Empire Fight Back Falls Just Short in Front of Roaring Alby Cup Crowd

The 2025 Alby Cup delivered another unforgettable night at the SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex, as hundreds of fans packed in for Alby After Dark—the Official After Match Party presented by Powerade—capping off a day filled with nonstop soccer, youth excitement, and pro-level intensity.

On the field, NY Empire FC showed resilience against defending champions NY Braveheart SC in a 3-2 thriller. NY Empire FC found themselves in a 3-0 hole early but stormed back with grit and determination. Zane Brown lit the crowd on fire with a late first-half strike, followed by Tim De Meij’s composed finish early in the second half that pulled Empire within one.

The drama nearly reached storybook levels in the final minutes when Jesper Mikkelson curled a free kick off the crossbar—just inches away from leveling the match. The roar from the stands made clear: win or lose, the Empire faithful are all-in.

But the day was bigger than the scoreline. From the early morning through the evening showcase, youth players from across the region got the unique chance to play on the Empire’s branded field, experiencing firsthand what it feels like to step into a pro environment. That energy carried into the night, as families, fans, and young athletes stuck around to celebrate soccer together.

The club kept the excitement going off the field too, with FREE raffles throughout the evening that left kids and families heading home with huge smiles—and even bigger prizes. From a brand-new TV and a bike, to a signed Empire framed jersey, Empire-branded gift baskets, headphones, speakers, and more, the giveaways had the crowd buzzing as much as the action on the pitch.

The atmosphere was electric—Empire chants echoing, kids chasing autographs, and the crowd rallying behind their team every step of the way. It wasn’t just a game; it was a celebration of the sport and a statement of how strong the NYEFC community has become.

While Braveheart SC may have edged the scoreboard, the real victory was the passion, pride, and unity that defined the Alby Cup’s biggest night yet.