May 3, 2009
GOOD START
Knights down Ironbound Express, 2-1

Newark, N.J. –- The defending Northeast Division champion Brooklyn Knights held off a late rally from the host Newark Ironbound Express (0-1) at Lubetkin Field on the New Jersey Tech campus, recording a 2-1 victory in the Premier Development League season opener for both teams on Sunday.

Using a 4-4-2 formation, the Knights made the most of their chances to leave Newark with the critical three points.

Newark dominated possession in the opening half with Brooklyn taking a defensive approach. Express forward Jerrod Laventure created a few opportunities, but it was the Knights that would make good on a chance in the 43rd minute. Newark goalkeeper Derby Carrillo saw a ball, off a Dan Berkle pass, take an odd bounce off his post. Brooklyn forward John Sallhag was there to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage in the 44th minute.

The Express had its best scoring opportunity in 65th minute when Laventure sent a ball through the Knights defense to a streaking Oral Bullen, who saw his one touch bounce off the wrong side of the far post.

Insurance came for the Knights in the 73rd minute, when a Salhag set up Ryan Williams for a two-goal lead.

Newark got itself the scoreboard in the 89th minute when player/coach Victor Kotynski set up a goal for defender David Topolski. The Ironbound Express nearly equalized the next minute when a Topolski shot sailed just high of the net.

Next up for the Knights is a Saturday night pairing with the Rohde island Stingrays at the Met Oval at 5 p.m.

Next up for the Express is a Saturday night pairing with the New Jersey Rangers (0-0-1) on the road before returning to Lubetkin Field on Sunday for a 4 p.m. match with the New Hampshire Phantoms (0-0-1).