Continetials face a Blizzard of Obscurity

-Morristown Nj,

       The future of Morristown 1776 AFC is up in the air. After four years of sub-par play and only one playoff appearance, many of the team's stars have moved on. David Chase, the team's all time leading scorer abruptly left the team in mid-season last summer due to disputes with management. "darkness" Tyquan Griffin has hung up his kit for a promising Hip-Hop career, and all time appearances leader Randao' has reportedly decided to retire.

            Player/Manager Dan Clayton has officially resigned the title of manager, His playing status remains uncertain. Ryan Vinton has re-assumed the Caretaker position. If the Continetials look to survive the winter, some things are needed:


- A non-playing coach
- Proven goal scorer
- Depth at Goalkeeper
- Speed in the back line
- Center Holding midfielder

  The board of directors are scheduled to have meetings in the next few days, More will be revealed then, stay tuned.

BREAKING NEWS : Clayton Signs With Sportsfriends

Wayne Nj-
Current Manager and captain Dan Clayton has been loaned out to NJSL rival Sportsfriends in what supporters are only saying as shocking. News out of continental camp are also at a loss for words. Club president Ryan Vinton and assistant coach Russel Bauer could not be reached for comment. We caught up with Clayton to get a statement and this is what he had to a say;

" No this is not an April fools joke. I was approached by the club for quite some time. At this point of season, In Morristown we are starting to start to get organised and in Wayne they are playing competitive Football. Its close to me and this deal is only on a short term loan so I will be back better than ever come this summer"

More to come soon

Shorthanded Contientals "bend" to RD Benders

(Paramus)NJ- As Day Broke the Continental lads were ready to avenge a 9-0 defeat when a then nine man squad played RD Benders on October 26th; However one minor detail was missed, half of the expected roster was not there.

Instead of suffering an embarrassing forfeit, Morristown played eight on eleven men. Mastermind strategist Dan Clayton shifted the lineup the best possible way by playing a 4-2-1 formation. Clayton utilized the speed of Russ Bauer by moving him from sweeper to midfield. The move seemed to payoff when after twenty minutes of conceding a goal a quick shift of direction of the ball by Clayton and Rob Linepinuel left Bauer with a through ball 18 yards out with the keeper to beat; However, the pitch betrayed the continentals on the play where the ball took an uneven hop and was misfired out of bounds.

"The defense kept us alive in the first half" Clayton said "If it wasn't for key saves by Ryan(Vinton) and the defense, it would have been a terrible day"



The beginning of the second half had much promise for the 76' when Clayton utilized his version of the "triangle offense" where Linepinuel,Clayton, and Bauer played simple passes up the field and led to some shots on net by the trio and a shot off the crossbar by Marco Carvallaro.

Things got chippy when a hard foul by Brian Daire led a player on RD benders to take a swing at Daire. Cooler heads prevailed.

Fatigue and sloppy conditions led to several goals late in the second half. The final score was 10-nil.


A very detested Clayton had some bold comments during the post game interview.

"I'm very proud of the way the boys played today. They played outnumbered the whole game but I'm proud of the tenacity the D played and they way Ryan (Vinton) played in the cage today. I'm glad we had some things going on offense. We need to put our chances away, you never know in the span of a game if there will be another chance, you might only get one."


When asked what happened to the other expected teammates Clayton responded:

"I honestly don't know, the people know who they are and they let down their team today. Everyone has cell phones or a way to communicate, I have nothing further to say about that"

He went on to say about the blog that has been hanging a cloud around contiential camp in recent days:
" Whoever said that comment has nothing to say now , because if they meant what they said they would have showed up to help the team and I would have bowed out and sat along with Rob (Linepinuel). I can only say it's sad when people ask for the benching of two injured players when they are the two most dedicated players, and the person making comments doesn't show up to help the team. It's now an afterthought because it's unwanted negativity and I have NO tolerance for it."


Notes:
-Rob Linepinuel suffered a lower leg injury an will be re-evaluated later in the week.
-Ryan Vinton had his best game of the season with 21 saves ( 2nd most saves in team history)

Continentals blare cannons; However not enough as they fall 6-2

(Parsippany NJ) – Continentals blare cannons; However not enough as they fall 6-2

As news spread late last week that continentals all time leading scorer and striker Peter Luthi was out for the rest of the NJSL season was cause for even more concern as the turbulent 08/09 NJSL season begins to wind down, it wasn’t for Interim manager Dan Clayton.

Clayton stuck with his 4-5-1 formation and replaced Luthi with himself. When asked why he stuck himself into the starting lineup he replied in the post game “I know myself and my limits, I believe with me coming back I could spark something” and he did. After being down two goals in the first 5 minutes it looked like the continentals were going to face another drubbing by Vikings FC who defeated them 11-1 on Oct. 19th.

The heat was a factor, with the game time temperature posted at 89 degrees with both teams leading to lethargic play. In the 32nd minute a flurry in front of the Vikings net, Bedo attempted a bicycle kick in front of the net but was forced down in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Much debate was given on who should take the kick, but Clayton took the kick and buried it into the right corner closing the gap to 2-1. However; with continentals in celebration mode, lethargic play led to a Vikings goal thirty seconds later and opened up a two goal lead at 3-1.

The second half started with more lethargic play and mental mistakes by the back line and led to two goals to open the second half scoring at 5-1. With Brian Daire going down early in the second half Clayton decided to change the flow and put Mike “boo boo” Cheatham at striker and moved Russ Bauer to outside midfielder where he mostly played last summer. The manager also moved Rob Linepinuel to the other outside mid and put Bedo in the middle with Steve Sabo and Brady McDonald. That center tandem pounced onto a tired Vikings defense with fancy footwork and precision passing that fed Cheatham for the 2nd continental’s goal to bring it to 5-2.

The Vikings were relentless against Mark Basso who may have played his best game ever stopping 25 shots. He was replaced in the 78th minute after taking a blow to the ribs. Marco Carvallaro went into net after playing most of the game at center back. On a through ball that went in between both Clayton and Randao`, Carvallaro came out to face the Viking attacker and he chipped the on rushing keeper for the final tally of the game.
After the game Clayton was asked for his thoughts: “I believe based from the last time we played them we did positive things here today. Did I think we could have played better? Absolutely. Mental mistakes and communication is what killed us. I’m pleased on our conditioning, the midfielders came back to help on defense and we buried our chances when we had them. In the last 4 games the Defense has carried us in some, and our midfielders and strikers did today. We just need to bring that continuity together”

Notes:

- Clayton scored his 1st ever NJSL goal, and was taken out in the 85th minute after feeling a “pop” in his recently healed hip, he is day to day
- Cheatham also scored his first NJSL goal
- Linepinuel has a broken toe and will be re evaluated later in the week
- Mark Basso set the single season mark by a continental’s keeper with 25 saves in one game.

Team Members now offered discounts at Modell's Sporting Goods

Rockaway NJ,
Thats right, all active members of the Morristown 1776 AFC now have the oppertunity to save 10% on any merchandise at any Modell's Sporting Goods through team weeks. Need cleats,shorts, and shin gaurds? Modell's has them. The coupon is not only good for sporting goods. Need a new pair of shoes or tee shirts? the coupon is good for most purchases in the store, however some restrictions apply. Please contact Ryan Vinton, Red, Or Randao for more info. If the team spends a combined 1,500$ for merchandise the team will get 5% back. So start buying! *Promotion runs through the end of the month*

Clayton Makes a Bold Statement

Hope(NJ)- Continentals Captain Dan Clayton, or to club supporters simply "Red" held a press conference this evening on the eve of the team's first indoor season.

Speaking with team officials, media and club supporters he had this to say....

" I know this is a team of individuals coming together for a common goal to help win. But lads, if manager Vinton will put me in the position I will lead the team in points this indoor season and do everything it takes to win." He also said "I will accept most of the blame for the infertility of the fall season, we have plenty of opportunities for the spring and I think with some of the new personnel, we will still make the playoffs like I said earlier in the year."


Is this man the new Nostradamus, Joe Namath,or just an Irish Rambling Drunk?, We'll see if this young man can cash in.

1776 Fall To Hispano 2-0

(Parsippany,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. took the pitch at a foggy Smith Field early Sunday morning knowing the side they were to play against had just last week tied a Lyndhurst FC squad the 1776 fell to 7-1 Wednesday.

But the underdog tag is something that never bothered manager Ryan Vinton's eleven chosen lads. Although they fell 2-0 to Hispano on this day, the Continental side looked as inspired as they have in months,in a match that could have easily gone the other way with a few breaks.

A revamped Morristown defense, led by former captain Ryan Deighan back at center back for the first time in 2 matches, appeared on the same page and looked a cohesive unit in holding Hispano to a 20th minute strike on a shot from outside the 18 yard box and an early second half PK.

The attack had their opportunities but failed to convert, Center forward Brian DeMarco and striker Brady McDonald were each denied two scoring chances apiece. Right wing Russell Bauer was also denied a good look in his first match ever wearing the Continentals arm-band.

1776 is in action next Sunday in the first round of the NJSA League Cup. The draw is expected from the league later tonight or tomorrow morning. Their next NJSL League match is Sunday October 12th v. Frankies Finest FC, home at Mennen Field 11am.

Maiwand FC Forfeit Sunday Match, 1776 Awarded 3 Points

(Morristown, NJ)- Maiwaid FC have forfeited their match Sunday v. The Morristown 1776 AFC according to NJSL league sources.

The Continentals will be awarded 3 points. Morristown next plays Wednesday Night at Lyndhurst FC at Lyndhurts Rec. Center.

Maiwand FC Match Sunday, Lyndhurst Makeup Scheduled

(Morristown, NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. will take on Maiwand FC in a NJSL NJ Division match, this Sunday, 5pm at Smith Field in Parsippany.

Maiwand FC dropped their opening match to Lyndhurst FC, The Continentals opponent next Wednesday night, 7-4.

1776 also announced the match postponed due to Tropical Strom Hanna will be made up Wednesday, September 24th, 8pm at Lyndhurst Recreation Center.

'76 Drop Opener To Sportfriends

(Morris Township,NJ)- The Morristown 1776 A.F.C. dropped their NJSL NJ Division opener Sunday at home 4-1 to Sportfriends FC.

Sportfriends FC, a club relegated from the upper division last season for disciple issues staked out a 3-0 halftime advantage at Mennen Field. 1776 looked outmatched and outplayed in the 90 degree weather for the first half.

Manager Ryan Vinton, in his first match since losing the "interim" tag, must have lit a fire under the Continentals during the intermission as they looked a different side after the break.

A few key tactical changes including moving former captain Randao from defense to the midfield, club newcomer and former trialist, 17 year old newcomer Marco Carvallo to centerback and utilizing Tyquan Griffin as a marker
seemed to make a world of difference.

The return of Brian DeMarco to the club provided a spark to the attack with his numerous cutting runs and the clubs staple at forward, Brady McDonald ,struck in the 65th minute to bring the Continentals within two off a assist by Russell Bauer, who looked like he really improved his attacking abilities over the summer and figures to play a much more significant role in the 1776 attack this campaign.

Sportfriends found their last goal after the 90th minute when Morristown had committed virtually the entire team to the attack, as they were trailing by 2 in the waining minutes.


Note: Brady McDonald netted his 8th career goal, tying Peter Luthi for the club's all-time leading scorer.


'76 Scoring


McDonald(1)65th minute [Assist:R.Bauer (1)]


'76 Discipline
Griffin(78') Yellow, Intentional Handball




'76 Shots


McDonald(3)
DeMarco (3)
O'Shea (2)
R. Bauer (1)
Deighan(1)
Mazza (1)





'76 Saves

Basso(7)





'76 Offsides

Deighan(2)
McDonald(1)




Corners
1776 (3)




'76 Starters

4-1-2-1-2


Basso
Daire Deighan Pollack D. Bauer
Clayton
R. Bauer Mazza
DeMarco
McDonald O'Shea




'76 Subs

Bhandari
Griffin
Carvallo

Exclusive Look Into Dan Clayton: Continental Captain

We got the opportunity to sit down with the continental’s newest captain Dan Clayton. This is what he had to say….

Q: So let’s start from the beginning, where are you from?

A: Actually that’s a funny one; I live in a small town called Hope. It’s about ten or so miles from the Pennsylvania border.

Q: Wow, that’s pretty far way, how did you find out about the club?

A: (chuckles) Well actually, I was about to stop playing soccer all together, until my good friend Aaron told me about the Continentals. I figured this is my last shot at playing so what the hell.

Q: (laughs) so I’m guessing it turned out all right then?

A: well so far so good, I can honestly say if it wasn’t for Ryan (Ryan Vinton, Interim club manager and chairman) I would be just working and watching soccer on T.V. He gave me confidence and the desire to play again.

Q: You say desire, we had a previous conversation with former captain and President Ryan Deighan ,A.K.A Randâo said you had the most heart on the team and this led to your appointment as the new captain, do you care to comment on this?

A: Yeah, I guess you can say I always had heart. I gained my work ethic from my father. He never played soccer once in his life but I remember specifically the summer going into 8th grade he made me run every damn day. I hated him from it (smiles) but when I wanted to give up or I was too tired to keep running, he was right behind me to keep moving and said I would be fine. He always got in my face and told me I sucked if I had a lousy game. He really made me better and made me truly enjoy the game of soccer.

A: (Continued) as for my appointment as captain. I was nothing but happily shocked. As a first year player I did nothing but work and do all I can for the team to help it win, even if I had to play center back, a position that I was not very familiar with. Unfortunately our performance did not show how well we worked. I knew not everyone played to their potential and I tried to lead best by example.

Q: So I heard you played through many injuries, could that have contributed to the team’s misfortunes?

A: A true warrior never makes excuses and a captain doesn’t make excuses. I wish I could say I was 100% for every game but I wasn’t. Everyone who plays throughout the season gets their fair share of knocks, I just glad it was not anything too serious like Ryan’s injury (Ryan Vinton: Torn Knee ligaments, out until spring 09)

Q: However; rumors are swirling that there is a rift between you and manager Ryan Vinton; some sources say you even have defected to another club. Is here any truth to this at all?

A; (emphatically) No! And it’s BS otherwise. Yes it’s true that I am currently playing with another team, the County College of Morris Soccer team. I got permission and the blessing from Ryan (Vinton) to pursue and play for the team. It gains me valuable experience that I can pass on to my teammates and ultimately help the Continentals move up in the tables.

Q: Well can you make some predictions for this 08-09 season?

A: I'll make a bold one. We WILL be one of the top 2 teams in our division; I like what our manager did in bringing in some new guys, and keeping the core unit together. I currently still am fighting some injuries from the summer and from my college team. But I can honestly say with the core guys we have we will put up one hell of a fight, and we either go big and meet every challenge and exceed out expectations or we go home. We have too talented a group of guys to do anything less, and I expect big things……

-Thank you for your time.

* Thank you for having me, and come support our games and donate to a good cause. These young men are just like me. Chasing a dream to play soccer and would love the support.