By Ryan Makuch
The USL Championship Playoffs are set to start on Saturday after an abridged season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the AFCAA Family is well-represented throughout the bracket in both leagues. Of the 16 teams in the postseason, a quarter of them have AFC Ann Arbor representation on them, with plenty of players having come up clutch over the course of the season. We compiled this guide to break down what teams to watch for, who is on them, and when and where you can check out the matches and support some of AFCAA’s professional-caliber alumni.
Western Conference
Dario Suarez – FC Tulsa:
A member of the 2016 and 2017 AFCAA teams, Dario is undoubtedly a club legend here, and his play in Tulsa has firmly cemented his spot as one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the entire USLC. With eight goals in his 15 matches played, Dario is tied for 10th in the entire USLC in goals scored, and leads FC Tulsa. Dario has made his mark as a left-wing attacker for Tulsa and has undoubtedly helped Tulsa along to the heights that they currently are seeing. His spurt of six goals in four games from 9/2 to 9/12 saw him score all six goals for Tulsa in that four-match span, and his work in attack has helped push them to the seventh seed in the West. He has proven multiple times over the course of the season that he is one of the most dangerous attackers in the league, which is something AFCAA fans may not be surprised to know. Tulsa will travel to El Paso to take on El Paso Locomotive FC on October 10th at 9:30 PM EST, live on ESPN+.
Eastern Conference
Jake Rufe – Birmingham Legion FC:
Rufe, a member of the 2016, 2017, and 2019 iterations of The Mighty Oak, has been able to carve out a key role for himself with his hometown club. The Alabama native impressed heavily here in Ann Arbor, but was also able to help translate a stint with Stumptown Athletic in NISA into a spot with Birmingham Legion this season. Rufe has made 11 appearances, including six starts, for the USLC side showing off his versatility by starting at right back, center back, and subbing on in the midfield where AFCAA fans may be more familiar with his prowess. Rufe’s passing ability has been on full display as he currently sits at an 80.4% passing accuracy. His ability to play multiple positions and sub on and do a job has made him a key piece of Birmingham’s side and has helped them enter the postseason as the seventh seed in the East. Birmingham squares off with Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30 PM EST on October 10th on ESPN+.
Mike Novotny – Hartford Athletic FC:
A member of the 2018 AFCAA side, Novotny is one of the club’s finest goalkeeper success stories. After translating an outstanding first portion of the season in Ann Arbor to a successful stint in Sweden’s third division, Novotny joined Hartford for their first year of activity in 2019. Hartford made an impressive turnaround this season, from 17th in the East last season to second, and Novotny had a key part to play late in the season. With Hartford up 1-0 in the 73rd minute, first-choice goalkeeper Parfait Mandanda (on loan from Belgian First Division side Charleroi) saw red, meaning it was up to Novotny to keep the clean sheet and the win. He made a key save and controlled the game brilliantly, and the scoreline would remain 1-0. Getting the start in the next match, Novotny made a huge penalty save in the 79th minute in Philadelphia Union II that kept the game knotted up at 2-2 and would allow Hartford to get a 90th minute winner. Novotny’s ability to step in showcases the professionalism that everyone in Ann Arbor knew he had already. Hartford host Saint Louis FC on October 10th at 7 PM EST.
Ian McGrane – Tampa Bay Rowdies:
A key member of the 2019 AFCAA team, Ian McGrane has had the opportunity to join one of the most consistent organizations in the USLC. With Eric Rudland serving as chief scout for Tampa Bay Rowdies as well, there is plenty of reason to support Tampa Bay in the postseason, even if that first round match with Birmingham features clashing teammates at not one, but two stops. McGrane also was able to translate some excellent play with Stumptown Athletic, along with his incredible season in Ann Arbor that saw him shortlisted for one NPSL Player of the Year honor, to a spot in Tampa. McGrane serves as a deputy to University of Michigan graduate Evan Louro and is in a great position to learn and succeed.
No matter who you’re rooting for in the USL Championship postseason, it is clear that if you want to support members of the AFCAA Family, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so.