The Mighty Oak Host Lansing United in NPSL Rematch [With Audio from Coach Rudland]

After defeating Lansing United last Friday, where Bruno Oliveria scored the game winner in a 1-0 victory off a corner, AFC Ann Arbor will face Lansing United once more at home. Last weekend, The Mighty Oak went undefeated earning 4 points, maintaining their claim to the top of the Great Lakes West Conference table.

Only 60 miles separate AFC Ann Arbor from their competitors in Lansing. A strong supporter section traveled on the road to aid The Mighty Oak to victory in Lansing last Friday. Eric Rudland is preparing to defeat the club, where he spent two seasons, twice in a single week. Lansing will come to Ann Arbor prepared to create a result after a home loss to AFC Ann Arbor generating a playoff like atmosphere.

After the late equalizer from Dayton last Sunday in the 89th minute forcing a 1-1 draw, AFC Ann Arbor will seek out another three points tonight against Lansing. The standard lineup is expected to compete in the competition. However right-winger, John-Prince Rylah, will not be in the line up due to a straight red given in the second half of last game.

The match against Lansing marks the 8th match in The Mighty Oak’s 12-game season and one of the final two home NPSL matches. Obtaining three points against the mid Michigan rival is essential to remain in first place, as AFC Ann Arbor will face some challenging road tests coming up.

Thanks to The Little Seedling and Bank of Ann Arbor, all kids attending today’s match will be admitted free admission, but The Mighty Oak will be looking for community wide support at Home tonight in pursuit of a result against a bitter rival. To purchase adult tickets, visit our website and save $2 off the gate ticket price. 

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Friday's Match vs Lansing United

1. The Mighty Oak look to hold on to first place in the Great Lakes West

2. All kids under 18 in FREE! Purchase adult tickets in advance and save $2. 

3. Giveaways including (2) tickets to Real Madrid vs Chelsea match at the Big House, Big George's Gift Card, The Little Seedling Gift Card, Goldfish Swim School Lessons 

4. Neutral Zone National Anthem - One of the talented young musicians from the Neutral Zone will be performing the National Anthem on electric guitar. 

5. Vencedores Samba Band

6. Food Trucks: Hello! Ice Cream and Petey's Donuts 

7. Ride the Shuttle from Arbor Brewing Company 

8. Audi Ann Arbor Post Match Autographs 

9. Meet Nutmeg The Squirrel 

10. Pioneer HS Girls Varsity Soccer District Champs Being Honored at Halftime

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Mighty Oak Monday (Week 6)

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The Lansing game was a return to a familiar place for you. Prior to the match, were there any overwhelming feelings as a former coach of Lansing United once you entered East Lansing Soccer Complex?

The approach to last Friday's match was no different than the others on our schedule from a football standpoint. I was really looking forward to playing at the East Lansing soccer complex, as it's a grass pitch and one of the nicest in the league. I knew our men would enjoy the surface and the environment. It was great to see familiar faces at the match and reconnect with people who I have not seen in a while. Just like most clubs in the league, we are friends before & after the whistle blows, and the match was competitive & entertaining. 

Bruno secured the victory on Friday with a stellar corner kick. Did the 3 points earned in Lansing taste a little bit sweeter than our previous results being a victory against your former side?

It was a perfectly shaped ball from Bruno. Some may say it wasn't a shot, but we have seen him do that in training numerous times. Bruno has been a top man for us so far, I believe he has logged every minute for the club so far this season and has become a staple in our back-line along with Frenchy (Braem). Obviously the 3 points were crucial for us in the title race.

The team sheet for Sunday's game in Dayton saw some new faces and even some new players earning starts for The Mighty Oak. Can you speak to some of the challenges and strategies a manager deals with in short turnaround matches like this weekend?

With this past weekend being our first double NPSL weekend we thought it was best for the club to give a few other players a run in the first 11. The change wasn't due to players not preforming, rather it was an open door to play fresh legs on the back end of a hard match vs. LanU. I thought our men responded well with us creating a few really good scoring chances in the first 1/2 vs. Dayton & defensively we looked secure the whole match. All in all it was good for us to see what some of the other players on our roster can do in a competitive NPSL match, as we have to prepare to deal with another double weekend in July.

A spark for the Mighty Oak from the jump was striker JP Rylah who earned only his second start of the season against Dynamo on Sunday. Can you speak to how valuable having such a deep roster has proved to be especially in the attacking role positions?

I thought JP was really dangerous for us on Sunday. He has come on as a sub for us previously and with Sunday being his first NPSL start he took advantage of the opportunity. Yes, we are very fortunate to have a few quality players in each position, which bodes well for making changes when necessary. As we have seen in our matches, when we do make substitution changes those players have the capability to make an immediate impact. 

A deflating PK converted by Dayton resulted in a 1-1 draw on the road, but The Mighty Oak were still able to retain a point out of the trip and earn 4 total points over the weekend. With our club still sitting first in the table, can you add to how important road points are in this league?

Road points are critical in the league title race. Our men have exhibited a very professional approach when we travel. With only 2 home matches remaining, we know how important it will be to keep good form on the road.

1-0 Win Over Lansing United Keeps The Mighty Oak In First Place

After a weeklong break in NPSL play, AFC Ann Arbor hit the road to take on Lansing United.  AFC Ann Arbor head coach Eric Rudland was making his first return to his former club, and after last weeks 2-1 loss to Michigan Stars FC, The Mighty Oak were looking to remain on top of the NPSL Great Lakes West Table.

In the opening 20 minutes AFC threatened often. There were three legitimate goal-scoring opportunities for The Mighty Oak early on. If not for the heroics of Lansing United keeper Jimmy Hague in the first half, the score line would have looked a lot different.

The last 15 minutes of the first half saw Lansing grow in confidence. Chances started coming fast for United and in the 38th minute an effort in the AFC box hit the crossbar, but stayed out.

The second half kicked off in much the same way as the first. The Mighty Oak were controlling possession and dictating for long spells.  The heat was a big factor for both sides and substitutes started coming quickly for AFC. First Jake Rufe came in, and then Jermaine Windster was introduced. A few minutes later J.P. Rylah came on, followed by James Vaughn and Tristan Jacob. All the substitutes would prove to pay dividends for The Mighty Oak just minutes later.

Substitute Tristan Jacob won a corner for AFC in the 73rd minute after his effort was deflected past the end line. Bruno Oliveria jogged to take the corner. His corner was a long curving effort and after flying over everyone’s head in the Lansing box, it nestled neatly inside the far post to give AFC Ann Arbor a crucial 1-0 lead with 15 minutes remaining.  

One final substitution followed, Leigh Rumbold came off and Zach Pagani took his place. The fresh legs throughout the team paid off, and AFC Ann Arbor closed out a vital away victory, 1-0.

Speaking to the impact the substitutes had in the match, AFC Coach Eric Rudland said “I thought those guys changed the game for us, honestly. In the second half we got a little bit heavy legged, we weren’t as sharp, but Jermaine came on, Rufe came on, J.P. came on. Tristan, Zach Pagani. Every guy who came on took the game to the next level”  

The result leaves AFC Ann Arbor on top of the NPSL Great Lakes West table with 13 points from 6 games.

A quick rest and turnaround sees The Mighty Oak head to Dayton for another clash with Dayton Dynamo on Sunday June 12th at 1:00 pm. 

Match Preview: AFC Ann Arbor @ Lansing United [With Audio from Coach Rudland]

The Mighty Oak take to the road for a set of road contests against Lansing United tonight, and Dayton Dynamo on Sunday.  Friday’s contest also marks the return of Coach Rudland to his former club for the first time since taking over as Head Coach & Sporting Director of AFC Ann Arbor.

Tonight’s match marks the halfway point for league play as it’s the 6th of 12 NPSL matches for The Mighty Oak this season. Through 5 matches, AFC Ann Arbor remains atop the table with 10 points and looks to hold on to the top spot with a result against Lansing United this evening at the East Lansing Soccer Complex. 

Although tonight’s match marks the first NPSL meeting between the clubs, the two played a set of friendlies last season, each picking up a win. 

To find out more about tonight's match, listen to Coach Rudland on his weekly segment on WTKA Sports Talk 1050AM (every Friday at 8:25am). 

All Students Receive Free Admission on June 17th

 

To celebrate the last day of school in Ann Arbor on Friday, June 17th, AFC Ann Arbor will be hosting “School’s Out” which will grant all students up to 18 free entry into that evenings match.

The Mighty Oak are currently in first place of the Great Lakes West Division of the Midwest Region (NPSL) and hit the road this weekend with contests against Lansing United and Dayton Dynamo on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

AFC Ann Arbor returns to Hollway Field (at Pioneer HS) on June 17th to host Lansing United.  Adults looking to purchase tickets for this match can do so here. 

Celebrate the end of the school year with high-level soccer, in an exciting atmosphere with food trucks and fun for the whole family.  

 

 

Despite Loss to Michigan Stars FC, The Mighty Oak Remain In First

AFC Ann Arbor played host to Michigan Stars Friday night in what was sure to be a tough NPSL match up. The Mighty Oak were looking to continue their fine form in the NPSL this season and in the first half both sides fought hard to gain dominance.

The opening five minutes were largely back and forth, but AFC looked the stronger side, looking to dictate possession. This led to some sweeping attacking moves.

The Mighty Oak took their early chances well, and in the 17th minute “Super Dario” Suarez was at it again. His run between the Stars backline was found by Yuri Farkas’, leaving Dario with little to do, and he slid past the Stars keeper to make the score 1-0 for AFC Ann Arbor.

However, Michigan Stars refused to go away, and just seven minutes later they found themselves right back in the match. A scramble in the Mighty Oak box led to a low shot that found its way though a tangle of bodies into the back of the net.

For the rest of the half, the challenges came in hard and fast from both sides, but neither team was able to score a go-ahead goal.

The second half kicked off in much the same way, and though AFC dominated more possession, they were still unsuccessful in their attempts to pull ahead.

In the 86th minute, Michigan Stars striker Shawn Claud Lawson found space and took aim, beating Fabian Veit in the AFC net to give Stars a 2-1 advantage with only minutes to go. Despite an extended period of stoppage time after a big scuffle near the Stars goal, AFC Ann Arbor ultimately fell 2-1 to Michigan Stars at Hollway Field.

The result was the first ever NPSL loss for the team, and AFC Ann Arbor coach Eric Rudland was not pleased with the goals allowed. “The goals we gave away were very poor,” he said. “Obviously, that’s on us.” The one thing he did take away from this match, however, was the fighting spirit showed by the men. “I though we fought well until the end, the 94th or 95th minute,” he said.

A tough result after a very physical match, but the Mighty Oak remain in first place of the Great Lakes West and have 7 days to recover and prepare for their next match, June 10th, away at Lansing United.

Top 5 Reasons to Attend Tonight's Mighty Oak Match

1. AFC Ann Arbor remains undefeated in league play (3-0-1) and in first place of the Great Lakes West Division. They were also recently recognized as the number 4 team in the NPSL's power rankings by and up and coming soccer blog. 

2. It's National Donut Day and fan favorite Petey's Donuts will be in the house serving fresh and warm donuts all night long! 

3. Giveaways! Win great prizes from Big George's, The Little Seedling and Goldfish Swim School! 5 random winners will be selected at tonight's match! 

4. Come Meet Nutmeg The Squirrel

5. Stay for Audi Ann Arbor Post Match Autographs

AFC Ann Arbor Defeats Grand Rapids 3-1 at Memorial Day Classic

AFC Ann Arbor hosted Grand Rapids F.C. to Hollway field for a 1:00 pm kick-off. It was a hot day in Ann Arbor, but the Mighty Oak was ready to bring a little heat as well. 

The first half saw a lot of action for the front three of AFC Ann Arbor, Willie Bayemi, Yuri Farkas, and Dario Suarez all playing important roles. The team looked to gain a foothold in the opening ten minutes, both sides getting the nerves out of their systems.

In the 13th minute, AFC won a free kick on the left wing. Suarez played in an inviting cross, which Hector Morales headed down. The ball skipped up off a Grand Rapids defender, and Farkas was wise to it, prodding home from close range into the roof of the net.

Immediately after the kick off, AFC were on the attack again, this time Morales holding up play to find Leigh Rumbold, his shot flying wide.

In the 22nd minute, it was Morales, Farkas, and Suarez linking up. Suarez lead the charge on the counter attack driving to midfield before laying it off to Farkas. Yuri got his head up and switched play to Morales, who burst into the eighteen-yard box and won a penalty for the Mighty Oak.

Suarez stepped up to take it, and dragged his shot wide. This clearly didn’t sit well with Dario, and 20 minutes later on the stroke of half time, he made his chance count.

Matt Braem collected the ball on the left wing, and whipped in a cross, chest high, which Dario kissed off his heel into the top corner, sending the Mighty Oak fans into a frenzy.  That was the last major action of the first half.

The second half kicked off with Grand Rapids fighting hard to find a way back into the match, earning several free kicks. However, they were unable to capitalize on those opportunities.

Grand Rpaids looked dangerous for a large spell of the second half, but this didn’t deter AFC.

In the 80th minute of play, Jermaine Windster, a substitute for injured Farkas, received a pass from Suarez on the left wing. He gathered and flew past the GRFC defender, coolly slotting home at the far post to make it 3-0 for the Mighty Oak.

In the 88th minute, Grand Rapids were rewarded for their effort with a consolation goal, Greg Timmer grabbing one back. However, it was not enough, and AFC Ann Arbor closed out what was, in truth, a dominant win.

The Audi of Ann Arbor Man of the Match was Dario Suarez. Super Dario was everywhere, scoring a brilliant goal and assisting on Windster’s effort late in the second half.

AFC Coach Eric Rudland was pleased with what he saw from the team, and in particular was glad to see the substitutes doing well.

“We’re in a really unique position” he said. “I feel like we have two or three guys we can bring in that can really change the game. I think we saw that today with Jermaine coming on. The goal he scored was fantastic.” Speaking to the depth in the roster, he said “From the club’s standpoint [having that depth is] a positive position to be in.”

The result leaves AFC Ann Arbor perched atop the NPSL Great Lakes West table (first club to 10 points). The Mighty Oak play their next match on Friday, June 3rd, at 7:00pm at Hollway Field.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend AFC Ann Arbor’s Memorial Day Classic

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1.     The Mighty Oak are undefeated in league play; Currently in 1st place

2.    Big George’s Big Green Egg Giveaway – I AM AFC ANN ARBOR

3.    Family Friendly & Affordable

Purchase tickets online until 11am on Monday and save $2 on adult tickets and $1 on youth tickets ($8/$5 online). Tickets purchased at the gate are $10 for adults and $6 for youth. Kids under 4 are free and parking is also free. 

4.    Meet Nutmeg The Squirrel

This season AFC Ann Arbor introduced the club mascot, Nutmeg The Squirrel, who has quickly become a fan favorite. 

 

5.    Post Match Autographs

Meet the Mighty Oak after the match during the Audi Ann Arbor Post Match Autographs. 

6.    !Win A $250 Gift card to The Pretzel Bell!

All attendants will have the chance to enter to win a $250 gift card to Ann Arbor's most exciting new restaurant, The Pretzel Bell!

7.    AFC AA looking for club’s first win against GRFC

Together, GRFC and AFCAA, were founding members of the Great Lakes Premier League last year. Both clubs made the move from the GLPL to the NPSL during the off season. The two club's have close ties, but The Mighty Oak went 0-1-1 against Grand Rapids in 2015. Monday marks the first NPSL matchup between the clubs as AFCAA looks to beat GRFC for the first time. 

8.    Mighty Oak to wear green for first time ever at home

9.    Food trucks: Hello! Ice Cream and Inter-city grill

 

10.  Pre-match festivities and free shuttle ride from Arbor Brewing Company

AFC Ann Arbor Hosting Science of Soccer Event at Hands on Museum

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Monday’s matchup against Grand Rapids FC marks the second annual Memorial Day Classic.  Prior to Monday’s match, AFC Ann Arbor will be hosting “Science of Soccer” at the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum (selected by Crain’s Detroit as Top 10 Things to Do This Weekend).  

The event was created to help kids of all ages learn more about the game of soccer through fun and educational workshops that will be hosted by AFC Ann Arbor players themselves.

Kids who attend will be able to participate in a variety of activities including a coloring station, learning more about how to curve a kick and why the ball bends, how much running a player does in one match and more about the athletic apparel and training equipment that helps these athletes compete at such a high level.

Co-owner, Bilal Saeed, who helped organize the event is thrilled about involving the youth in different aspects of the game. 

He added, "Hands on Museum is a place where you learn and have fun at the same time. To encourage kids to see the game from a different perspective will help them appreciate it that much more, and hopefully continue to grow their passion for soccer." 

The event will take place from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Noon-4pm on Sunday. For more information on the Science of Soccer Event, visit the Hands on Museum website.  

AFC Ann Arbor Remains Atop After 1-1 Draw

Friday night marked The Mighty Oak’s first NPSL road test in club history, which took them to Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramack, to face veteran NPSL side, Detroit City FC.

After the initial nerves settled from the excitement surrounding Friday’s evenings fixture with the two teams exchanging position early on, the physicality began to increase as cards began to be drawn for both teams.  The first of which came in the 9th minute on a rough tackle from DCFC defender Billy Stevens on AFC’s Dario Suarez. 

As the first half came to a close, a long service from DCFC’s Ali Al-Gashamy was played to Alec Lasinski who was able to net a controversial goal after finding control of the service with what seemed to be his arm.

“It was an unfortunate goal, obviously questionable, but I thought we responded really well in the second half,” said Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland.

The Mighty Oak began the second half with an intensity that created a chance for forward Yuri Farkas who was all but in, before being taken down by Brett Nason from behind.  Nason was shown a red card for the foul which resulted in a PK opportunity for AFC Ann Arbor.

Dario Suarez approached the PK and played it to the right as the goalkeeper dove in the opposite direction.  The Mighty Oak had found the equalizer in the 48th minute and began their persuit to find the go-ahead goal, as they’ve done in both previous NPSL contests this season.

The physical play continued as was shown by each team receiving three cards by the end of the match.

A opportunity to break the tie came late in the match as a counter attack found JP Rylah heading to goal with a defender a step behind.  Rylah’s shot went wide right and proved to be the last shot on goal for The Mighty Oak. 

With the draw, AFC Ann Arbor earned a tough road point and remains sitting atop the Great Lakes West conference table. 

Coach Eric Rudland and team return to action Sunday at 1pm at Hollway Field for a mid-season friendly with Michigan Sporting.    

Match Preview: AFC Ann Arbor at Detroit City FC

After beginning the season with two NPSL matches at home (2-0-0), The Mighty Oak hit the road for the first time where they will face Detroit City FC (DCFC). 

Friday also marks the first time the two clubs will meet as well as the opening match for DCFC at their new venue, Keyworth Stadium. After a draw against Michigan Stars and a win over Dayton Dynamo, Detroit City sits in second in the conference table with 4 points (tied with Lansing United), while AFC Ann Arbor holds the top spot with 6 points early in the season. 

Familiar faces will meet Friday evening, as University of Michigan Men's Soccer players will be suited on both sides. Lars Eckenrode, Tristan Jacob and Brendan Horton will suit up on Friday for The Mighty Oak squaring up against teammates Billy Stevens, Andre Morris and Brett Nason who will be sporting DCFC's rouge in the contest.  

With only 45 miles separating the two clubs, southeast Michigan soccer fans have long been awaiting this contest. While 2016 marks AFC Ann Arbor's inaugural NPSL campaign, DCFC enters its 5th year in the Midwest Region of the league.  

Although these two teams have never met, this early season meeting will bring a playoff like atmosphere considering the teams will be playing for first place.  

To purchase tickets, click here. 

For game day information at Keyworth, click here. 

 

 

AFC Ann Arbor Improve to 2-0-0 with Win Over Kalamazoo FC

AFC Ann Arbor hosted fellow NPSL member Kalamazoo FC to Hollway field on Friday night. The energy was high for both sides and this match did not disappoint.

The Mighty Oak were looking to build on an impressive NPSL win last week against Dayton, while Kalamazoo were looking to start their club on a positive note.

Play kicked off at a rapid pace, but that excitement saw only one shot in the opening ten minutes.

Both sides were fighting hard to get a foothold in the game, with Kalamazoo looking to press the AFC backline, and AFC playing long balls over the top for much of the first half.

In the 32nd minute, Kalamazoo FC took the lead after a chipped pass over the Mighty Oak defense found the feet of Jose Esparza. He worked his way past Fabian Veit for the opening goal of the match.

Right from the ensuing kick, AFC Ann Arbor looked to hit back, winning a corner. 7 minutes later, a hard challenge on Dario Suarez led to a free kick in a dangerous area and a yellow card for Kalamazoo FC defender David Whitaker. The free kick was whipped in excellently to the back post and Matt Braem smartly headed back across the face of the goal to find a wide-open Dario Suarez, who buried the chance in the back of the net to level the match.

In the final seconds of the first half, Dario had another excellent chance, beating his defender and sending a dipping shot at the Kalamazoo keeper, forcing a strong save. That was the last action of the first half, with the score deadlocked at 1-1.

The second half was a completely different story. The passing was tighter, the play was quicker, and there were more diagonal balls for the Mighty Oak, something AFC coach Eric Rudland emphasized during half time. “We talked about keeping the ball on the floor in the second half,” he said.

Plenty of chances came and went, but still there was no go-ahead goal. In the 72nd minute, former AFC player Jay McIntosh got a yellow card for a trip on Dario Suarez. Suarez was first-rate throughout the match, and in the 75th minute, he showed his skill once again. A deft scoop pass over the Kalamazoo backline found Yuri Farkas, and with the hard work done he slotted home to give the Mighty Oak at 2-1 lead, with fifteen minutes left to play at Hollway. 

Kalamazoo was desperate to grab a point from their first NSPL match, but it was AFC who continued to dominate in the closing stages. J.P. Rylah had an excellent chance cleared off the goal line after his pace forced the Kalamazoo keeper out of his net, leaving the goal wide-open. Unfortunately for J.P. and the Mighty oak, Kalamazoo defender Lou Plascencia was wise to it, and cleared the ball. AFC absorbed the late pressure well and hung on to a vital 2-1 victory. After an equalizing goal, and an audacious piece of skill for the assist, the Audi of Ann Arbor Man of the Match could only go to AFC’s number 7, Dario Suarez.

Looking ahead to the next match against Detroit City FC, Coach Rudland felt ready for the challenge ahead, saying, “For us it’s going to be an exciting night. To play at their place is going to be great. We have a good understanding of their tactics, their schemes, what their going to do personnel wise. We have a good indication of that. I think it’s going to be a fun match, our guys will be up for it.”

Friday’s win was a big result for the Mighty Oak, leaving AFC Ann Arbor on top of the NPSL Great Lakes West Conference table. The Mighty Oak will be carrying that momentum forward to the next game, away at Detroit City FC on Friday, May 20th at 7:30 pm.