Bronx Big Love

Bronx Big Love

Woman has 8 Husbands

Most Come from ‘Red Flagged’ Countries

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced the Supreme Court indictment of 39-year-old Liana Barrientos on charges of offering false instruments for filing in the first degree (2 counts, Class E Felony).

Those false instruments were an application for a marriage license, and the signed marriage license itself, executed in the springtime of 2010 – stating this was Barrientos’ first and only marriage. The groom was a man named Salle Keita, whom she wed March 4^th, 2010, according to the indictment.

But he was far from the only groom, as it turned out. Barrientos is believed to be currently married to four people, and at one time she was married to eight of them at the same time. The case was brought to the attention of the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Investigation Division. They indicated that seven of the men are from so-called “red-flagged” countries, which included Egypt, Turkey, Georgia, Pakistan, and Mali. In 2006, Groom #8 – Rashid Rajput – was deported to his home country of Pakistan following an investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The others whom she is alleged to have married, filing marriage certificates from Westchester to Long Island, and most without benefit of divorce: Mohamed Gebril - Egypt (married November, 1999) filed for Legal Permanent Resident Status (LPR)  1/26/00 using her - divorced 4/29/02; Ahmed Allam - Egypt (married November, 2001) filed for LPR 11/27/01 using her – divorced 11/20/04; Habibur Rahman – Bangladeshi (married November, 2001) - Currently Married; Davit Koridze - Georgia (married February, 2002) – Currently Married;        Duran Goktepe – Turkey (married March, 2002) filed for LPR 3/29/02 using her – divorced 1/10/07; Aliaksandr Paharelau – Czechoslovakia (married March, 2002) – possibly divorced 7/25/05; Vakhtang Dzneladze – Georgia (married May, 2002) filed for LPR 6/14/02 and approved using her and naturalized 11/15/06 – divorced 2/26/07; Rashid Rajput – Pakistan (married July, 2002) filed for LPR 8/21/02 using her – put into removal proceedings after Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation regarding making threatening statements toward the US and deported in 2006 – currently married; Kakhaber Khorbaladze – Georgia (married August, 2002) filed for LPR 8/27/02 and approved using her in 2006 – divorced 8/6/07; Salle Keita – Mali (married March 4, 2010) no valid immigration status – currently married. 

In Supreme Court today, before Justice Steven Barrett, Barrientos pled not guilty to the charges. If she is convicted, the defendant faces up to four years behind bars.

The case against Barrientos is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lupo of the Bronx D.A. Arson/Auto/Economic Crime Bureau, and the arrest was made by the Detective Investigator Det. Manuel Lara of the Bronx D.A.’s Detective Investigator Squad, led by Chief Frank Chiara, as well as ICE Special Agent Joseph Grimaldi.

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

#8husbands #NYPD #BronxDA #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Back to the Future for Yanks

Throggs Neck News: Back to the Future for Yanks: Back to the Future for Yanks Pitching Stinks A-Rod scores when  it doesn't matter (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Rich Man...

Back to the Future for Yanks

Back to the Future for Yanks

Pitching Stinks

A-Rod scores when 

it doesn't matter

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 10- Alex Rodriguez took his trip around the bases in the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium Thursday evening. The home run to deep left was so reminiscent of the many that have put him fifth on baseballs all-time list, though being in that company of an all-time great home run leader can be disputed due to his history of using performance enhancing drugs.

But the controversial days of dealing with the A-Rod 

steroid saga are over. That home run that gave the Yankees a lone run would not factor in the Yankees 6-3 series finale loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, however it was closure as to being away from the game all of last year from his 162-game suspension.

“I felt like I needed a Google map to run the bases, it's been so long," Rodriguez said. "Anything I can do this year is going to be a surprise, even for me." And for the Yankees, a team with an anemic offense in their first three games, any home run from Rodriguez at this juncture is a blessing. It was his first home run since September 20, 2013 which explained the reference to a google map.

Manager Joe Girardi at this point will also take whatever he can get from the bat of Rodriguez who batted second in the order and once again off the bench at DH. The Yankees are struggling at the plate, as was the situation most of last year. In their first three games they are 3-for-21 with runners in scoring position and went 1-for-9 in the finale.

Said Girardi about the Rodriguez home run, “If he drives the ball that’s a good sign for us. We need that production from him.” The 655th career home run was also significant because he is five shy of becoming fourth on the all-time list and joining Willie Mays. That would also mean cashing in the first of five $6 million bonus checks that the Yankees are supposed to pay under his 10-year $275 million contract.

Of course if that occurs, it is expected the Yankees will dispute the bonus based on the steroid history and drama A-Rod caused with management. That will be left for another time if indeed it happens. In the meantime Girardi will keep him in the lineup and hope for the best.

THE GAME: CC Sabathia (0-1) got the loss allowing five runs in 5.2 innings. The velocity of his fastball was down but he struck out eight Blue Jays without issuing a walk. He allowed the Jays four straight singles that led to runs in the second inning after two strikeouts in the first.

“I thought he threw the ball a lot better than what it looked like,” commented Girardi. "If he''s going to be hit that hard every time he starts I'll take it because he's not going to give up that many runs in most games. But it was just one of those nights."

Next for the Yankees are three games starting Friday night with the Boston Red Sox including the Sunday night ESPN game that concludes their first home stand of the season.  

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso   Twitter @Ring786

#Yankees #ARod #CC Sabathia #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up

Throggs Neck News: Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up: Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up  (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- The plan was for the New York Ya...

Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up

Yanks’ Pitching Heats Up 

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 9- The plan was for the New York Yankees bullpen was for Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller to be a force in what they call “The Two-Headed Monster.” One or the other would close games or come out of the gate to set up the closer in the eighth inning. On a cold and nasty night at Yankee Stadium the monster plan worked the first time for manager Joe Girardi.

Part of the Yankees strategy during the off season, when they lost closer David Robertson to free agency, was to find an alternative to fill the void. But Betances and Miller combined had two career saves. Girardi for the first time, in this the Yankees second game, went to Betances in the eighth and Miller worked a perfect ninth preserving a nasty Yankees 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The first win of the season for New York, and what is hoped will be more of that late bullpen duo in the Bronx.

Though Betances allowed an unearned run in that eighth inning, which gave Toronto a 3-1 lead at the time, his velocity with the fastball was at 97. Considering that Betances struggled down in spring training, and there were concerns with his velocity, this certainly was a boost.

A boost, because one of the positive factors about this Yankees team is the strength of their bullpen. Miller would get his first career save as a Yankee working a perfect ninth and threw strikes. The plan worked for Girardi this time, and the Yankees hope for many more finishes of this one-two punch out of the pen, that is assuming there are games to protect a lead in the late innings.

"I'm perfectly satisfied with the way that they've prepared us,” Miller said. “It's our job to get outs when called upon.

That's all we know." Miller, the left-hander combined to go 5-5 and a save with Baltimore and Boston last year. Betances, the right-hander had a stellar rookie season going 5-0 with a save. The earned run average was 1.40 in 7o appearances out of the pen.

It is a mix and match situation that Girardi will use when the situation is presented. Or could it be one or the other gets to close the game? That remains to be determined and after the second game of the season time will tell. The closer role for the Yankees was never an issue over the years because someone named Mariano Rivera had the job, and Robertson filled the role almost to perfection last season.

Betances (1-0) would get the win and Miller the save. Thursday evening the Yankees will be looking to get their first series win of the season. Will it be Betances getting the save or Miller getting the opportunity?

THE FIRST WIN: The Yankees came from behind with small ball and scored three runs in the eighth inning. Chase Headley got a tie breaking single that deflected off the wrist of Blue Jays’ reliever Brett Cecil…. There was a lack of offense coming from the Yankees in their second game on an otherwise ugly evening of weather at the ballpark for the announced 31.020 fans who braved the 43 degree temperatures, the smallest Yankees crowd since September 23, 2004 at the old ballpark across the street, though it appeared there were no more than 10-or 12 thousand in attendance…

Alex Rodriguez got the loudest and good cheers again and went 0-for-4…Jacoby Ellsbury reached base four times for the Yankees with two walks and two singles…. The one time ace, CC Sabathia gets his first start Thursday night in the series finale and all eyes will be watching to see the velocity and effects of a bad knee that ended his season against Milwaukee last May…

Michael Pineda tossed six innings, allowed two runs on six hits and struck out six. His first outing according to Girardi was efficient with the change up, slider and fastball. He would not get the decision. “The hitter,” Pineda said, “know I have three good pitches so I feel good about that.”

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#Yankees #Pitching #MichaelPineda #Arod #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Social Media Stooges

Throggs Neck News: Social Media Stooges: Social Media Stooges Gang Used Facebook to Plan Crimes Cops Round Up Members in Raid BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8-  District Attorney R...

Social Media Stooges

Social Media Stooges

Gang Used Facebook to Plan Crimes

Cops Round Up Members in Raid

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- District Attorney Robert Johnson and NYPD Commissioner William Bratton announce the early morning raid by members of the NYPD’s 42^nd Precinct that netted eight members of the Lyman Place Gang, and the indictments of seven gang members already in custody, for crimes ranging from conspiracy to robbery to attempted murder.

The 57-count indictment unsealed in Bronx Supreme Court continues the investigation and prosecution that began late last year, when 11 Lyman members were indicted on charges including murder, attempted murder and conspiracy.

As with last year’s case, much of the gang members’ communication took place on Facebook, and related to the acquisition of firearms and ammunition, and the targeting of victims in rival gangs.

Some of those online communications also related to the robberies for which several members are charged, including one on March 1^st, 2015, in the vicinity of 1409 Prospect Avenue, during which three gang members allegedly robbed a food deliveryman of cash and a cell phone. Another took place on St. Patrick’s Day of this year at the Bright Star Deli, 858 Prospect Avenue, during which two of the accused allegedly punched an employee in the face and stole cash from the register.

District Attorney Robert Johnson noted that each of these arrests makes an important stride in making the streets safer for citizens in the Bronx: “This kind of violence is senseless, and it is our office’s goal, along with that of the NYPD, to make sure that guns are taken off the streets, and those wrongdoers who would use guns or other means to threaten the safety of law abiding citizens, are targeted by our investigations.”

"This investigation is an example of law enforcement addressing the violence caused by street crews such as the Lyman Gang whose reckless actions affect the quality of life of the residents where they operate. I want to thank the members of the 42nd Precinct and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for bringing these alleged crew members to justice,” said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton.

The District Attorney singled out for praise the 42^nd Precinct’s Field Intelligence Officers Sgt. Adrian Uruci and P.O. David Terrell, the NYPD’s Intelligence Bureau, and P.O. Brian Moore of the Juvenile Justice Division.  Also thanked for their work on the shooting and robberies are Det. Dan Brady, Det. Shane Rogers, Det. Luis Reyes, and Det. Carlos Lozada of the 42^nd Precinct.

The case against the Lyman Place Gang is being prosecuted by Bronx Assistant District Attorneys Christina Nowak and Felicity Lung of the Bronx D.A. Gangs/Major Case Bureau, as well as Edward Friedenthal, Counsel to the Bureau.

The charges in this indictment are merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

#NYPD #LymanPlaceGang #Facebook #BronxDA #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Gunfire Erupts Outside of School

Throggs Neck News: Gunfire Erupts Outside of School: Gunfire Erupts Outside of School (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- Police were looking for...

Gunfire Erupts Outside of School

Gunfire Erupts Outside of School

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 8- Police were looking for the gunman who fired at least three shots as dozens of children played in a nearby schoolyard.

One of the shots hit the unidentified victim in the middle of his back outside of M.S. 22, which also houses the Jordan L. Mott Junior High School and the Bronx Writing Academy.

Police officers from the 44th Precinct were called to the intersection of East 167 Street and Morris Avenue and discovered the wounded 25 year-old male at 3:50 p.m. on April 6.

According to police officials the victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital and was expected to survive.

One unconfirmed report stated that police were looking for a light-skinned Hispanic male, who fled through the alley of the school towards East 166 Street.

Despite the recent deployment of the new NYPD program ShotSpotter, which pinpoints the exact location of gunfire, one business owner stated, "I'd say crime is up, way up.”

Officers in the 44th Precinct responded to a second shooting when a male victim was shot inside Joyce Kilmer Park at East 163 Street and the Grand Concourse.

Police continue to investigate both incidents.

 #NYPD #School #Shooting #Bronxnews

2015 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium

2015 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 6- It has been more than six months since Yankees and Mets fans have seen their favorite team play a meaningful game. The desire to see the Yankees in person play and win, even without the presence of Derek Jeter for the first time in 20 years, drew many thousands to 161st Street in the Bronx hours before the scheduled 1:10 pm start.

Dr. Cary Goodman, the executive director of the 161st Street Business Improvement District (161 BID), as always, proactively planned for this joyous event in the community in which he works. The goal of the local organization he heads as its name implies is to encourage visitors to the neighborhood to spend an enjoyable time before, during and after the event at Yankee Stadium while patronizing the businesses in the area. To achieve this end, BID employees and volunteers distributed Yankees stickers and provided face painting to the younger fans.

While touring the community, visitors saw large murals of baseball legends including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard, Reggie Jackson, Mariano Rivera, Roberto Clemente and Satchel Paige. These very appropriate additions to the beautification of the neighborhood were painted on the gates of local businesses during the past year and sponsored by the 161 BID.

As 1 pm approached, the focus of most fans were on the activities within Yankee Stadium. The 10:30 am opening of gates to the public allowed many to watch batting practice.

Interest increased among the fans as the players of each team were introduced. The loudest reaction to any name was to Alex Rodriguez, who was suspended for the entire 2014 baseball season. The reaction was not negative nor was it when A‐Rod singled to lead off the fifth inning.

Shortly before 1 pm, West Point cadets unfurled a giant American flag on the field. As cheers were heard throughout the stands, the United States

Military Academy Band performed the National Anthem of the United States and Canada, as the opponents of the Yanks were the Toronto Blue Jays . Although similar ceremonies are performed at Yankee Stadium to start each season, they were still very moving.

A Yankee hero since 1996 and a New York City native, Joe Torre, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Torre was honored by the Yankees that same evening as he received the Pride of the Yankees Award at the annual Yankees Welcome Home Dinner.

After the ceremonies concluded, the 2015 baseball season at Yankee Stadium officially began with the first pitch, a strike, thrown by Yankees starting pitching Masahiro Tanaka to former Met Jose Reyes at 1:12 pm.

#Yankees #ARod #Tanaka #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Faith on Display

Throggs Neck News: Faith on Display: Faith on Display Photo by Gary Quintal The faithful came out to witness passion plays throughout the Bronx. Church groups donned c...

Faith on Display

Faith on Display

Photo by Gary Quintal

The faithful came out to witness passion plays throughout the Bronx. Church groups donned costumes and recreated the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. 

#GoodFriday #Cross #Jesus #Easter

Throggs Neck News: Kids Hop Along to Holiday Fun at Bunny Breakfast

Throggs Neck News: Kids Hop Along to Holiday Fun at Bunny Breakfast: Kids Hop Along to Holiday Fun at Bunny Breakfast (Photos by Gary Quintal) BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 3- State Senator Jeff Klein, ...

Kids Hop Along to Holiday Fun at Bunny Breakfast

Kids Hop Along to Holiday Fun at Bunny Breakfast

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 3- State Senator Jeff Klein, joined by more than 300 Bronx children and families, held his 20th annual Easter Bunny Breakfast and Magic Show at Villa Barone Manor on March 28. Bronxites of all ages enjoyed a free breakfast, fun-filled magic show, build-a-bunny workshop, face painting and an appearance by a very special guest: the Easter Bunny. 

“The Easter Bunny Breakfast is a cherished tradition here in the Bronx, bringing together hundreds of young children and their parents to celebrate the season,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “It’s a wonderful event that couldn't be made possible without all of our spectacular volunteers and donors, and of course, all of the families who join in the fun. I’d like to thank everyone for making our 20th annual Bunny Breakfast such a positive and memorable experience." 

The event kicked off with a generous continental breakfast, with guests filling up on bagels, pastries, croissants, fruit, coffee, tea and more. Yelps of

excitement rippled through the crowd as the Easter Bunny frolicked in, with children running to embrace their beloved friend. Parents snapped photos of their children with the Easter Bunny as he made his way around the room. 

From there, John the Magician amazed the youngsters with a variety of spectacular tricks. As the event came to a close, each child received a soft, plush stuffed bunny or a cuddly yellow duck. 

#Easter #BunnyBreakfast

Throggs Neck News: Future of Driving

Throggs Neck News: Future of Driving: Future of Driving (Photos by Seitu Oronde) Past, present and the future of driving rolled into the Jacob Javits Center for ...

Future of Driving

Future of Driving

(Photos by Seitu Oronde)

Past, present and the future of driving rolled into the Jacob Javits Center for the Annual New York Auto Show which kicks off on Friday. From past beauties to concept cars auto fans have a chance to see the latest in car designs. 

#NewYorkAutoShow #Mercedes #Toyota

Throggs Neck News: Fordham Names New Coach

Throggs Neck News: Fordham Names New Coach: Fordham Names New Coach By Howard  Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 31-  Less than two weeks after Tom  Pecora  was relieved of his ...

Fordham Names New Coach

Fordham Names New Coach

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 31- Less than two weeks after Tom Pecora was relieved of his duties as men’s basketball coach at Fordham University, it was announced a replacement was hired. Jeff Neubauer, the coach of the Eastern Kentucky Colonels for the past decade, was named the new men’s coach of the Rams.

Neubauer’s teams had record success at EKU. The Colonels won 101 games in the past five seasons and 188 in his 10 years at the helm of the Kentuckians. In five of the 10 years, the Colonels under the guidance of Neubauer qualified for a post-season tournament.

Immediately prior to his first head coaching position, Neubauer was an assistant to John Beilein at West Virginia for three years. In his final season at West Virginia, the Mountaineers reached the Elite Eight round at the 2005 NCAA Tournament. 

Neubauer served as assistant coach to Beilein the previous five seasons at Richmond. The Spiders achieved great success during those years, winning 100 games and qualifying for the post-season tournaments in three of those years.      

During his three years after college graduation, he was graduate assistant coach at The Citadel, where he earned an MBA degree.

Neuberger was the point guard of a very successful LaSalle basketball team from 1989-1993. The explorers compiled an 83-36 mark and three post-season tournament appearances, two in the NCAA and one in the NIT. The finance major was an Honorable Mention GTE Academic All-America in his senior year.

The native of Slidell, Louisiana is happy to be coming to the Bronx, “I am thrilled to get the opportunity not only to head coach at Fordham but to coach in New York City. Fordham has a great academic tradition and a beautiful campus.”

Realizing that the Fordham Rams have had only two seasons in the last 23 years in which the team compiled a record of .500 or better, he explained, “I really love challenges and am very aware of how competitive the Atlantic-10 Conference is and I’m looking forward to helping Fordham move forward in the conference.”   

Although Fordham’s Rose Hill Gym in the oldest District I gym in the country and only seats 3,200, the new coach likes the facility, “I played here many years ago. I think it’s a neat place. I think it has character.”  

Neuberger met the players on his team for the first time one day before his public introduction on Tuesday, “I was very impressed with them. I was not surprised because of the level of the school. I want them to get to know me through basketball.”

The personable young but experienced coach admitted to this reporter, “I’m not worried about the basketball. I’m not worried about the recruiting. I have no idea where I want to live.”

Fordham officials expressed great satisfaction with the new coach they signed. Fordham’s president, Joseph M. McShane, SJ, elatedly stated, “His ability to inspire superior performance on the court and in the classroom fits well with Fordham’s mission and our culture…Most importantly, we believe Jeff will be a positive force for our student athletes, in their careers and in their lives.”    

Athletic Director David Roach commented, “He [Neubauer] has proven himself as one of the top up-and-coming coaches in the country and brings a tremendous amount of experience to our program.”      

#Fordham #Rams #HeadCoach                                                          

Throggs Neck News: Cops Smash Smack Ring Near Schools

Throggs Neck News: Cops Smash Smack Ring Near Schools: Cops Smash Smack Ring Near Schools (Photos by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 31- Three individuals...

Cops Smash Smack Ring Near Schools

Cops Smash Smack Ring Near Schools

(Photos by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 31- Three individuals have been arrested and charged with running a heroin operation based in the working middle class neighborhood of Bedford Park-- a short distance away from two New York City public schools and a college.

According to police sources, members of the Bronx Narcotics Squad, in conjunction with the 52nd Precinct, were conducting a buy and bust 

operation at the corner of East Bedford Park Boulevard and Jerome Avenue, at 4:30 p.m. on March 20.

According to the criminal complaint, the informant purchased a bag on f heroin and a surveillance team followed at least one of the three suspects to an apartment at 3043 Villa Avenue at East Bedford Park Boulevard.

A team of more than a dozen officers raided the fourth-floor apartment and took one of the three suspects into custody. Police would only confirm that three individuals were arrested at three different locations stemming from the sale.

Police announced the arrests of Louis Delgado, 43, of Manhattan; Vanessa Henry, 50, of the Grand Concourse and Jennifer DeHoyos, 34, of White Plains Road. All three were charged with criminal possession and sale of a controlled substance, both felonies.

One resident of the area recalled the scene, "I saw three undercover guys blocking the street and there were like three or four in the apartment looking for drugs. They were looking out the window and onto the fire escape."

                                          

Asked if he was surprised by heroin sales in the area, the resident responded, "I knew they were dealing," claiming to have witnessed the drug-for-cash transactions for over a year. 

The resident then made a bombshell allegation, claiming, "I asked a couple cops who I could talk to. I'd go down and talk to the detectives, but you go down there and they don't want to know anything, really. This was like a year ago."

The neighborhood source also stated that the boss of the operation was overseeing the ongoing drug sales, since the arrests, from the comforts of his luxury SUV-- claiming that many of the drug sales are conducted in the public parking lot for a college. Investigators would not confirm the report.

A brother of one of the suspects claimed, "They beat him up pretty good and he's an older guy and he still hasn't even seen a doctor yet." The young relative also questioned why the man had been held in Manhattan, when the alleged crime took place in the Bronx.

The distraught family member added, "I'm not saying he's an angel, but he didn't deserve this," claiming that the alleged sale involved less than $100 of the drug.

According to the Bronx District Attorney's office, all three were arraigned on March 21. DeHoyos was released on her own recognizance and Delgado made bail and both were due back in court on June 9. Henry remains held on $5,000 bond and is due back in court on April 6.

 #NYPD #Heroin #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: NYCFC Loses First Match in its History

Throggs Neck News: NYCFC Loses First Match in its History: NYCFC Loses First Match in its History  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 30- The NYCFC (1‐1‐2) lost its first match in ...

NYCFC Loses First Match in its History

NYCFC Loses First Match in its History 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 30- The NYCFC (1‐1‐2) lost its first match in its history at Yankee Stadium on Saturday night. Sporting Kansas City (1‐1‐2) was the victor by a score of 1‐0. The win was the first of the season for the visitors, and the seventh time they have handed its first defeat to a club in its new venue.

The match sold out with a crowd of 27,545 who attended the second match of the home club in the iconic Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Although the home opener drew in excess of 43,000, the seating allocated for NYCFC matches was approximately 27,000. 

New York area native Chris Wingert praised the loyalty of the club’s supporters, “It was really impressive for how many people came to watch us.” The Manhattan resident spoke of his trip to the Bronx, “I took the subway. It was a nightmare. I don’t know it well enough yet.”

The only goal of the match was scored at the 12 minute mark in the first half on a throw‐in by Matt Besler, a veteran of 25 Caps for the USMNT, which was knocked into the goal on a header by KC defenseman Ike Opara, his second goal of the new season. NYCFC coach Jason Kreis described the most crucial moment of the match, “We put our tallest guy on him, but Opara just beat him to the ball.” 

NYC defenseman Chris Wingert, who has started all four matches, admitted, “It was frustrating to give up a goal on a throw‐in.”

Kreis spoke of the difference of how his club fared in each half of the contest, “In the second half, they did everything they could to get the tying goal. I don’t know why it takes a whole half.” He believes the club should start with more energy from the opening moment of a match, especially in a home contest.

A disappointment to the club and the fans was the absence of Spanish superstar David Villa. After suffering an ankle injury earlier in the year, Villa missed his first contest of the season. Kreis described the situation to reporters after the contest, “Yesterday we took him [Villa] out early to the training center. We quickly decided it wasn’t going to work. He’s managed through the pain and swelling for the past three weeks.” The coach believes the bye week will allow Villa to return to action for the next NYCFC match against the Philadelphia Union on April 11.

Kreis did not believe that the absence of Villa or forward Adam Nemec, who had started the first three matches, and was representing Slovakia on the weekend, made the difference in the result of the match.

The NYCFC coach was also pleased with the three substitutes (Tony Taylor, Kwadwo Poku and Thomas McNamara) who saw action, “All three substitutions were good. I was really proud of the effort the guys put in.”

Kreis uttered a mixed summary of his club to this point in its first season, “We need to improve in all phases, [but] there are still signs that I can say we’re going to be a good team.”

The next two NYCFC matches are a home and home with the Philadelphia Union. After a road match in Philadelphia on April 11, NYCFC will return to Yankee Stadium on April 16 to face the same opponent.

#NYCFC #Soccer #YankeeStadium #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Only Lap Dogs Allowed?

Throggs Neck News: Only Lap Dogs Allowed?: Only Lap Dogs Allowed? Organizers block reporters who ask questions on stealth homeless Riverdale Report By Robert Press BR...

Only Lap Dogs Allowed?

Only Lap Dogs Allowed?

Organizers block reporters who ask questions on stealth homeless

Riverdale Report

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 26- Last week, the Riverdale Press reported a so called exclusive on the vacant former Montefiore Medical Center site. I call it a So-Called exclusive, because the Riverdale elected officials chose not to ask this newspaper columnist to the meeting even though I have lived in Riverdale for over 35 years.

Could it have been my reporting on the next Bronx Democratic County Leader, my reporting on the new leadership in the state senate, or perhaps commentary of a sister newspaper the City News? So Riverdale Press it was not an exclusive, just payback for honest reporting. You of all newspapers should know that from the last two Democratic primaries, but then again your reporting was not always honest. By the way the editor of the other so called Riverdale newspaper was invited so you scooped him and not me.

Let’s go over the facts. There is no way that a 14-story luxury building will be built on the former medical center site. The community will want to lower it to 8 – 10 stories at most, which will not be profitable for Simone Developers the owner of the site. Quite frankly the site may have to be broken down into the parcels it originally started from, and then be constructed on individually. As you know the elected officials were wrong before on this site.

Speaking of our elected officials, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz was at the Riverdale Y last week with a check for $125,000 for the first 'Barrier Free Playground' in the Northwest Bronx. This will be the first all accessible playground to all children including those with special needs. This comes on top of a grant to the Y by Senator Klein to repair the entrance to the Y.

It seems that our photo last week of a Coalition for Homeless van parked in front of a rent-stabilized building in Riverdale has gotten some responses. Last week’s article (an exclusive) seems to be even more important now that Mayor Bill deBlasio has been robo-calling landlords offering a One-Thousand dollar bonus to landlords who will house the homeless. More in upcoming columns.

The March 30^th meeting of the Community Board 8 Land Use meeting has five items on the agenda. Items 2 and 5 in the Fieldston Special Nature Area District, and both have to do with a change of windows or sash. Item 1 concerns the new fitness center at the West 230^th Street and Broadway mall. Items 3 and 4 concern new buildings in Kingsbridge Heights. Item 3 is a discussion about a new proposal for the 3469 Cannon Place site by a new developer. Item 4 is about a 421-A application for a newly constructed 6 story 52 unit building at 3507 Fort Independence Street. There is however no mention of any proposal for the Riverdale/Oxford Avenue former Montefiore Medical Center site.

Lastly, don't forget to check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for the weekly listing of upcoming events at Wave Hill, more on what you may read in this column, and the many photos of the events that are covered.

If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.  

#Riverdale #Homeless #Montefiore #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Fire Bug Torches Cars

Throggs Neck News: Fire Bug Torches Cars: Fire Bug Torches Cars By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 25- The fire marshal and the NYPD are currently looking for the p...

Fire Bug Torches Cars

Fire Bug Torches Cars

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 25- The fire marshal and the NYPD are currently looking for the person or persons who set fire to some curbside garbage that destroyed to vehicles in Norwood.

Authorities could provide few details before the police reports have been filed, but officials say both incidents took place on opposite ends of Hull Avenue, between East 209 Street and East Gun Hill Road, between 1:30 and 2 a.m. on March 19.

A mattress was set on fire at the curb where an older model black BMW caught fire outside of 3307 Hull Avenue. A red Honda Ridgeline SUV caught fire minutes later outside of 3349 Hull Avenue, after bags of garbage were torched.

Both vehicles suffered extensive damage to the passenger sides and undercarriages of both vehicles and both will likely be a total loss.

One victim was too distraught at the loss of her car to speak, but one resident of the block remarked, "I knew about this one, but now I see there's two. You never use to have this sort of thing happen here."

Fire marshals continue to investigate the cause of the fire and who set it, while the NYPD is reportedly checking surveillance video in the area.

#NYPD #Arson #Firebug #Norwood #Bronxnews

Throggs Neck News: Shots ring out on St. Paddy’s Day

Throggs Neck News: Shots ring out on St. Paddy’s Day: Shots ring out on St. Paddy’s Day By Aaron Carnegie BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 20-  At around 10 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, four shots ...

Shots ring out on St. Paddy’s Day

Shots ring out on St. Paddy’s Day

By Aaron Carnegie

BRONX, NEW YORK, MARCH 20- At around 10 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day, four shots rang out in the vicinity of 100 Erdman Place.

At least one car was hit. It had a broken windshield and a broken side window on the driver’s side.

A witness on the scene said that police and Public Safety officers were looking for two men in connection with this crime. No injuries were reported.

#NYPD #St. Patrick’s Day #Shooting