Stockade FC earns 3 points in Rhode Island as Lis-Simmons picks up first win as Head Coach

JOHNSTON, RI – It was a milestone first win for new Stockade FC Head Coach Jamal Lis-Simmons and it came with plenty of late drama. Stockade FC traveled to Rhode Island on Saturday for a match-up with Rhode Island Reds which was full of dramatics.  

Mikey Lanzetta opened the scoring for Stockade FC 12’ minutes into the match after Juan Parada played a short free kick to Alejandro Riquelme.  Riquelme played a looping ball over the Red’s back line and Lanzetta timed his run perfectly for a gorgeous back post finish.

Jared Mazzola was impressive in his starting debut for Stockade FC.  The Quinnipiac keeper made 7 saves in the match including a monumental 42’ minute one-handed stop which looked sure to bring the home side level before halftime.

The Reds controlled much of play in the early stages of the second half as they pushed for an equalizer which they finally found through a Gentian Selimi strike in the 62’ minute.  The final 30 minutes of the match saw much back-and-forth attacking as play opened.

The match dramatics were far from over when Juan Parada stepped up for the final corner of the match and delivered a stunning back post ball which Tyler Swanbeck was able to head down and direct into the back of the net to give Stockade FC a thrilling 2-1 win in the 90+ minute allowing Kingston to return home with all 3 points.

“I’m proud of the way our guys fought tonight.  I thought we played well in the first half creating some quality opportunities,” said Jamal Lis-Simmons. “The second half we were under much more pressure and had a harder time finding our rhythm, but our guys continued to grind and we were able to find the winner late.  It’s always tough to win on the road and it took a real team effort to earn these 3 points.”

Earning debuts in the Starting XI was Noah Robinson, a St. Joseph’s College of Maine standout who spent 2018 with former-NPSL foe Seacoast United Mariners before joining the club this year, and Paul Makaj, a freshman for Fordham men’s soccer and former Arlington High School star.  The day also marked debuts for a few others off the Stockade FC bench. Joey Landicino (Stonybrook), Cam LaVallee (Cortland) and Vinny Colantuono (URI) all made significant impacts off the bench for Lis-Simmons in their first matches with the club.

“We came out hot and we were able to create a lot of solid chances in the first half. We weren’t able to bury them. but credit to the boys for showing resilience and battling to the very last minute,” said Technical Director Dan Hoffay.  

The late heroics send Stockade FC (1W, 1L, 1T) back home to Kingston for two Memorial Day Weekend matches at Dietz Stadium.  On Friday May 24 at 7PM, Stockade FC hosts New York Athletic Club and on Sunday May 26 at 6PM, Stockade FC hosts Hartford City FC at Dietz Stadium.

Stockade Man of the Match: Jared Mazzola (Stockade FC #00) the Quinnipiac GK made 7 saves including a monster one handed diving stop in the first half. Mazzola kept Stockade FC level during a 20 minute flurry of chances for RI Reds in the second half as they searched for the lead. Mazzola’s play ultimately allowed Stockade FC to find the lead on a 90’+ 3 Goal to claim all 3 points in Rhode Island!

Kingston Stockade FC Falls in Sesaon-Opener to New York Cosmos

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Kingston Stockade FC opened the 2019 NPSL season with a 2-0 loss to the New York Cosmos. More than 892 fans were at Dietz Stadium in Kingston for the 2019 home opener.

The Cosmos went up in the 36th minute when forward Aaron Dennis headed home a driven cross that was set up via a quick free kick by the visitors.

Midfielder Giuseppe Barone then made it 2-0 in the 69th minute with an impressive 50-yard chip over Stockade goalkeeper Lucas Vallilo.

Stockade head coach Jamal Lis-Simmons was gracious in defeat in his head-coaching debut.

"It was a tough game," said Lis-Simmons. "I thought our guys battled hard, we created a couple of good opportunities early, but were unable to capitalize. Unfortunately, a few mental lapses on our side cost us. Take nothing away from them, they’re a quality side. They were able to dictate tempo for large portions of the match, and we did some things well but we weren’t consistent enough overall. We’ll have a good week of training and be ready for next week."

Stockade technical director Dan Hoffay agreed that the home side wasn't without its chances.

"It was a very competitive match that could have broken either way," said Hoffay. "We had a few chances to create something early on but could not capitalize. Fair play to the Comsos for playing in the match and building more aggressive attacks as the match wore on. We're looking forward to another week of training and getting more of our new players in for next week."

Stockade next takes the field on Saturday, May 11 when the Hudson Valley club goes on the road to face Greater Lowell Rough Diamonds.

STOCKADE MAN OF THE MATCH: Lucas Vallilo (Goalkeeper). Made numerous impressive saves that kept Kingston in the match.

Lis-Simmons names Technical Staff for 2019 NPSL Season

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Kingston Stockade FC Head Coach Jamal Lis-Simmons has announced his Technical Staff for the 2019 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) season, with Jimmy Ventriglia and Rory Becker serving as assistant coaches, Steve Skonieczny joining the staff as goalkeeping coach, and John Nunez remaining Director of Sports Performance and Rehab.

The staff has a great deal of both playing and coaching experience, as well as familiarity with Stockade FC. Lis-Simmons, Becker, and Skonieczny have been with the club since its inception, and Nunez enters his second season in his current role on the staff. Ventriglia, a former high school teammate of Lis-Simmons’, set records as a player and has also an accomplished coaching history.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to put together such a strong group of coaches,” said Lis-Simmons. “I’ve known Jimmy for a long time and he will bring his hard working, passionate attitude to the field each day. I’ve also worked closely with Rory, Steve, and John over the last few seasons and know that their expertise and commitment to the club will help lead us forward.”

“The club is committed to putting together a professional level coaching staff,” said Technical Director Dan Hoffay. “Jamal and his staff will prepare and motivate the team for every challenge the NPSL schedule throws at them with a championship mindset.”

Ventriglia joins Stockade FC for his first season as assistant coach. A former Highland High School standout where he played alongside Lis-Simmons, Ventriglia set a Tri-County record with 117 goals for the Huskies before moving on to play at Division-I Colgate University. Ventriglia spent 5 years as an assistant coach for the Army women’s soccer program, leading the Black Knights to a 43-40-13 record, and led the Marlboro high school varsity boys to a Mid-Hudson Athletic League (MHAL) title in 2011. He holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Diploma.

Becker enters his fourth season as Stockade FC assistant coach, the only coach who has been on the sidelines since the club’s start in 2016. Becker spent six years as an assistant with SUNY New Paltz and five years as an Olympic Development Program coach, and has earned the USSF A License coaching certification. A two-time state champion at Highland High School, Becker played at Ithaca College and with the German Hungarian Metros in Queens.

After three seasons as the club’s primary goalkeeper, Skonieczny will add coaching responsibilities to his role this season. The 2017 All-NPSL Second Team goalkeeper and former state champion at Arlington High School, spent his college career at Siena and Marist. After leaving Siena as the all-time leader in goals against average (GAA), Skonieczny collected eight shutouts for Matt Viggiano’s Marist Red Foxes in 2011. Skonieczny has experience coaching with Game Saving Academy, Wilder Goalkeeper Academy and Marist women’s soccer. He is currently the the assistant coach and goalkeeper coach at Byram Hills High School and holds a United Soccer Coaches Level 1 / 2 Goalkeeper Certification.

John Nunez, Doctor of Physical Therapy with Feldman Physical Therapy and Performance, has been an integral part of the Stockade FC success. Nunez will again lead Stockade FC’s fitness efforts by focusing on the physical well-being of the athletes, including developing and implementing fitness, recovery, nutrition, rehabilitation and self-care guidelines for the team both on the field and at home.

David Lindholm and Steve Sutton, who were members of last year’s coaching staff, will serve as advisors to the technical staff.

Kingston Stockade FC competes in the semi-professional National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth division of American soccer, and has achieved unprecedented success in just three full seasons, winning a conference championship in 2017 and competing in the U.S. Open Cup in 2018. The club is committed to helping improve and develop lower-division soccer in the United States, through an open-source and accessible approach.

Nick Hoffay named Director of Scouting for Stockade FC

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Kingston Stockade FC announced on Thursday that Nick Hoffay, who has been working with the club since its first season in 2016, has been named Director of Scouting. In the role, Hoffay will be responsible for finding top talent to play for the club, interacting with players, coaches, and administrators, as well as assisting the coaching staff’s preparation for opponents.

“Nick has been integral to all our recruiting and scouting efforts in the first three years of this club’s history,” said Stockade FC Technical Director Dan Hoffay. “His hard work has brought hundreds of talented players into our tryouts, and provided great information for our coaches about potential additions to the team.”

Nick Hoffay (right) holding the Stockade FC’s 2017 Conference Championship trophy

Since the club formed prior to the 2016 NPSL season, Nick Hoffay has been working with Stockade FC Chairman Dennis Crowley, his brother Dan Hoffay, and coaches to form the team. He has communicated regularly with local players, college coaches, and local high schools and clubs to find the best talent in the Hudson Valley. His role has also included various team operations responsibilities.

“I look forward to working closely with our new staff and college coaches in the area as we build a competitive team both for next season and years to come,” said Hoffay.

Born and raised in Highland, Hoffay graduated from Highland High School and SUNY Dutchess, and was a club coach, board member, and club player representative for Highland United Soccer from 2014-2017. He is the treasurer of the Hudson Valley branch of the American Outlaws, a United States National Team supporters group. He currently works for the New York State Bridge Authority.

Kingston Stockade FC competes in the semi-professional National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth division of American soccer, and has achieved unprecedented success in just three full seasons, winning a conference championship in 2017 and competing in the U.S. Open Cup in 2018. The club is committed to helping improve and develop lower-division soccer in the United States, through an open-source and accessible approach.

Jamal Lis-Simmons named Stockade FC Head Coach

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Kingston Stockade FC has named Jamal Lis-Simmons, a Highland native who has served as the team’s captain since its inception, as the club’s new Head Coach.

“I want to thank Dennis Crowley and the entire Stockade staff for putting their trust me to lead this team going forward,” said Lis-Simmons. “It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this club since day one. We have already accomplished some great things in a short period of time and I’m extremely excited about what this team can do in the future.”

“When Stockade FC first started playing, Jamal established himself as a leader both on and off the field, somebody that everyone looks to in tough times,” said Stockade FC Chairman Dennis Crowley. “His leadership, understanding of the game, and deep connections to players and coaches in the Hudson Valley and beyond make him the perfect person to lead our team moving forward.”

Lis-Simmons becomes the club’s head coach after three standout seasons as a defender and captain for the team, earning a spot on the All-NPSL First Team in 2017, and Third Team honors in 2016. He is the third head coach in club history, following David Lindholm, who held the post for the last two seasons, and Hall-of-Fame coach George Vizvary, who served in the club’s inaugural season in 2016.

Assuming head coaching responsibilities immediately, Lis-Simmons will name the rest of his coaching staff in the coming months, and will start the process of building the roster for 2019 with the assistance of Technical Director Dan Hoffay.

“Jamal brings an extremely professional, winning attitude to Stockade FC,” said Hoffay. “He has been part of all our ups and downs, and he knows first-hand what it takes to win in this league. 

I am excited to work closely with Jamal to continue building a championship atmosphere within our program.” The head coach of the SUNY Ulster Men’s Soccer program since 2016, Lis-Simmons served as an assistant coach at SUNY New Paltz under Hall of Fame coach Gene Ventriglia from 2012-2015.

He was also the head coach at Highland High School from 2004-06, leading the team to a 40-14-1 record and coaching current Stockade FC Technical Director Dan Hoffay, who also now serves as his assistant coach at Ulster.

As a player, Lis-Simmons enjoyed a decorated career prior to the creation of Kingston Stockade FC. He began playing collegiate soccer at the University of Albany in 2000-01, being nominated for conference rookie of the year in 2001, and later finished at SUNY New Paltz, where he earned Second Team All-SUNYAC and Team MVP honors in 2011. He was also given the Athletic Department Leadership Award in 2011. He was a three-time participant in the Empire Games (2004-2006), earning two medals.

Lis-Simmons was a four year starter at Highland High School, earning All-League and All-Second honors in each season, as well as three consecutive league titles and a Section 9 championship.

He graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2015 with a B.A. in history and currently works in the Student Support Services department at SUNY Ulster. He now lives in Highland with his wife, Stephanie, and daughter, Soleil Jade.

Kingston Stockade FC competes in the semi-professional National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth division of American soccer, and has achieved unprecedented success in just three full seasons, winning a conference championship in 2017 and competing in the U.S. Open Cup in 2018. The club is committed to helping improve and develop lower-division soccer in the United States, through an open-source and accessible approach.

Stockade FC appoints Dan Hoffay as Technical Director

Dan Hoffay (right) overseeing Stockade FC tryouts with Lead Scout, Nick Hoffay (left)

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Kingston Stockade FC has appointed Dan Hoffay, whose work with the club since its inaugural season has been instrumental in the team’s success, as its Technical Director. In the post, Hoffay will oversee the operations of the first team, working closely with the Head Coach, and will play an instrumental role in the future growth of the club’s youth efforts.

“Dan Hoffay has been critical in creating a professional environment in which our players and coaches can flourish,” said Stockade FC Chairman Dennis Crowley. “In many ways, this title reflects the organizational, administrative, and planning work he has already been doing. But it also shows the trust we have in Dan to continue our improvement and development in soccer, with the first team and in any future youth efforts.”

“I am excited to build on our club’s recent successes as we continue to develop the talent and passion for soccer in the Hudson Valley, especially at the youth level,” said Hoffay. “I am humbled, honored and ready to get to work.”

Joining Stockade FC in 2016 ahead of the team’s first season, Hoffay has worked in the operations of the first team, assisting with everything from practice and game scheduling, travel logistics, tryout organization and player recruitment, social media, communication with the NPSL and member clubs, and more.

In addition to his work with Stockade FC, Hoffay currently serves as an assistant coach for the SUNY Ulster men’s soccer team, and previously was the head coach of the FDR Boys Varsity, leading the team to a 12-3 record in 2016. He coached teams ranging in age from U12 to U23 at the Highland United Soccer Club, also serving on the organization’s board and as a tournament director from 2014-2017. He is a co-president and founder of the Hudson Valley chapter of the American Outlaws, a supporters group for the U.S. National Teams, and volunteers with the Michael Oremus Foundation.

Outside of soccer, Hoffay serves as a fourth-grade teacher at E.C. Myer Elementary in the Kingston City School District. He graduated from Highland High School in 2006, where he was coached by current Stockade FC captain Jamal Lis-Simmons, earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education from the College of Saint Rose in 2010, and an M.S. in Literacy Education from Mount St. Mary College in 2014.

Kingston Stockade FC competes in the semi-professional National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth division of American soccer, and has achieved unprecedented success in just three full seasons, winning a conference championship in 2017 and competing in the U.S. Open Cup in 2018. The club is committed to helping improve and develop lower-division soccer in theUnited States, through an open-source and accessible approach.

Lindholm steps down as Stockade FC Head Coach

Coach Lindholm thanking Stockade FC fans after the 2017 NPSL Northeast Regional Semi-Final.

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Kingston Stockade FC announced on Monday that David Lindholm, who served as the club’s Head Coach for the past two seasons, has stepped down from the post.

“Having the opportunity to work with the players and staff at Stockade FC has been an absolute honor,” said Lindholm. “While I would love to continue coaching the team, my work in the athletic department at Bard College requires my full dedication. I hope I can continue to be helpful to the Stockade FC organization in whatever way possible.”

“It’s been a pleasure to work with Coach Lindholm these past two seasons,” said Stockade FC Chairman Dennis Crowley. “Under his leadership our club won its first Conference Championship and qualified for its first U.S. Open Cup. His hard work has cemented Stockade FC’s reputation as a high-quality club where great players can grow and develop.”

Lindholm joined Stockade FC prior to the 2017 season, helping the club to a conference championship and a 7-4-1 (W-L-T) record in his first year. The team also earned a berth in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup. In his second season, the team had a 3-5-2 record with highlights including a 5-1 win over Boston City FC at home and a come-from-behind 4-4 draw with defending national champions Elm City Express.

“I am grateful to Dennis Crowley for his trust, and for the coaches, players, and staff for all their support,” said Lindholm. “This club is in a wonderful position to continue to grow and succeed, and I look forward to being in the stands for as many games as I can next season and beyond.”

The club has already begun the process of selecting a new Head Coach and expects to make an announcement in the near future.

Kingston Stockade FC competes in the semi-professional National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the fourth division of American soccer, and has achieved unprecedented success in just three full seasons, winning a conference championship in 2017 and competing in the U.S. Open Cup in 2018. The club is committed to helping improve and develop lower-division soccer in the United States, through an open-source and accessible approach.

Kingston Stockade FC Fall On Road to New York Cosmos B, 4-0, in Final Match of 2018 NPSL Season

(Photo by StockadeFC.com)

NEW YORK — In a clash of plucky upstaters paying a visit to a legendary American soccer club, the home side very much lived up to their lofty reputation despite a game effort from the visitors from the north.

Kingston Stockade FC fell to New York Cosmos B, 4-0, on Saturday at Columbia University's Baker Athletics Complex. The match was the final game of the season for Stockade.

Play was mostly level for about the first fourth of the match, but Cosmos broke through in the 21st minute, as Jonathan Borrajo played a pinpoint ball in to Wojciech Wojcik, who slotted it home to open the scoring.

The Cosmos then made it 2-0 in the 26th minute, as Biedi Bardic punished Stockade for a mistake in the back.

Bardic then made it 3-0 in the 45th minute, slotting the ball home after a pass from Jalen Brown.

Bardic then completed his hat trick in the 72nd minute, making good on some industrious work by Zaire Bartley.

The 4-0 score stood for the rest of the way, and allowed the Cosmos to finish the season a perfect 10-0-0 (wins-draws-losses), while Stockade finished the 2018 campaign with a 3-2-5 record.

After the match, Stockade head coach David Lindholm talked about Kingston's effort in the loss.

"Yeah, I was pleased with the effort tonight, in that throughout the entire match, we did everything we could," said Lindholm. "Good teams take advantage of any break that the game gives to them, and we had a couple of breakdowns. I thought they got a couple of breaks from the referees, which again, you have to expect. I think we got a couple of breaks from the referees too, so it's not a criticism of them, it's just that when the game gives you something, you take advantage, and I thought they did that really well, and we worked really hard. They're a good team."

Lindholm also lamented not having a fully fit squad, but still sees the Cosmos as one of the teams to beat in the NPSL playoffs.

"It's tough, because I don't think we put them under a lot of pressure, so if we'd had our full squad, if we had everybody, then maybe I'd have a better assessment," said Lindholm. "They were better than us tonight, for sure, and it'll be interesting to see how far they go. They're certainly — based on paper and on their record, 10-0-0 — they've got to be considered a team that can win a national championship."

Lindholm also talked about the season as a whole, both the highs and the lows.

"We look back at the season, and a couple of games where if we got the results that we should have gotten, then we're in a different position now," said Lindholm. "That's soccer. It's 10 games. If you mess up in a couple of games, you're in a lot of trouble, and that's what happened to us. But the things that we look back on — a 5-1 win against Boston City, or getting four goals in the second half (for a 4-4 draw) against the defending national champions — those were really special things for the club and the players, and things that we won't forget. And again, we have to be grateful for those moments. When you miss the playoffs, you have to take something with you that you can be proud of, and absolutely those were some high moments."

After play ended in Manhattan, Lindholm gathered the team in a huddle and addressed them as a group group. Here's what he told the Hudson Valley squad.
 
"I thanked them for everything that they gave to the club," said Lindholm. "Because it's amateur soccer, so the cliche is that you give blood, sweat and tears, but you also spend money to be a part of a club like this. And so, the fact that they are willing to show up for the club, work really hard in practice to be at games and play 90 minutes, and just exhaust themselves on the field is incredible. It's very special. You see teams that are in our position (traveling on the road), like Boston City last week, they bring 11 guys. We bring a full team to the last game of the season (on the road), and that's a credit to how much they care about this team. It's a credit to the fans for showing up and making it a special experience, and for the whole club structure to put us in a position to succeed. So it's disappointing that our season ends here, but I'm so grateful to the players and the staff, and everybody that makes this possible."

Man of the Match: Juan Parada

By Randy Kim, Kingston Stockade FC GM