July 6, 2012
A GOOD KNIGHT
Manz, Dimitrov lift Brooklyn over Flames

MASPETH, N.Y. -- In the final home game of the Premier Development League season, one goal proved to be enough as the Brooklyn Knights defeated the Westchester Flames, 1-0, on Thursday night.

After being shut out for the first time this season in the previous game vs. the Reading United, the Knights were able to push one goal across at the Met Oval. Goalkeeper Stefan Manz and the defense stole the show, leading the Knights to a second consecutive home victory and fifth win of the year, raising the team's record to 5-7-1. The Flames fell to 1-9-2.

Brooklyn and Westchester seemed to be evenly matched throughout the majority of the contest as the first half was highlighted by each team failed to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities. The Knights had their best chance on a Stefan Dimitrov penalty kick in the 10th minute. Flames keepeer Adrian Foncette, however, guessed correctly and fell on the ball to make the save.

The second half was as closely played and as tightly fought as the first as before Dimitrov broke the deadlock in the 77th minute. Dimitrov received a 30-yard throw-in from defender Bryant Knibbs, allowing Dimitrov to redirect the ball past Foncetter. 

Returning to the lineup after serving a three-game suspension, Dimitrov recorded his 20th point and ninth goal of the season, both of which lead the knights. Forward Dwayne Reid also returned to action after missing the last two games due to injury. However, the star of the game was Manz, as he recorded his first shutout of the season, making seven saves.

The Knights will finish off the season with three consecutive road games on the road, with the team’s next contest coming against the Long Island Rough Riders at St. Anthony's High School at St. Anthony's High School on Wednesday, July 11 at 8 p.m.

If the Knights have any hopes of finishing above .500 on the season, it will take a winning effort in each of the next three games.