TUESDAY UPDATE: Club Still Searches For Their "Battle Of Trenton"

Gaffer Appears Prepared To Be Stern

(Morristown,NJ)- In a conservation via telephone this morning Continental Manager Dan Clayton said, "A lot of guys might not like me, but i'm trying to coach the right way."

"We have to move to a more defensive mindset, we have a team of midfielders we have to use that to our advantage and have more heart and energy than our opponent."

He went on to say fitness and possession have to improve immediately.

Randao On History

Club Co-Captain and Board Member Ryan "Randao" Deighan said, "Turns out yesterday wasn't our 'Battle of Trenton', but it's coming. The Battle Of Trenton was the turning point in the American Revolution for the underdog Continental Army and occured just before Washington's Men marched to Morristown in late 1776 for which our club is named.

Whenever we do put on a streak of good form and some positive results that will be our 'Crossing of the Deleware and Battle of Trenton'."

Bauer Expects More

In a separate phone call with last weeks' armband wearer, Russell Bauer, the Continental Board Member was quoted, "We have to be more physical!".

Vinton Prepared For Less Playing Time

Reports out of Continenal camp suggest Mark Basso may see "a lot" of time in net this spring. Ryan Vinton, former manager and current goalkeeper returning from a knee operation said...

"I'm definitely rusty out there. I'm really still missing that first step. I'm just a player doing whatever Dan (Clayton) asks me to do for him on the pitch.

My knee feels pretty good, however coming back from a year off has really affected my general fitness."

Pollock Wants To Attack

Mike Pollock, Continental Utilityman and player of just about every outfield position in his now almost year with the Continental lads was asked today, how he felt about playing all those different positions?

"I went to Manager Clayton (during the match Sunday) and asked for a few changes in my position (from defense) to a few in the midfield and a few others and we started having our best offense of the day. Coincidence? I think not."

When asked he he saw himself as a leader with the club, Pollock answered, "I really feel the team is starting to look to me as an emotional leader. I try my best to lead with my firey intensity."

Captain Makes Intentions Clear

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - Team Captain Russell Bauer received his first booking while playing his first game as full captain in Sunday's fall against Maiwand FC, amidst a match teemed to the brim with drama and tension between and among the two sides.

Bauer was booked late in the second half after charging Maiwand's spot kicker from the wall during an attempted free kick. The very same kick was previousy gifted by Bauer, who violently (and seemingly intentionally) lashed out at the legs of another Maiwand player outside the 18. Though there was no card on the foul, the subsequent act of apparently leaving the wall before the kick forced the official's hand.

The issue being discussed off the field, however, was that this action was just the culmination of a very fiesty day for the Continental captain. Most notably, Bauer appeared to engage in loud verbal arguments with his own squad on the pitch in front of the vistiting team's fans. Many have been calling the new skipper's attitude into question following his second half display.

"There was a bit of a quarrel, I admit," commented Bauer in a phone call this morning. "It was a poor example for me to set to my teammates, that's for certain. It showed a lack of professionalism and discretion. Taking it out on the other team the way I did was no more right than what happened between certain teammates and myself."

Bauer attributed his frustration towards a culmination of mistakes made by everyone, including himself, which had caused the game to slip away into the second half.

"We had stopped communicating as well on the field. I was trying to get my point across, appropriately, but the back line had just stopped clicking the way we had been during the first half. It put me on edge, and when the blood is running hot and the adrenaline is pumping, it takes a lot to keep your cool.

"Clayton and I shared some words on the sidelines after the incident and I realized he was right and I wasn't being a good leader out there. I apologized to the Manager, and later to my team for getting out of line and I feel like we're ready to move past this."

Bauer insists there are no locker room rifts between him and any players involved.

"We're just looking forward, now. To next week and the rest of the season. We want to take what we learned from this game and make ourselves a better team. I think we made a lot of positive changes in the mid-season break. And I saw a lot of it on the field. Granted, most of our starting defenders were unavailable. And we still are lacking that strong midfield presence, and we have been discussing how we can make our transition up the field better.

"My biggest concern is that we play with a little more physicality. Obviously not the physicality that I displayed late in the game, but we need to carry ourselves with more authority and defend with our bodies more, playing more shoulder-to-shoulder when challenging attackers. We need to play big."

"We play Hispano next, and we really should have beaten them the first time around. We put a bullseye on this fixture a few months back knowing what we should have accomplished previously. We wanted to start the spring with at least four points but I would be happy to see us with three come Sunday afternoon."

Continentals Fall In Spring NJSL Opener

(Morris Plains,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. fell 5-1 Sunday vs Maiwand FC in a "home" game at 1776's temporary home, Morris Plains Boro School.

The NJSL season picked up play all around North Jersey, continuing after the long winter layoff.

New Gaffer Dan Clayton fielded a side with a lot of familiar faces and a few new ones, Russell Bauer, Ryan Deighan, Mike Pollock, Tyquan Griffin, Vin Mazza, Mark Basso,Brady McDonald and Peter Luthi all played with the club in the fall and saw playing time Sunday.

Mike Cheatham, Bedo, Steve Sabo, Rob Linepinuel, Marco and Juan are all players that saw either sparse time in the fall on trial or time with the lads to integrate into the Continental System in the clubs winter indoor league and spring training.

Former Club Manager saw his return to meaningful matches as he played the first 70 minutes in the Continental net, conceding 4 goals. Mark Basso played the remainder of the game in goal after seeing time in the outfield on the wing before.

Peter Luthi scored the Morristown goal that brought them within a 2-1 scoreline of Maiwand with 10 minutes to play in the first half.

Morristown conceded 3 times in the second half and failed to convert offensively at the other end.

Notes:

-Luthi and Bauer both received yellow cards in the second half.
-Luthi's goal moves him out of a tie (and ongoing battle) with Brady McDonald for the club's all time leader.
-Bedo and Linepinuel both made their outdoor debut with the club.

Clayton Dubs Sunday "Battle of Trenton"

(Morristown,NJ)- Continental Gaffer Dan Clayton has called Sunday's match with Maiwand FC, "The Battle of Trenton", showing some knowledge for history, refrencing the comeback nature of the fight for the real life Continental Soldiers.

Continentals Need Basso Ready In Net

(Morristown,NJ)- Last Night's Training Session at Black Brook Park in Whippany reaffirmed one thing for the lowly Continentals, they need Mark Basso ready to step in at keeper.

Former club manager Ryan Vinton has shown some flashes here and there in goal since his return from knee surgery, but he appears set to take it slow and not push too hard, missing time in Sunday's friendly as well as time in training Tuesday night, not to mention at least two goals in the friendly Sunday that could only be placed squarely on his own shoulders and "rust".

Basso, who appeared ready to take his outfield player status in stride must come prepared to take back the net if need be, either because of Vinton's injury or poor form.

Vinton's comeback could be a big boost for the club, but his status in the boardroom shouldn't give him a free pass for criticism on the pitch as Basso has proved a worthy bloke manning the 18 yard box.

Spring Training Report

(Whippany,NJ)-

Notes from The Morristown 1776 AFC's Tuesday Night Training Session:

-Caretaker Manager Dan Clayton led the lads thru some light drills and scrimmages.
-Defender Mike Pollock was limited in training with stiffness in his back he has been experiencing since Sundays Friendly match.
-Keeper Ryan Vinton was also limited in training with continued soreness in his surgically repaired left knee as well as swelling in his right knee.
-Striker Peter Luthi attended his first Continental training session since the fall and was said to be "well in form".

Training Tonight(Tuesday) 8pm

The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. will hold "spring training" tonight(Tuesday) 8pm at Black Brook Park in Whippany.




View Larger Map

1776 Falls 4-2 In Scrimmage

(Morris Township,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC fell 4-2 at Frelinghuysen Middle School in Morris Township Sunday in what will be their final tuneup before the NJSL season picks back up March 29 vs Maiwand FC.

In a match that saw The Continentals fall behind 2-0 on a thru ball that failed to see a second 1776 centre back drop back and a collision leaving both keeper Ryan Vinton and Defender Mike Pollock on the ground that led to an easy score.

Morristown answered before the break on a Mike Cheatham header but quickly conceded another on a shot that slipped through Vinton's fingers for the 3-1 halftime disadvantage.

'76 quickly countered in the second with a Bedo strike to pull within 3-2 but fill in keeper Brady McDonald couldn't stop a shot to his right making the final score of 4-2.

Match Notes:

-Keeper Ryan Vinton, in his first outdoor match since August '07, left at halftime with soreness in his surgically repaired left knee, only to return for the final 15 minutes.
-Former NY/NJ Metrostar, Bedo recorded his first Continental goal.
-This was caretaker manager Dan Clayton's first match at the helm.

Saturday Training Cancelled, Friendly Match Sunday

(Morristown,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC has cancelled Saturday's (March 21) "Spring Training" session in favor of a Sunday Morning (March 22) Friendly Match.

The match kick-off time is 11am at Frelinghuysen Middle School, with a player mandatory arrival time of 10:30am.

Imagining The Clayton 4-4-2

Just a guess at what new gaffer Dan Clayton's starting lineup may look in The Morristown 1776 AFC's spring NJSL Opener aganist Maiwand FC, March 29.


---Cheatham-----McDonald-------
-----------Sabo----------------
Bebo-----------------Carvallaro
---------R. Bauer-------------
Daire--------------------Basso
------Deighan---Pollock-------
------------------------------
------------Vinton------------

Defender Hyre To Miss Spring Opener

(Morristown,NJ)- One of the four remaining "Original Continentals", Central Defender Charlie Hyre, will miss the club's first scheduled spring match vs Maiwand FC, March 29th, due to a previous personal commitment.

Hyre has played with the club since their inaugural season back in 2007, Hyre is a mainstay on the Continentals backline and will return to the club the following week, for a April 5 showdown vs Hispano FC.

Continentals Commence "Spring Training"

(Whippany,NJ)- Freshly minted caretaker gaffer Dan Clayton led the lads in their first "spring training" session in preparation for their NJSL Opener vs Maiwand FC March 29th.

The session held at the familiar Continental training ground, Black Brook Park in Whippany, walked the blokes thru basic drills and scrimmages to "kick the rust off," said Manager Clayton.

The club will hold another session tonight 8-10pm again at Black Brook.

Midfielder Bhandari Sidelined With Knee Injury

(Hanover Township,NJ)- Continental Midfielder Devin Bhandari suffered a knee injury during a workout over the winter.

Bhandari had a MRI on the knee earlier this week and is currently awaiting the results. He will most likely miss at least the beginning of the 1776 spring NJSL season.

Mennen Field Closed Until May

(Morristown,NJ)- The Continental's home pitch, Mennen Field, will be closed until late April or May.

Colgate-Palmolive, who own the property, use the field to dump snow from their parking lot over the winter. This has caused extensive damage and flooding from the snow and trucks on the turf to the field.

The field is currently to wet to begin repairs on the surface. This effects The Morristown 1776 AFC first two home matches, March 29 and April 4.

The club is currently exploring playing at their original home field Morris Plains Boro School as well as Frelinghuysen Middle School and the turf fields in Parsippany.

Playing the first month plus of the season on the road is also a possibility for the club.

Bauer Undergoes Surgery

Defender Dylan Bauer successfully underwent a surgical procedure today to repair a shoulder injury sustained in late January.

The procedure was said to be arthroscopic, lasting approximately two hours. The initial injury was a dislocation of the left shoulder resulting in tearing and fracturing a bone fragment. The surgery was performed to repair the ligament damage and remove the bone fragment.

Doctors anticipate Bauer to be out 6 to 8 weeks, but based on the relatively low invasion of the surgery and how well rehabilitation goes, that recovery time may be closer to 4 weeks. That would of course mean the left back is still likely to play a majority of the NJSL season, but for his own well-being and impending future with the United States Navy, Bauer will not rush back to the pitch.

Bauer was unavailable for comment while still recovering from this morning's procedure, but brother Russell Bauer confirmed that everything went accordingly.

"We're going to do everything to make sure Dylan comes back on the safest conditions so as not to take any risk of re-injury. We don't want to see him rush his rehab, and when he returns it will be in a limited role and his arm will be heavily supported by traction taping," said the latter Bauer, who is also the team's Sports Injury Consultant.

"From a footballing point of view, the first few weeks are going to be tough for us on the pitch as we look to fill a big hole left by this injury. Dylan is an animal at left back and we don't have a wealth of depth at that position. Some players will likely need to be moved around or play positions they aren't familiar with to fill this gap," said the captain.

Bauer tapped co-captain Randao to be a likely fill-in when asked who may start at left back come March 29.

"It will depend on who shows up to preseason, who's in what kind of form, and what Mr. Clayton ultimately decides to do."

Spring Training Update

THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF AN EMAIL SENT TO THE CLUB SENIOR TEAM PLAYER POOL, IF YOU DID NOT RECIEVE THE EMAIL PLEASE SEND YOUR REMAIL TO CLUB@MORRISTOWN1776.ORG

To All 1776 NJSL Players:

Spring is in the air, and that means the second half of our NJSL season is kicking off in only 13 days, if you can believe it. Our first match is scheduled for the 29 of March at our home pitch at Mennen, but we have much to do in little time if we want to see our season turn around. We have big plans for the spring, with club captain Dan Clayton taking the reigns as caretaker-manager while he sits out with a long-term injury, and Manager Ryan Vinton makes his triumphant outdoor return between the posts as new first-choice goalkeeper following a long-term injury layoff.



Our objective in the next two weeks is to shake off some of the footballing rust many of us have accumulated and maybe burn off some of the beer and junk food. We want to keep the chemistry going that we established in Indoor and bring the winter’s inactive players back into the fold.



Over the next two weeks, practices will be held Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Friday night (based on availability or if one of the first three nights has poor attendance) at 9:00 PM at Blackbrook Park in Whippany. If you do not know the location, please respond in an email or just google it, it isn’t hard to find. Saturday the 21 will be an afternoon practice, time and location will be confirmed later this week.



A few key things:



50% OF PRACTICES MUST BE ATTENDED THIS WEEK FOR A CHANCE AT SIGNIFICANT PLAYING TIME AT THE SEASON’S START. We need to know who is fit and who’s putting the time and effort in at this stage of our season. We would hope to see everyone’s face in at least ONE practice minimum this week; we understand it is on short notice. (Obviously if we have 5 practices then it’s only 40% minimum) Guys who are injured or out-of-state, this does not apply.


All players MUST confirm days they will be attending in an email or by phone. Please don’t leave us guessing on attendance each night. It’s not fair for the guys who make the trip to go to a practice with only three or four players.


The weeknight practices are hard ground, so trainers or indoor shoes are necessary. Don’t bring cleats. Saturday will be on grass.


Come ready to run. We need to get some fitness work in to get everyone ready for a competitive spring season.


Warm-ups will start sharply at 9:00 to try and get as much time in as possible without running too late.


$25 playing fee is due by next week for returning players. Unregistered players must submit all dues before the season starts and must have completed the registration form (available at northjerseysoccerleague.com or go to our website, www.mt76.org,) and have provided a photocopy of a social security card and a picture.


Player contracts and liability waivers must be submitted before kickoff of our first game. You will receive them later this week.


Please try to respond with your availability ASAP. We look forward to seeing you on these cool winter nights as we try to get ready to take the NJSL by storm.



Thanks all.


--
The Morristown 1776 Association Football Club

Morristown1776.org
Club@Morristown1776.org
PO Box 1022, Morristown, NJ 07962
(862)579-2652

Clayton Brings Much Needed New Ideas To Continental Park

(Morristown,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC introduced their new caretaker manager, Dan "Red" Clayton yesterday to media gathering, albeit smaller than the news congregation gathering for Bernie Maddoff this morning outside a courthouse.

Clayton has played with the club for a year now and hasn't stayed out of the Continental headlines for a single week of his stay. He burst on to the scene in Spring Training for last summer's MCSSA season, a forward by trade when he arrived and utilized as such by then manager Claudio Cristao, when Ryan Vinton took the job early in the MCSSA campaign he soon moved Clayton to central defender, to fill a nagging weakness at the back.

Clayton mostly played on the defense for the remainder of the summer, although he became one of Vinton's favorite weapons also recording 2 goals when he was utilized getting forward in attack.

Sonn after the final MCSSA match club founder Randao handed him the clubs captain's armband.

In the fall Clayton played for the National #3 Community College at County College of Morris, there he played at a-mid and forward. He also first picked up his nagging leg injury, and was limited in playing for the Continentals in the fall NJSL campaign.

Dan returned with a storm to the 1776 lineup card in their Winter Indoor Matches, netting 4 goals and adding 2 assists before he hit the injury wall just as former manager Ryan Vinton returned from his.

With the exchange of Clayton and Vinton's injury status it made perfect sense to the board of directors and for Vinton to resign as manger and return to field as Clayton now has to take most or all of the spring off from playing he was named as caretaker manager.

Clayton has stated him will switch the team to a defensive 4-4-2, diamond midfield formation with outside mids playing as high wings in at attack , and it still seems embrace Vinton's Total Football stating "I think everybody should know how to play every position and be able to."

Clayton has taken to drawing up gameplans and playbooks and will soon get copies made and sent out to the lads.

Can this new regime lead the Continentals out of the abyss?

Press Conference: Clayton Named Manager

Reports:Board Taps Clayton As Manager

(Morristown,NJ)- Sources close to The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. are reporting tonight that the club's Board of Directors has chosen club captain Dan Clayton to replace the recently resigned Ryan Vinton.

According to a board member who did not what his name used, "The board decided on Clayton after his injury, Vinton preferred to step down to focus on his responsibilities as Chairman as well as his return as player."

He went on to say, "This all happened pretty quick, between Monday night and Tuesday morning, the vote was unanimous."

The only board member to go on the record today, other than Vinton's prepared statement at his news conference was Ryan Deighan, who had the following to say about Vinton's tenure.
"Manager Ryan Vinton had many good attributes he used during his Continental managerial career, he also always had a Red Bull."

Clayton was in the news earlier this week after allegations came about that he could miss the entire spring campaign. The combination of Clayton being unavailable to play along with Vinton returning to the pitch allegedly led to the switch at the club.

The club has refused to officially comment on Vinton's replacement releasing only this statement, " Ryan Vinton served the club well as manager, we understand that he saw a conflict of interest as he attempts a return after almost two years to playing. He will still be very influential at the club as our chairman."

The club has scheduled a news conference for 3pm tomorrow to name Vinton's replacement. It will be broadcast live on MT76TV at www.mt76.org.

Press Conference:VINTON RESIGNS AS MANAGER

Good Afternoon and Thank You.

By now I believe most of you are aware of the reasons for this afternoon's press conference, but I want you to know this is not a sad day for myself or the club rather a gay event.

Three years ago when Ryan (Deighan) and myself founded this club we did so with the intention of playing and this most recent turn of events has stemmed from my return from injury and back to the pitch as a player for The Morristown 1776.

At this time I am in fact resigning from my position as manager of The Morristown 1776 AFC, I will remain on as Chairman of the Board and will continue my hard work to return as a player for the club.

I would like to thank the board and the clubs members for all the support I have been offered as manager over the last year. (pause)

Without you all none of what we did achieve, however meager, would not have been possible.

Last June I started my managerial career with this club with a record of 2-2, that second win in Wayne last June still stands as the last on field victory this club has achieved. The time since then has been changeling and unpleasant at times for both the club and myself. This club has certainly experienced its fair share of adversity since June but we are still standing and going forward.

Todays events have been rumored for some time now, in my defence I have always stated when I thought their was someone more qualified and dedicated for the position of manager I would step down. Well I believe today is that day.

We have always said it would be better if our manager was not in our active playing pool to preserve a more neutral point of view. So now I am making it my goal to return to the playing field.

I am not going to take any questions but the club will be holding a press conference at 3pm tomorrow to name the new manager.

Thank You.

-Ryan Vinton
Chairman Of The Board

Reports: Vinton To Resign As Manager

(Morristown,NJ)- Sources close to The Morristown 1776 AFC seem to indicate current Continental Chairman and Manager Ryan Vinton's resignation as manager is imminent.

These reports come after months of speculation concerning Manager Vinton's job security and after injury reports concerning 1776 captain Dan Clayton who has emerged as a likely successor.

The Club, Vinton and Clayton as well as board members Russell Bauer and Ryan Deighan all did not return calls or emails on the subject.

Captain Clayton Tears Ligament In Leg?

(Morristown,NJ)- Sources within The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. are reporting Continental captain Dan Clayton could miss the entire spring NJSL season with torn ligaments in his left leg.

When reached for comment club manager Ryan Vinton said, "Dan's been battling this injury since the fall, maybe longer. It's most likely best that we get this taken care of once and for all for both Dan and the clubs sake. He's scheduled to visit the doctor Friday, we'll take it from there."

Reports: Clayton Out 3-8 Weeks

(Hope,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC captain Dan "Red" Clayton could miss between 3-8 weeks according to various reports.

Clayton, who has battled a left leg injury since the fall has reportedly either torn ligament or the muscle itself. Clayton is scheduled to see a specialist Friday to determine the best course of action.

Cheatham Denies Crystal Palace Rumour, Reaffirms Commitment to MT76

(Morristown,NJ)- After almost a month of rabid on again off again speculation concerning The Morristown 1776 AFC midfielder, Mike "Boo Boo" Cheatham and a potential trial with London based Coca-Cola Championship side Crystal Palace FC that seemed to place the wingers Continental spring in question, Cheatham released a statement through the club that seems fit to ensure he will stay with the club until at least the fall.

"After just a short time with MT76 i have made a huge decision that I will not take my game as a joke and that i will put everything i have into the club, so that we make progress as a team. At this time the thought of playing pro hasn't crossed my mind for a minute.

I just want to clear up the news on the Crystal Palace tryout and to let everyone know that it is not my concern as of right now. I will continue to train hard and set my mind on this spring season playing wing for the 1776!

After that i will talk things over with Manager Ryan Vinton and will discuss my future and plans on going pro."

This comes as good news to Continental supporters who feared the rebuilding club might lose one of their most promising new faces.

Continental Lads Split Over Celebrity Marriage

When the news broke that Tom Brady and Giselle Bundchen decided to get married on February 26, 2009, members of Morristown 1776 allegedly shot phone calls and text messages back and forth... each one more opinionated than the next.

When asked to comment about the celebrity marriage, Continental member Dylan Bauer responded "I didn't know they even got married"... Interesting comment, seeing as the team is reportedly on the rocks over this dramatic event.

We asked Continental newcomer Steve Sabo how he felt about Tom and Giselle tying the knot. Here's what he had to say:

"Tom Brady? Oh, that's cool, I guess. It's news to me, but good for them."

Interestingly enough, all of the Continentals acted like they had no clue that Mr. and Mrs. Brady had even been engaged. "I mean, I knew they had been dating," said Brian Daire, who has recently been linked to Nottingham Forest,"but I had no idea they intended to get married... This is not cool, totally not cool."

Finally we got Brian Daire to show some discust in these recent revelations, but as previously rumored, the lads did not seem distraught over the marriage. We talked to Randao about the mental state of the club... "Yeah, everybobdy is doing fine, except Dan "Red" Clayton. No one else has even mentioned anything about Tom Brady and Giselle to me.. But Red called me the other day, and he said he was in his attic or something. It sounded like he was petting a cat, but perhaps a little to hard from the aweful moans and hissing in the background. He was audibly upset, but I wished him the best and haven't heard from him since."

We tried to reach Clayton for comment, but he would not respond to email or voicemail. We heard his cat just passed away, but he has a new kitten, which he lovingly named "Giselle".

Reports: Cheatham Eyes Crystal Palace Trial

(South Norwood,London,England)- Rumours swirling around Continentals camp seem to indicate it is likely club midfielder Mike Cheatham is likely to head across the pond to trial with members of the Coca Cola Championship, Crystal Palace FC.

1776 To Try to March In St Patricks Day Parade

The Continentals will attempt to enter the Morristown St. Patrick's Day Parade to be held in Morristown on Sat March 14 at noon. Sources say the club has acquired a drummer for the event.

Continentals Show Grit But Fall In Indoor Finale

(Randolph,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC fell to Alliance FC 3-2 at Indoor Sports Pavillion in Randolph Thursday Night.

The Continentals went down first after Mark Basso failed to convert two early scoring chances on 2 goals within 2 minutes that beat Morristown keeper Ryan Vinton at the 39 and 38 minute mark respectfully.

The Continentals soon returned the favor with Russell Bauer striking twice within the span of a minute to notch the scoreboard at 2-2 with a full 29 minutes to play.

Alliance dressed in all black, launched the fatal strike on a thru ball behind the Continental defence in a clear offside position (their is no offside rule at I.S.P. Indoor League) that beat manager Ryan Vinton in his first full game in almost 2 years in the net.

Brian Daire and Ryan Vinton both recieved yellows in the waining minutes but the clubs hustle failed to net one of thier many late chances.

BREAKING NEWS: Clayton Responds To Suspension

(Hope,NJ)- Continental captain Dan Clayton has responded to the reports of his one game suspension tonight.

"I feel betrayed by the club.... i didn't know there would be knitpicking like this in this economic climate. I guess instead of bleeding the colors of crimson and white, the board is only bleeding green,"

Clayton went on to say "a warrior isn't a banker." and that he'd most likely spend game time "at the tavern".

It should be noted Clayton is one of the clubs 4 members of its board of directors with Russell Bauer,Ryan Vinton and Ryan Deighan. Clayton's suspension was issued by a board, which requires 3 of the 4 members to pass a board vote.

Could their be a rift developing in the Continentals board or his this Irish just stereotypically drunk and rambling. Expect more to follow on this soon.

Match Preview: Randao Stautus Updated To Probable

(Morristown,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC co-captain and assistant manager Randao has been upgraded from doubtful to probable with an ankle injury for tonight's match v. Alliance FC. This comes as good news as the club will reportedly be without the services of Dan Clayton, Mike Cheatham and Moe Ali all serving a one game club suspension.

Morristown takes on Alliance FC at 11pm, Indoor Sports Pavillion in Randolph. The match is a friendly and the the clubs final indoor match before continuing their NJSL season at the end of this month.

Vinton To Get Start as Keeper?

Some reports seem to indicate long injured former first choice 1776 keeper and current manager Ryan Vinton will get his first start since returning for ACL/MCL surgery on his left knee tonight as the clubs goalkeeper.

Vinton had been playing sweeper for the last month since his return but filled in for current first choice Mark Basso in garbage time last week to rave reviews from Continental supporters. Manager Vinton has only utilized himself in a substitute role since his return from injury.

Sources also indicate manager Vinton is keen on Basso's creativity as an outfield player, expect to see him in the midfield tonight. Basso scored the club's only goal last week after Vinton had taken over goalkeeper responsibilities from him.

Reports: Club Suspends 3 For Tonights Match

(Morristown,NJ)- Reports out of Continental camp report the club has suspended captain Dan Clayton, Mike Cheatham and Bebo for tonights indoor match for a unspecified violation of team rules.

MT76TV News Flash (March 5,2009)

Reports: Randao Staus In Question With Ankle Injury

(Morris Plains,NJ)- Morristown 1776 Assistant Manager Randao's playing status for Thursdays indoor friendly is now in question after a reported training injury sustained today.

Randao said he, "tweaked it pretty bad."

Sabo Officially Joins Club

(Morristown,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 AFC has agreed to terms with former Hofstra University Club Midfielder/Wing Steve Sabo.

Sabo had played with the club in 2 games last fall on a short term loan from the Long Island Side, he now joins Morristown on a full time basis.

Club manager Ryan Vinton said, "Steve brings a lot of creativity to the table, he's a player we've had an eye on for quite some time, it's good to have him aboard."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pollock Wins Club Poker Fundraiser

(Florham Park,NJ)- Club Midfielder Mike Pollock won the club's first ever poker fundraiser Friday night.

Playing with borrowed cash for the buy-in, Pollock quickly flipped his money as he held a significant chip advantage most of the tournament. Ryan Deighan and Brady McDonald made up the last three at the final table.

The fundraiser was also a success from the clubs point of view as they raised over $300 on the night, the 50/50 poker pot in combination with $2 beer and shots as well as a FIFA 09 Tourney held later in the night all contributed to the take.

The club plans to hold a similar event next month with FIFA 09 and a Billards Tournament taking the place of poker.