10-man Greek Americans roar back from 2-0 deficit against Pancyprians

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

QUEENS COLLEGE – The battle between the NY Greek Americans and NY Pancyprian Freedoms is always a fun one, and this weekend’s clash delivered another scintillating display.

The Greek Americans and Pancyprians are some of the country’s oldest soccer teams; and some of the most historic on the semiprofessional circuit. The Greeks are four-time winners of the National Challenge Cup, known today as the US Open Cup. Their Cypriot rivals are three-time winners of the competition themselves.

“Whether you have no team or a good team, it’s always a Derby. Greeks against Greeks, Pancyprians against Greek Americans. Both teams have a big, big history,” said Tony Dziris, the General Manager of the Greek Americans.

The two historic clubs currently compete in the American Premier Soccer League’s flagship Metropolitan Division, where they meet at least twice a year. In the first matchup of the 2026-27 season, the Hellenic Derby was another unforgettable matchup.

Light rain and wind set the stage for the contest at Queens College. After the first 45 minutes, the match remained scoreless. Both clubs had decent chances, but neither would budge.

The first strike on the scoresheet came at the hour mark, when a loose ball rolled right into the path of Sebastian Ruiz. The Colombian sent the ball skidding across the ground, off the upright, and into the net from outside of the penalty area. It was the first time in over a year that the Pancyprians managed to score against the Greek Americans, and also the first goal conceded by Josh Levine since departing the Pancyprians for their rivals over the Summer.

Just minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead. A corner set up Konstatin Donalies for a header at the back post to put Pancyprians up 2-0. Less than 15 minutes later, a red card was shown to Greek Americans’ Nicholas Oberrauch, seemingly sealing the game for the Pancyprians with 10 minutes to go.

Somehow, the Greek Americans were able to muscle themselves back into the match. Just six minutes after his team was sent down to 10 men, Scott Testori pounced on a rebound to make it 2-1. Then in the dying minutes of stoppage time, the impossible happened.

A long free kick was flicked ahead into the penalty area and Coby McGregor was the first to reach it. The new signing lifted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net, making it 2-2 in the 93rd minute. The final whistle blew soon after.

“I never thought we would come back. Even though we have one of the best teams in the league, we were missing five starters, good players” said Drizis. “I really congratulate them on coming back with 10 men to tie 2-2, it’s like we won.”

Check out the highlights from the first Hellenic Derby of the year on Game In Frame!