Thursday, February 26, 2009

Match Preview: Clayton gametime decision with injury.

(Hope, NJ)
-Continental’s captain Dan Clayton will be a game time decision this evening with is what is described as a severe strain on the left groin muscle. He has been battling this injury since his two goal outburst several weeks ago. When asked for comment he said in a statement via e-mail that he did not think the injury was as severe as what it is now. He missed training last night to “rest his body and soul”

He also said in conflicting reports that the injury he sustained was not from playing with the County college of Morris soccer team but however, “a lack of fitness “.


We asked current manager Ryan Vinton’s thoughts on the situation:

“Were going to let him warm up tonight and see how he feels” he said “I’m going to get an honest answer out of him. I know he loves to play, but I don’t care if I have to tazer him, if he is still experiencing pain, he’s going to sit. The kid gives me a lot, but with us out of the playoffs there’s no reason to be injured and useless for meaningful games in the spring.”

In his absence from playing, Clayton has been sharpening his tactical awareness by taking control of some formation shifts and substitutions. In last week’s defeat, it seemed like the continentals were playing with a fire not seen since the summer, some supporters have stated. Clayton also stated that “he is in no way trying to take Vinton’s job” as rumors from the board stated Vinton would be fired soon. Clayton also told us “When my playing career is over, I wish to coach and give back everything I have learned to the lads. If we expand to a junior division or a women’s division, I’d give a shot at coaching .”

If Clayton cannot go tonight, Russ Bauer will take captainship and lead an inspired squad with Mike “boo boo” Cheatam and Randao` both coming off subpar games with injuries and illness respectively. Ryan Vinton coming off a good comeback game will look to anchor the defense with Mike Pollock and Dylan Bauer. With an unlucky ringing of the bell, the midfield attack of Brady Macdonald, Mo, and depending on who has the hot hand, Marco or Mark Basso in the midfield and Goal.
Improvement is expected tonight.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Transfer Speculation Amid Economic Turmoil


Despite the current overwhelming lack of funds, heavy rumors have come out of Continental Park in the past week concerning the transfer of winger Steve Sabo.

Sabo, known as the Blond Bomber of Hempstead, is currently in question on his immediate future with current club Hofstra FC. The Pride club has gone through its own turmoil recently, and there's a chance the Colonia, NJ, native may be on his way out of Long Island.

The German/Portuguese attacker was a regular for East Florham United before the club disbanded and has been plying his trade for the Long Island school's club since 2007. Sabo made a brief loan during the late Fall of 2008 with Morristown 1776 following the end of his competitive fall season.

There has been some criticism about bringing in an attacking player at a time when the defense has been conceding goals left and right.

"We don't know if it's definite, that's between him and our management," said Russell Bauer, who captained EFU while Sabo played there. "I do know that we've been addressing some changes in the defense, including my own role on the team, and the best way to defend in football is to defend a lead. Goals, both scoring and conceding, have not been kind to us lately."

Bauer insists his future is not in doubt despite the club's financial situation.

"The club is family to me and family works through the hardships. The Board has been nothing but wonderful to me since my arrival and I know they'll find a way to get through this troubling time. I will just do my part on the pitch and that will be that."

Monday, February 23, 2009

Emergency Fundraiser Friday

Poker Tournament, texas hold em, 50/50 pot, tavern off the green, this friday, 10pm, 20 buy in.

Global Economic Crisis Afflicts Club

(Morristown, NJ)- The current Global Financial Crisis that is currently engulfing much of the industrialized world seems to have arrived at Continental Park. The club has announced an emergency fundraiser to be held this Friday at "The Tavern", this has led many to speculate the club is in a serious financial crunch.

Club chairman and manager Ryan Vinton, almost never short for a quote refused to comment on the subject via text message today, only furthering the speculation amongst Continental supporters.

A source close to the club did comment on the matter however saying simply, "It's bad, bad like the club might not survive to the spring season, but plans are in place, I'd bet on the club being alright."

Board member Ryan Deighan added,"We wrote Congress asking for a share in the stimulus package, they have yet to respond."

A club spokesperson released this statement, "The club's finances as well as on field performance are not where we would like them, that's why we are recruiting hard and holding the first big fundrasier in club history Friday."

One things for sure, if the clubs finances are as poor as the on the pitch performances have been recently, 1776 could be in real trouble.

From the mood and manner of many high ranking 1776 officials, Fridays Fundraiser appears to possibly be make or break for the club according to some with insider knowledge of the situation.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Poker Tournament Fundraiser

friday 10pm tavern.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

1776 Eliminated From ISP Playoffs

(Randolph,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C.'s quest for an unlikely unset of top seeded Pink Tacos FC fell short Thursday Night at Indoor Sports Pavilion in Randolph.

"We showed more heart than usual but were outclassed by the better team tonight," said club manager Ryan Vinton after the match.

Vinton pulled the trigger on some tough decisions before the match opting to start youngster Marco Carvallaro in the net over established first choice keeper Mark Basso. He also handed the substitution calling responsibility for the match to club captain Dan Clayton, missing the match with a injured quad, to help facilitate Vinton's return to the pitch (Vinton played almost half the match as a defender).

Longtime Continental defender Ryan Deighan continued to be utilized more and more in the midfield and Russell Bauer began looking more comfortable on the backline.

Basso played his first full match as an outfield player and Vinton cited his field ability as the reason for the change in net.

The Continentals lost the match 4-0 but had their share of chances to net. The loss means Morristown is eliminated for the I.S.P. playoffs but will still play two more indoor matches as they continue in preparation for the NJSL spring season.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Reports: Clayton To Miss Thursdays Playoff Match With Injury

(Bumblef***, NJ)- Sources close to the club report The Morristown 1776 captain Dan Clayton will miss Thursdays playoff match v. Tacos FC with a relapse of his plaging groin problems.

Clayton originally injured his leg playing for the County College of Morris Team this fall and has been afflicted on and off with the ailment ever since.

Continentals Rematch Tacos FC in Playoffs Thursday

(Morristown, NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. held training earlier tonight in preparation for their I.S.P. Playoff match with Tacos FC, Thursday at 11pm at Indoor Sports Pavilion in Randolph.

The Continentals faced Taco FC just 2 weeks ago in the regular season. Morristown trailed only 1-0 with 12 minutes to play vs the group winner, in I.S.P.'s 50 minute match format, but Tacos found a barrage of late tallies to take the match 5-0.

1776 enters the fixture as a clear underdog with a lot to prove in these final tune ups before the NJSL Spring season.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Vinton Returns To Pitch But Morristown Falls 3-1

(Randolph, NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC fell to FTF 3-1 at Indoor Sports Pavilion in Randolph Thursday night. The Continentals went down 2-0 but a Michael Cheatham goal brought them within 1 with a full 15 minutes to play.

Morristown controlled possession most of the match and weren't short on scoring chances but continuously failed to convert chances into goals.

Manager Ryan Vinton made his long awaited return to pitch, after ACL and MCL surgery last spring, playing mostly in a sweeper role to positive reviews. With rumors swirling about Vinton's future as club manager his return as a player only complicates those matters.

The loss means Morristown misses out on the Indoor Sports Pavilion playoffs, they next play in a consolation match next week time and opponent TBA.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Bauer Keen on Chase Speculation

Rumors have been circulating around Continental Park this week of a reunion of Morristown 1776 with former midfield standout David Chase. Though there is no official report, Vice Captain Russ Bauer had nothing but great things to say about the idea.

"I played against him during the 1776 inaugural season while I was captaining EFU and I was impressed with his vision and commanding presence on the pitch. He is the ultimate team player and that essential 'engine room' in a midfield which we sorely lack, the kind of guy who can distribute and build up an attack and drive our boys forward."

"I never had the privilege to play alongside the guy but I relish the idea of partnering up with a player of his class in the midfield."

Bauer thinks that having a player to help in the transition from defense to attack will help the team focus more on tactics and less on the speedy counterattack.

"I feel that playing with someone in the midfield like David would really make me elevate my own game a great degree. I would be able to work harder as a defensive midfielder while he could distribute the ball on the attack."

Indeed, the mouth-watering prospect of a midfield duo of Bauer and Chase seems almost too good to be true. Only time will tell if Morristown 1776 can lure the former Continental back, but it can be certain that players and fans alike will be paying close attention to the next month's headlines.

Injury Report for 2/12

Defender Dylan Bauer will be Questionable for Thursday's fixture against FTF due to a shoulder subluxation suffered at a Navy SEALs workout. Bauer was questionable for last week's match against Tacos but played anyway, aggravating his shoulder injury. As a precaution he intends to sit this week out and is set to begin rehab next week.

Midfielder Michael Pollock is Probable. Pollock suffered an acute second-degree hamstring strain in November and has been playing through it and should continue to do so while he works on rehab in between matches. No word on Pollock's bruised pride, however, after images surfaced of the star midfielder wearing a dress. Pollock's mental status remains, as always, Questionable.

Following his post-match tantrum, Brian Daire is expected to play following alleged reports of an aneurysm. Doctors confirmed that, despite appearing "redder than usual" following the match, Daire is in perfect physiological condition and should ply his trade on the pitch just like any other week.

Marco Cavallaro and Russell Bauer both played through bouts of respiratory infections last week and are both Probable for Thursday.

Manager and former goalkeeper Ryan Vinton rounds off this week's list once again on the IR with no certain timeframe for return.

Monday, February 9, 2009

DOWNLOAD CLUB TOOLBAR!!

(Morristown,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC has a fundraising effort for the club. It is a small internet search tool or "toolbar" you download and put at the top of your browser.

This club toolbar, a partnership between the club and a fundraising company called BenefitBar will allow the club to raise money, up to 10 cents per search, every time you perform a simple internet search.

Show your Morristown 1776 pride and help support a good cause, as well as making your searches easier with a Yahoo search right on your browser header.

Click Here For More Info

Sunday, February 8, 2009

David Chase Returns?


(Morristown,NJ)- A source from within The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. reports the club has had contact with former 2007 Alexander Hamilton Trophy winner and former Continental standout, David Chase about a spring return to the club.

Chase, the former standout at Providence and Monmouth University, who has been away from the sport for almost 2 years is the co-owner of NOS Street Proformance and still lists soccer as his hobby, according to Chase's Facebook page.

Chase is widely regarded among Continental supporters as the greatest player ever to don a Morristown kit.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

MT76TV Now On The Air

 


(Morristown,NJ)- MT76TV is now on the air and streaming live on The Morristown 1776 AFC's Official Website, www.mt76.org.

The Morristown 1776 AFC is a non-profit soccer club based in Morristown,NJ.

MT76TV is the club's internet televison channel which will feature Recap shows and special programs from the club, match highlights, interviews, press conferences and much more. In the future the club hopes to offer live broadcasts of matches.
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Friday, February 6, 2009

Concerns On Griffin's Fitness "Unjustified"


Tyquan Griffin plans on holding a press conference within the next couple of days. However, he has eased some tensions by releasing a few statements concerning his fitness.

"I have been working out, and working hard," said Griffin, the Continental defender. "I have been hitting the weight room and even doing pilates." Tyquan Griffin's statements came just days after a source from within the organization claimed that Griffins future with the club had become blurry.

Griffin squashed those claims today, claiming, "I will be bigger, faster and stronger. My name is Tyquan Griffin, but Continental supporters will soon know me as QuietStorm. Rumors about my future with the club have been unjustified and unfair. My commitment to Morristown 1776 should be unquestioned, but I guess I will have to prove it in the Spring."

Stay tuned to MT76 for more details...

Daire Reportely Turns Down Nottingham Bid!


According to sources close to Morristown 1776, defender Brian Daire turned down a bid reportedly worth $506,000 (USD) offered this morning by English side Nottingham Forest. Forest currently sits just three points out of the relegation zone in England's Coca Cola Championship.

When asked about the transfer rumor, Daire said, "Yes, Nottingham Forest did reach out to me earlier today... Listen, I love playing for the Continentals. I love America. God Bless America." Daire went on to sing the U.S. national anthem before saying,"Forest presented a great opportunity for me to play overseas, however, they are a team that is close to relegation, whereas Morristown 1776 cannot get relegated any further... Plus all of my family and friends are here in America!".

Whether or not Nottingham Forest will continue to pursue Daire will be a story that will have to wait until the next transfer window.

Stay tuned to MT76TV for more news and further details.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Clayton Transfer Rumors?

After a few weeks where it looked like the Continetals were getting out of their 0 for 2009 slump, the lads have backpedaled. Rumors out of Continetal camp is that the board wants some changes. This could mean Manager Ryan Vinton's head but a close source to the team that captain Dan Clayton is most unhappy. Supporters close to the end of the game saw Clayton unsportsmanlike blast the ball into two Taco defenders with the game winding down and out of reach, this reporter tried to get a quick word from him after the latest 5-0 trouncing by the Tacos football club; However, we could not get close because he threw and angry fit, throwing watter bottles and punching every wall that was close. We spoke to assistant manager Ryan Deighan to get some idea on what was going on.

" As you can see we took a hard loss tonight. Clayton is one for not losing and he hates, like everyone else losing. Speaking with the medical staff tonight he was playing with blood blisters all on his right foot, he re injured his groin and his gluteus minimus"

" The kids a warror out there, and he was very upset about the loss" Deighan said


This reporter has learned though the board is very upset at the streak of tantrums and injuries he is sustaining and with the transfer window open, many things could happen due to the fact that the New Jersey Rangers u-23 team is looking to pick him up and also cross division rivals Blairstown United from the MCSSA are also exploring interest in the lad.


We finally got a hold of Clayton via satelite and he had this to say about tonight's game and the rumors flying around:


"You damn right I'm upset tonight I'm (expletive) pissed off to tell you the truth, coach Vinton nailed it in the press conference, I take most of that blame because I wear the 'C' and it puts a bulls eye on my back. Right now, I'm very very upset that some guys aren't performing to their potential"


As of the trade rumors what do you have to say about it?

" I really don't know. There's a lot of good teams out there and I'm flattered they may express interest in me but i signed a contract to play for the Continetals, and right now I'm just so (expletive) upset I don't know what to think, we need a change soon thats for sure. As long as im here and can play I'm going to do whatever I can to win. I got alittle banged up but some rest and ice we'll see what happens.


The Continetals Playoff chances are very slim to not in this indoor season, many kinks need to be sorted out before the spring section of the NJSL season begins, will this be the end for Clayton? or are different moves going to be made, time will tell, stay tuned.