One word can describe most of the teams in our league this morning... Terrified. After learning that FC Partizani got their first point of the season, opponents are scrambling to strengthen their sides. An astonishing 5-5 draw enabled the Red Emus to hold on to the last spot in the standings with a full point and some goals scored.

It wasn’t an easy triumph though. Coach Arapi had many headaches as usual while coming up with the starting 11. Thibault was preparing for the Winter Olympics, Mirel had to study for his upcoming driving test, Joni was injured with a pimple in his forehead and Robi had a last minute business meeting.

Danny was again on goal and sharper than ever, while Kirk and John made up the central defensive duo. Pirrosi was pretty in midfield while Eldo Mebuksevic helped out with his great personality. Partizani had a great start, scoring immediately after some pressure from Tobi Obi and an assist by Joni (pronounced Younee, not to be confused with Johnny), which resulted in an own goal from Gotham Argo. That kicked off the celebrations for Partizani and the scoring for Gotham.

Once the Reds were done with their festivities, the score was 4-1 for the visitors. Tobi Obi made it 4-2, but Gotham answered right away and the 1^st half ended with a 5-2 deficit, thanks in part to the one sided referee who apparently still holds a grudge from a month ago when Gazi refused to give him a bite from his taco.

Coach Arapi gave an inspirational speech at halftime which seemed to be just what the team needed. He pointed out what all the mistakes that put us in a 3 goal hole, but didn’t come up with any suggestions on how to get out of it. Murray wasn’t focused on the game though. He was spotted begging Danny for a homemade yogurt recipe.

Nonetheless FC Partizani came out charging. Danny seemed full of confidence in goal and kept a clean sheet in the second half. An untied shoelace was apparently to be blamed for the poor showing in the first 45 minutes. Gazi tapped in the 3^rd goal, Johnny added a fourth and then Gazi again scored his second of the night to tie the game at 5-5. Euan also helped out in midfield, dishing out career ending tackles.

Then came the perfect moment for a Hollywood ending that even Murray the film director couldn’t have scripted better. Last second of injury time, the star of the team Pirrosi with the ball on his feet, one on one with the goalkeeper. Shot… right at his stomach. No worries though, it was pretty soft and it didn’t cause any injuries.

Our next practice session will be this Friday (December 9th) at 7:30 PM at Randall's Island, Field #10 (next to Icahn Stadium). Please check the Randall's Island website for maps and directions at http://randallsisland.org/maps-directions/ or Google Maps.

FC Partizani NY will take on Central Park Rangers Black once again this Sunday, December 4th. The game will be replayed after the first encounter was stopped at halftime when Partizani was leading 1-0 thanks to a Pirrosi goal. That goal doesn't count now and Pirrosi will be looking to break his non-scoring streak once again.

The game will take place in Randall's Island, Field #10 at 5:00PM. Please be there before 3:30PM or contact us to let us know if you can not make it. Please check the Randall's Island website for maps and directions at http://randallsisland.org/maps-directions/ or Google Maps.

Our next practice session will be this Thursday (December 1) at 8:00 PM at Randall's Island, Field #10 (next to Icahn Stadium). Please check the Randall's Island website for maps and directions at http://randallsisland.org/maps-directions/ or Google Maps.