Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Soccer Debuts at Yankee Stadium

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Soccer Debuts at Yankee Stadium: (Photos by NY Yankees) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, July 23- Soccer, the world’s most popular spectator sport...

Soccer Debuts at Yankee Stadium

(Photos by NY Yankees)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 23- Soccer, the world’s most popular spectator sport, made its debut at the most iconic sports stadium in the United States, Yankee Stadium, on Sunday evening. The current Yankee Stadium will be hosting two of the matches being played as part of the Herbalife World Football Challenge.

The Bronx, the home to natives of many nations from all corners of the globe, will welcome football stars from four world renowned teams representing four countries, England, France, Italy, and Spain, this summer.

The international appeal of soccer is illustrated by the number of nations represented on the rosters of the two clubs that played on Sunday, 11 on the English side (Chelsea) and 8 on the club from Paris (PSG). The manager of each side is an Italian national, Roberto Di Matteo of Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti of PSG.

Fans of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain or world class soccer in general were welcomed to the neighborhood by several of the area’s eateries, Billy’s, Crown Diner, The Dugout, Stan’s and Yankee Tavern miniature soccer balls inscribed for the special occasion were distributed at each restaurant.

Dr. Cary Goodman, executive director of the 161^st Street Business Improvement District (BID), who inspired the promotion, described its purpose, “We’re used to having sports fans from around the world visit our district in The Bronx. We want them to see and feel how happy we are to greet guests. The souvenirs are our way of saying, ‘Thanks for coming’.”

As Yankee Stadium’s infield and outfield were transformed into a 110’ by 70”soccer pitch, two first division clubs took the field for a friendly match. The English entry, Chelsea FC, is visiting the U.S. in the wake of a superlative season. It captured the FA title in England with a victory over Liverpool. On May 19, Chelsea had a penalty kick win over favored Bayren Munich in the latter’s home field.

On July 18, Chelsea was victorious over the Seattle Sounders of the MLS in its first of three contests in the United States this summer.

The match at Yankee Stadium was only the third between the two soccer powers. Both previous matches occurred during the 2004-5 UEFA Champions League competition. Chelsea was the winner of the first match in Paris, 3-0, on goals by veteran John Terry and Didier Drogba (2). The second contest ended in a scoreless tie, 0-0.

Shortly after 7 p.m., the match on Sunday began. The happy rooters of PSG erupted in cheers in the 30^th minutes of the first half as Nené scored an unassisted goal. The Brazilian native, who celebrated his 31^st birthday three days earlier, was PSG’s leading goal scorer during the league season. The fleet midfielder scored 21 of his team’s 75 goals.

PSG registered 7 of the 12 shots on goal during the first half, but none from either side was close to a score.

In the early minutes of the second half, both teams made many substitutions. As Di Matteo explained to reporters, “For us, it’s [each match in the U.S.] is preparation for our season.”

As the match neared its conclusion, in the 82^nd minute, two Brazilians combined to tie the match. Ramires passed to Lucas Piazon who booted in Chelsea’s first goal. The match ended in a 1-1 tie.

Although neither side achieved a victory, the crowd of 38,202 knowledgeable and enthusiastic soccer fans demonstrated their enjoyment of the contest. 

After the contest, Di Matteo stated, “It was a great atmosphere. I think the folks enjoyed themselves.” Of the overwhelming support from the fans for Chelsea, the manager commented, “I want to thank all the fans; it was like a home game.”

Di Matteo gave his opinion about the venue, Yankee Stadium, “It’s the first time I’ve been here. It’s very impressive. It’s a piece of art. The pitch was better than we expected.”

As soon as the match concluded, many soccer aficionados in the crowd were already preparing for their attendance at the next match in the Stadium on August 8 when AC Milan will face Real Madrid.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Step Up Security after ‘Dark Knight’ Massacre...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Step Up Security after ‘Dark Knight’ Massacre...: Concern Over Copycats Leads to Beefed up Security By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, July 20- In the wake of the Colorado Massac...

Cops Step Up Security after ‘Dark Knight’ Massacre

Concern Over Copycats Leads to Beefed up Security

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 20- In the wake of the Colorado Massacre during the showing of “The Dark Knight Rises,” the NYPD is stepping up security at movie theaters throughout the city.

"As a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the wake of the horrendous shooting in Colorado, the New York City Police Department is providing coverage at theaters where the 'The Dark Knight Rises' is playing in the five boroughs," said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly.

Police in Colorado arrested 24-year-old James Holmes in the shooting which so far has left 12 people dead and 38 wounded. The youngest victim, an infant, is expected to recover. According to published reports, the gunman, clad in a gas mask and body armor, stormed the movie theater at North Aurora. The gunman entered through an emergency door and set off a smoke bomb. When the theater goers attempted to exit the gunman opened fire. 

“I, along with all 1.4 million residents of the Bronx, would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the victims of last night’s deadly movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado. It is absolutely shocking that someone would look to hurt hard working individuals who wanted to do nothing more than relax and watch a movie with friends and family. 

“I and the residents of the Bronx will keep the victims of this devastating event, as well as the entire state of Colorado, in our prayers,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

This is not the first time violence has been linked to a Batman movie. During the showing of the 1989 Tim Burton film “Batman” an argument on line for popcorn at the Whitestone Cineplex led to the fatal shooting. Seventeen years later Ricardo Jimenez was arrested for the shooting. He is serving 22 years to life for the crime.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tough Guy Charged with Mugging Women

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Tough Guy Charged with Mugging Women: Thug beat mother in front of her child BRONX, NEW YORK, July 19- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced the arrest an...

Tough Guy Charged with Mugging Women

Thug beat mother in front of her child

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 19- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced the arrest and indictment of a 32-year-old Bronx man in connection with a series of four armed robberies of young women within a two-week period at the end of May and beginning of June 2012. The last of the victims was cornered and beaten as she held the hand of her three year old daughter.

Pedro Gomez, of University Avenue, was arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy after being returned to the Bronx Wednesday night following his arrest in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Gomez, who waived extradition, was ordered held without bail.

The grand jury indicted Gomez on three counts of robbery in the first degree, four counts of robbery in the third degree, six counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree, four counts of petit larceny, two counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, four counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, three counts of menacing in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of attempted assault in the third degree. The most serious charge, robbery in the first degree, a Class B felony offense, is punishable by a maximum sentence of up to 25 years imprisonment on each count.

The charges in this indictment are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The string of robberies in this case began on May 25, 2012 at approximately 9:30 p.m. when Gomez allegedly followed a 19-year-old woman into an apartment building on Grand Avenue and accosted her on a third floor landing. Gomez is accused of placing a sharp object against the woman’s chest and ordered her to turn over her money. He allegedly fled with $4.

The next day, on May 26, 2012 at approximately 1:20 in the afternoon, Gomez allegedly followed a 27-year-old woman into a building on University Avenue and ordered her to remove an ankle bracelet and earrings. It is alleged that Gomez demanded the valuables after placing a sharp object on the victim’s stomach.

The third incident occurred on June 2, 2012 at about 3:15 in the afternoon in an elevator in a building on Jerome Avenue. The defendant was already on the elevator when a 32-year-old woman got on. When the elevator stopped on the third floor, Gomez allegedly grabbed the woman from behind as she was exiting and placed a sharp object on her neck before fleeing with her purse which contained approximately $1,500 in cash.

A week later on June 9, 2012 Gomez allegedly robbed a 25-year-old mother who was on an elevator with her three-year-old daughter. The incident occurred shortly before noon in a building on Sheridan Avenue. When the victim attempted to leave the elevator, Gomez allegedly pushed her back inside, hit her, and covered her mouth with his hand. He allegedly grabbed her purse and ripped a gold necklace off her neck before fleeing.

Detectives retrieved a security video recording of the last incident which the NYPD released to the news media. As a result police received information which led investigators to a location in Philadelphia where the defendant was arrested.

Assistant District Attorney Debra Guarnieri of the Trial Division is prosecuting the case.  

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Apartment Scammer Pleads Guilty

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Apartment Scammer Pleads Guilty: BRONX, NEW YORK, July 19- Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced the conviction of Cecilia Casabuena, 53, on multiple c...