This First-Ever Hellenic Derby Erupts as Pancyprians Edge Leros in 4–3 Thriller
On a chilly night on Long Island, newly promoted Leros SC hosted last year’s league and playoff winners, the New York Pancyprian Freedoms in the Metropolitan Conference of the APSL. This was the first meeting between the two Greek-rooted sides in the APSL after Leros earned promotion from the LISFL last season and strengthened their roster.
The game exploded into life immediately. In the very first minute, Mason Chetti broke free and slotted past Josh Levine, giving Leros a dream start and a 1-0 lead. The Pancyprians answered back in the 16th minute when their Colombian winger Sebastian Ruiz whipped in a dangerous cross that sailed straight into the back of the net for the equalizer.
The first half was end-to-end, both sides showing real quality and tempo. Leros pulled ahead again when Sebastian Goicochea pounced on a rebound and curled his shot into the corner, putting his side 2-1 up going into halftime.
The second half began with the Pancyprians pressing high and forcing Luis Hurtado, the Leros goalkeeper, into a string of tough saves. But in the 68th minute, Leros struck again. Sameer Fathazada started a quick counterattack from midfield, feeding substitute Junior Rosero, who made an instant impact by scoring to make it 3-1.
From there, the game tilted. The Pancyprians refused to fold. Substitute Juan Moreno sparked the comeback with a curling finish similar to Ruiz’s first-half effort, bringing the score to 3-2. The visitors kept pushing, and their persistence paid off when captain Jordan Bailon leveled the game, setting up a dramatic finish.
Then came the decisive moment. In the 89th minute, Victor Castel finished from close range after Kevin Hernandez cleverly pounced on a rebound and cut the ball back across the box. The comeback was complete — Pancyprians 4, Leros 3. Moments later, the final whistle blew, sealing a match that had everything: skill, chaos, and pure heart.
It was a game neutrals didn’t want to end. As the first Hellenic derby between these two clubs in APSL history, it is one that will be remembered.
The Pancyprians now sit fourth in the Metropolitan Conference with a 5-0-3 record and look to keep climbing when they visit Zum Schneider FC this Sunday in the Eastern New York State Soccer Association (ENYSSA) Manning Cup. The winner could face Leros again in the next round, a rematch fans would love to see.
Leros, currently sixth at 3-2-3, have the weekend off before returning to action on November 16 against Doxa SC, another fierce Hellenic derby on the horizon.
