leads Real Maryland in playing time
The PDL has been the jumping off point
for many current professional players.
Clifton resident John Borrajo joined the
Rangers last summer in hopes of getting
that chance. After trying out all winter for
various pro teams in the region, Borrajo
found a home at Real Maryland
Monarchs of the USL 2 professional
league. "I can't thank the Rangers
organization enough and the hard work
the coaching staff put in throughout last
year and up until now." said Borrajo.
"The experience I gained last year playing
with the Rangers in the PDL certainly gave
me the confidence to compete where I am now. There is no doubt in my mind that more players from the program will have the same chance I was given."
Borrajo has started and played in all 11 games of the Monarchs this season and leads the team in min played with 990. "When John told me that he would be leaving it was bitter sweet. We knew we were going to miss him and his leadership but the whole point of this level is to move players up the chain and to see him doing well is great for him and for us." commented General Manager Aaron Balber.
Maryland currently sits in 5th place in the USL second division just 7 points out of the top spot. The Monarchs are still alive in the US Open Cup and take on Rangers PDL rival Ocean City Barons on Tuesday night. The winner of that game earn the right to take on DC United of the MLS in the next round.
