Cosmopolitan League

Standings, results and other stats

For a four-week period last fall going into the winter hiatus, CD Iberia were the hottest team in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.

The perennial stragglers went on a tear, stunning a then in-form New York Athletic Club 4-0 while raking up four wins in succession in the First Division.

Iberia would carry their hot form into the spring, claiming another major scalp in defending champions Pancyprian Freedoms who were humbled 2-0 at Christopher Columbus High School.
It would not be until late May, with their Nigerian terror Ron Azinge lured to play professionally in Asia, that Iberia would falter by the odd goal to old rivals Manhattan Kickers.

Coached by Carlos Mendez and club veteran Rafael SanMartin, Iberia ended the season 7-6-3 (24), just two points behind Brooklyn Italians and NYAC who tied for second place in the East.

Vinny Russo, the third member of his family to don the club’s colors, adds perspective to Iberia’s revival.
“CD Iberia was established in 1967. The club traces its roots to the Spanish immigrants from Galicia, a beautiful region in the northwest of Spain named after an ancient Celtic tribe that resided there. Being that I just completed my first season at Iberia, I don’t know much else about its beginnings, but I can fill you in on its most recent history thanks to my older brothers, Santo and Anthony, who joined the club from the Manhattan Kickers in the fall of 1999.

“As fate would have it, in 1999-2000, Iberia would enjoy its most successful season, culminating in promotion to the First Division as a result of a dramatic come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Kickers. It was CD Iberia’s first-ever promotion to Division One, and the club has been there ever since.

“As is often the case with newly promoted squads, the first few seasons were simply struggles to avoid the drop. The 2000-2001 season was saved by beating out Banatul to avoid relegation, and the following season was saved when Iberia beat out Polonia on goal differential to stay up in the top division. After such a narrow escape, the club was determined to have a better showing in the 2002-2003 season.

“The club’s turning point arrived in the opening game of the Spring season. Mired in last place after another typical sluggish start, Iberia faced a crucial relegation battle with a familiar foe, the Manhattan Kickers. Iberia blitzed the Kickers with three goals in the opening 20 minutes en route to a convincing 5-2 drubbing.
“That game convinced us that we were worthy of being a First Division club,” said Anthony Russo. “Up until that game, a lot of guys were doubting that we were good enough and were starting to think that we’d be better off in the Second Division.”

“That victory over the Kickers would bring confidence and, more importantly, propel the club to a respectable finish at 6-6-6 (24 pts.). Having turned the corner, Iberia’s goal in First Division would no longer be to merely stay up but to actually compete with the big clubs. That lofty goal was fulfilled this past season with important victories over Pancyprian, New York Albanians, and New York Athletic Club by a combined score of 12-0.

“The key to this last season’s success was the addition of some new offensive players, such as Marco Hamilton, Dave Kinneman, and Vinny Russo.

“When you add that to what was always a formidable defense, anchored by our goalie Ben Kartzman and our captains Jose SanMartin and Juan Lago, you have the makings of a solid team.
“Despite a slow start, coaches Carlos Mendez and Rafael SanMartin would not allow the team to give up on the season. In fact, the team went on a brilliant eight game unbeaten streak (seven wins, one draw) knocking off the top teams with outstanding play.

“The outlook for the upcoming season is uncertain as we have lost two key players in Marco Hamilton and Ron Azinge, last year’s MVP. Both received offers to play professionally in Asia.
“However, we hope to infuse some youth, bring back our veterans, and build on the success of 2004-2005.”

SUMMER WARRIORS

One of the teams that Iberia will have to cross swords with in the top flight is promotion side Kandia. The Jamaicans have left none of the proverbial stones unturned as they prepare for their First Division bow.
“We’ve been practicing twice a week and playing in the Jamaican league in the Bronx,” said coach Colin Hemmings, who led Kandia to the Second Division title with an 11-2-1 (34) ledger.
“These games should toughen us for the fall. We will not suffer from under preparation,” he added.

Kandia this Saturday play Arantes in the quarterfinals of what kicked off as an 18-team tournament, whose leading clubs often field vacationing professionals from the Island of Jamaica.
“We don’t have any of them on our books, we’re not well endowed,” laughed Hemmings, whose men are 4-2-2 going into the quarters.

Yet as rigorous as their pre-season has been, Kandia realize that they still need to strengthen their squad to pass muster in the highly competitive CSL First Division.
“We know we have to upgrade the team and as such we have identified some new prospects who we feel will make this an exciting season not only for us but for our admirers. I expect you’ll hear a lot about us on the lips of our opponents,” Hemmings noted confidently.

On the club’s victorious 2004-2005 season, the coach said: “The secret to our success without a doubt was having two distinct teams rather than the previous season where we had several players playing both games.

“We gave our youths (10 high school players) a chance in the reserves and as such they should be mature enough for the First Division.”

FirstTouch is published weekly by David Witchard
©2005, David Witchard/FirstTouch Online

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