New York Stars Fall To Dukla Prague in Viareggio Opener

The New York Stars (a select team from the metro New York area) fell to Dukla Prague 5-2 today in Pisa during their opening match of the prestigious Torneo Viareggio.

SSC Napoli's Vincenzo Bernardo, on loan for the tournament, went the full 90, drawing a penalty and then scoring from the PK spot. Later, Bernardo carried deep into the Dukla Prague penalty area again and had his cross cleared out by the Dukla defense. The clearance fell to the feet of Chris Alesci, who cracked an 18 meter shot for New York's second goal. Alesci normally plays for the PDL's Westchester Flames.

Today's two goals were the first ever scored by the New York Stars, a perennial participant. In the past, they've normally been beaten 6-0 or 7-0, so a 5-2 losing result is still a sign of real progress.

The Stars face an even stiffer test on Saturday when they take on Fiorentina in the second round.