By Jinseong Kim and Ryan Makuch
This weekend, the AFC Ann Arbor women’s team celebrates their home opener as they take on in-state rivals Kalamazoo FC on Sunday, May 22, at 4 pm. The match also serves the dual purpose of being the women’s first home USL W League match.
The women’s team grabbed their inaugural USL W League victory last Friday in Cincinnati against Kings Hammer FC, topping the hosts 3-1 with efforts from Tatiana Mason, Lina Berrah, and Angeline Kieh. Holding a 1-1-0 record and sitting joint-third with three points, the Mighty Oak women are off on a hunt to collect another three points in front of the home crowd. With more international players being able and present on the team this weekend, AFCAA women will feature with the most competitive, strong squad so far in the season on the field of Hornet Stadium.
Thus far, several women in the blue and white of The Mighty Oak have made splashes. Chloe Ricketts just earned the inaugural USL W League Goal of the Week honor for her strike against Flint City AFC in the season opener. Ricketts is one of three women, joining Tatiana Mason and Angeline Kieh, to have both a goal and an assist in these first two games of the season. Kieh, in particular, earned hers in stunning fashion, both coming in the victory over Kings Hammer FC, and earning her Woman of the Match honors in the process.
Off the field, yet still literally on it, at halftime, Kallista Walker will be honored with the Bank of Ann Arbor Community Award. We also thank the club’s official transportation sponsor Golden Limousine for ensuring that Walker’s Queen’s Club will arrive to the match in style.
The Opponents
Kalamazoo FC is a familiar Michigan rival for the men’s squad, but this weekend’s game is the very first encounter for the women. Establishing the USL W League franchise in January 2022, Kalamazoo has quickly integrated into the new league. KZFC’s women have embedded into the league with all sorts of results: a 1-1 draw against Detroit City FC at Keyworth, a KZFC victory over Flint City AFC 3-1, and, most recently, a 5-2 defeat to Midwest United.
About AFC Ann Arbor
Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor) was founded in 2014 and competes in USL2 (men’s) and USLW (women’s) national amateur leagues. We are a community-based club, focused on equity, justice, and anti-racism. We consider all of our stakeholders, including supporters, players, staff, and ownership to be part of the #AFCAAFamily. Come On You Mighty Oak!