Rovers defeated in second leg against FC Basel
29 Aug 14
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/09/14/sports/soccer/14goalblog/14goalblog-blog480.jpg
After a 2-2 draw in Switzerland the Hoops were looking for the easy way into the Champions League Group Stage. Hoping they could keep the match the same score they could have advanced to the group stage for the first time in club history. It wouldn't end up like this as the club were short many players due to injuries and suspension. This would be both exciting and very physical. The Harristown Stadium was in for a treat both during and after the match.
Things got crazy as Basel's Schar scored a penalty after defender Marius Zaliukas made a mistake inside the box. Later on Glen Whelan then equalized for Shamrock in the 39th minute. Shamrock would give away another penalty and Schar would score again. Shamrock would answer about 10 minutes later as Stephen Hunt would score the equalizer. That goal would bring the two sides into extratime. Sadly for the home squad their dreams of the group stage would be destroyed as Philipp Degen scored the game winner in the 97th minute.
With this loss Shamrock are now awaiting their fate in the Europa League as the 2014/15 Group Stage was drawn. They will be facing AS Roma, FC Twente and Martimo in Group H play. This will be an extremely tough test for the Rovers. This will be their first apperence in the Europa League Group Stage since 2011. During the 2011 group stage the club failed to gain a single point during the round. This version of the club have a chance to win since they are a whole different monster.
After the match we caught up with manager Mike Korrigan and he had a few worlds to say.
"I am damn proud of this club right now, we fought so hard to get here and to almost beat such a good team like Basel we should be proud." Asking him about the physical play he said,
"That is no big deal, yes we might have had some issues but that's the nature of the sport."
It was not all upsetting for the club. After the loss the club introduced one of their newest members. Around a week ago we reported a rumor that Los Angles Galaxy's Robbie Keane could be moving to Shamrock at the end of the MLS season. Well the captain of the national squad did sign a contract and Shamrock paid about 100k to bring him out now. As soon as Robbie was announced the crowd erupted in cheer. We can't wait to see what Captain Keano does with Shamrock. For the 34 year old Dublin native this will be his first time back playing in Ireland since he was a youth with,Crumlin United. Keano could be joined by Wolves striker and Irish International Kevin Doyle if rumors are true.
http://footballrepublic.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Republic-of-Ireland-Robbie-Keane.jpg
Shamrock will now be focusing on their upcoming match on the 29th against Dundalk. Earlier in the week they also drew Cobh Ramblers in the EA Sports Cup Second Round. After that the 3rd round was also drawn. Shamrock will face Limerick in the 3rd round once again. The 18 time Irish Champions are looking to improve their play in this competition as last season they were knocked out by Limerick in the 3rd round.