NY Empire FC Rolls Past Red Hook FC with 4-0 Victory After Lightning Delay

It was a night of dominance for NY Empire FC at home this past Saturday, as they powered past Red Hook FC with a commanding 4-0 win, overcoming a lengthy lightning delay to deliver one of their most complete performances of the season.

The match started evenly, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock in the early stages. After 28 minutes of play, severe weather rolled in, forcing a lightning delay that lasted just over an hour. When the teams returned to the field, NY Empire FC came out with renewed energy and intensity.

Only two minutes after the restart, Tim De Meij opened the scoring, rising above the defense to head home a pinpoint cross and ignite the home crowd. The momentum continued to swing Empire’s way as Naeem Charles doubled the lead just before halftime, coolly taking on the Red Hook goalkeeper one-on-one before slotting the ball into the net.

Empire kept the pressure on after the break. In the 53rd minute, Keirol Aaron added a third goal, finishing off a sharp attacking move. Substitute Emgi Gousse capped the scoring in the 71st minute, making an instant impact off the bench.

NY Empire FC continued to create chances throughout the second half but were unable to extend the scoreline further. Goalkeeper Giuseppe Vitale recorded a clean sheet, making several key stops to preserve the shutout.

Head Coach Max Ferro was thrilled with the team's performance, particularly their response following the lightning delay. "I'm proud of how we came out after the break — focused, aggressive, and playing our game," Ferro said. "This was a real statement win, but we're not done yet."

With the victory, NY Empire FC continues to build momentum as they prepare to hit the road next week to face East Coast FC.