AFCAA and Concordia University Reach Multiyear Home Facility Agreement

AFC Ann Arbor are pleased to announce, as confirmed by chairman Bilal Saeed on the inaugural ‘Welcome to Tree Town’ podcast, their new home for the 2019 season, and beyond, to be Concordia University’s Cardinal Stadium. Located off of Geddes Avenue in Ann Arbor, fans will be pleased to have a set location to call home for the years to come.

When thinking about the decision on where exactly to play their home matches, this sort of thought process is exactly what went on through the head of Rishi Narayan, a co-owner of AFC Ann Arbor and a member of the club board of directors. “We've been looking for a venue for some time now that we can truly call ‘home’,” Narayan said. “We've loved playing at our area high schools, but are excited that our fans can have some stability and know where they need to go to watch The Mighty Oak.”

Last season saw The Mighty Oak play a home match in four separate venues, including their regular season home of Ann Arbor Skyline, hosting the NPSL Midwest Regional at Huron High School, and hosting a U.S. Open Cup tie at Eastern Michigan University’s Scicluna Field. With a more permanent move to Cardinal Stadium, there can be a greater sense of permanence in what is exactly the home for AFCAA.

The reasoning behind the selection of Concordia was remarkably clear for both Narayan and the club as a whole. Narayan said, “Concordia has been a partner of AFCAA since the beginning, initially only a location for training. However, we were familiar with the space and the amenities, and felt that its size and arrangement was ideal for the Match Day experience that we wanted to provide to our fans.”

The space and amenities that Narayan describes are not only modern, but is also one of the most up-to-date stadiums in all of Washtenaw County. Cardinal Stadium opened its gates in 2015 to provide CUAA with an on-campus location for their football team, among other sports such as soccer. The stadium seats between 2,000 and 2,500 with the grandstand, some additional bleachers with the option for additional standing room. In terms of what the players have to look forward to, The Mighty Oak will be playing their home matches on a beautiful turf field. Cardinal Stadium itself also features locker rooms and an athletic training room for the players.

Lonnie Pries has served as CUAA’s Director of Athletics since 2013. He, too, is excited for the move by The Mighty Oak onto Concordia’s campus. Pries said, “We're thrilled to build on our relationship with AFC Ann Arbor and becoming their home venue for the foreseeable future will allow our organizations to work together as we continue to make our community stronger!” With both AFCAA and Concordia continually committed to helping Ann Arbor grow as a city, the union of both helps serve as a catalyst for even greater things to come.

The Mighty Oak’s fans have much to look forward to. As moves always offer great excitement, Narayan stoked the flames of excitement for supporters by saying, “Nothing will change for our fans when it comes to the bar we set on providing an awesome match experience!” As some fans may have questions over match day procedures that could potentially change, Narayan instructs fans, “Look for more updates from us on logistical changes in the coming weeks.”

With a permanent home now officially in place, coaching staffs set up for both the men’s and women’s sides, and try-outs on the horizon for both teams, the season is well and truly around the corner. Stay on the lookout for at AFCAnnArbor.com for the latest news, and make sure to follow @AFCAnnArbor on Twitter for continually updates on the team.

Jeff Shuk Returns for Year Number Three in Ann Arbor

AFC Ann Arbor has announced another returning assistant joining Eric Rudland’s coaching staff to be goalkeeping coach Jeff Shuk. This is Shuk’s third year with the club and he joins Rod Asllani as returnees from last season’s coaching staff. Upon returning, Shuk is already looking forward to his time spent over the summer with the club, saying, “Nothing beats the day to day grind with great people. One thing is sure, Rudland brings in men of high character who are a joy to work with on the field and off.”

On his goalkeepers’ coach, Rudland said, “Having Shuky back positions us well to recruit aspiring goalkeepers for this next year, and develop them daily while they are with us…Under his tutelage our GKs have risen to the next level.” Shuk was instrumental in helping Mike Novotny become the club’s Defensive Player of the Year and a member Football Manager’s Season’s Best Eleven before signing on with Hartford Athletic for the upcoming season. With experience in helping players like TJ Tomasso in net earlier in his time with The Mighty Oak, this proves invaluable for the netminders’ coach in helping those younger players buy into what he is selling.

Along with his post at AFCAA, Shuk is the Director of Goalkeeping for Rush Soccer while also serving as the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association ODP Goalkeeping Director. Like his fellow assistant Asllani as well as Boyzzz Khumalo, he also serves as an assistant with Madonna University. Shuk brings a myriad of experiences as a coach and director over with him as he continues to serve the AFC keepers well.

Shuk holds a USSF A License along with Goalkeeping and National Youth Licenses. He is well-versed in coaching players both at the youth levels as well as the level of the NPSL, allowing him to approach coaching from a multitude of angles. He takes care to approach things from a club angle, but also a personal angle, “I look at my responsibility with the club as two-fold: make sure our goalkeepers are prepared to be their best for the club, [and to] make sure they are getting closer to the individual goals they have set.”

Before becoming a coach, Shuk also spent time as a player in the NPSL with Detroit Arsenal. Arsenal won the NPSL National Championship in 2005 and Shuk played a key role within the organization. Shuk sees parallels within the structure of AFCAA and his prior NPSL side, saying, “That Arsenal organization philosophy was similar to what is happening here at AFC AA right now. That first NPSL Championship lets me realize how high the level of this league is and how different each organization is. The DNA of the league hasn't changed much since 2005, however, the growth of the league is unbelievable.”

The playing experience has allowed him to approach his post with a different dimension on a different level than many coaches may have in the league. Having an understanding of what it takes to make it at a high level within the league those who play for AFCAA wish to obtain, he can truly speak from experience in telling of what it takes.

As the head coach put it, “Shuky is very knowledgeable not only of the league, but also the league’s history. He also has experience as both a player and a coach which makes him relatable to the players.” Tcommon ground makes for a coaching staff with not just experience at this level, but also credibility.

Having been around the AFCAA Family for multiple years, that environment is one of the things Shuk loves the most about the club. “Everyone from the top down treats each other like family. There is no arrogance or entitlement, everybody knows their job and works tirelessly. From the players to the owners to the supporters everyone knows each other and enjoys one another.” Shuk joked, “I'll often [say] the only bad days with AFC AA are off-season days.” Supporters of The Mighty Oak will surely agree and look forward to the end of those ‘bad off-season days’ to come to a close with the start of the NPSL season now firmly in the horizon.  

'Welcome to Tree Town' Podcast Launches Thursday

AFC Ann Arbor is pleased to announce its next branching-out in order to give supporters of The Mighty Oak the finest media content the NPSL has to offer. The AFCAA Media Family are excited to announce the beginning of our flagship podcast ‘Welcome to Treetown.’ This podcast will give viewers insight into some of the minds behind the operation of The Mighty Oak, as well as the players fans know and love, or remember fondly.

The podcast will run weekly starting with the inaugural episode to be released on February 7th, with releases set for every Thursday. The podcast will be hosted by Ryan Makuch, who will be joined in the first week by head coach Eric Rudland on the podcast as well as chairman Bilal Saeed as the first guests for the podcast. Each week listeners will be able to expect top-quality guests within the AFCAA organization as well as members of its ‘Family’ as well. Listeners will be able to listen to every podcast on the AFC Ann Arbor website. Additionally, each video version of the podcast can also be watched on the AFCAA YouTube account.

The club are pleased to continue providing fans with the best content available to them, and look forward to releasing the inaugural episode this Thursday.

Asllani Returns as Men's Assistant Coach

AFC Ann Arbor have announced the return of Rod Asllani as an assistant coach for the 2019 season. Asllani returns to The Mighty Oak and with him returns a heap of experience coaching not only with AFC from last season, but overseas in Europe as well. This will be Asllani’s second season with AFCAA and he joins Head Coach Eric Rudland and newly appointed Technical Director, Boyzzz Khumalo, as the announced staff returnees.

Rudland had high praise for the Albanian as he is set to return to the club’s coaching staff. “Last year he did an outstanding job training our backline players and helped us shape a solid defensive team structure. I know the players enjoyed working with him and will be excited to have him back this season.” The focus on the back line helped The Mighty Oak to an NPSL best 0.33 GAA in the regular season within a back line that included two players that will feature in the USL Championship this upcoming season in the TopDrawerSoccer.com NPSL Player of the Year, Stanley Okumu (Real Monarchs) and Football Manager’s Season’s Best Eleven, Mike Novotny (Hartford Athletic).

“I'm looking forward to working with Eric and the rest of the staff again. We want to win trophies by playing a good brand of football,” said Asllani when asked what excited him about returning for another season with The Mighty Oak. These goals, however, are molded in the preseason, which Asllani is well-aware of. “The NPSL season is short and with players that come from different colleges/experiences it's very challenging to get everyone on the same page in a short period of time. So the main goal of preseason is to build the team chemistry and lay down the expectations.”

The story of Rod Asllani’s career throughout the sport is a long and intriguing one that has taken him through a plethora of spots. “As any other young kid in Albania I started playing soccer in the streets and later joined the youth club of my hometown. When I was 19 I moved to the states where I played at Schoolcraft College and Madonna University,” Asllani told AFCAA. As he continued on, interest in coaching grew. He received his UEFA B License at just 27 years old while still playing, and obtained his UEFA A License a few short years after hanging up his boots.

The level of prestige that a UEFA A License has is nothing to scoff at, but it is what Asllani has done in his experiences that is all the more impressive. He spent two years as the sport director of Albanian top-flight side KF Kastrioti before moving to his first coaching job with second-division side FK Dinamo Tirana. After two seasons there, Asllani joined KF Korabi for the 2015-16 club season as the assistant coach and helped the side garner promotion to the Albanian Super League before returning to the States.

Since returning to the States, Asllani breaks down what he has been doing, saying, “I've been working as a youth soccer coach and last year I started as an assistant coach at Madonna University where we reached the final four in the National Tournament for the first time in school's history.” When asked what led his winding road to this stop in Ann Arbor, Asllani said, “Since I've been back in the states I've been looking to get involved in more competitive soccer. It all started from talking to Bilal [Saeed, AFCAA Chairman] one day during a futsal practice with Ann Arbor Mudpuppies. I expressed my desire to get involved and he got me in touch with Eric and the rest as they say is history.” Success continually follows Asllani wherever he may go, and that certainly hopes to continue to hold true this season for AFCAA.

The fit of Ann Arbor gels incredibly well with who Asllani is as a person, as he describes, “I feel like my personal goals align with the club's goals. It's an organization that has been successful and continues to improve year after year. Everyone involved is held to high standards.” He continued to describe his appreciation for the way of “how everyone is treated as family” and how the club “gives back to the community that supports us so much.” The returning assistant also could not forget about those who support the side, saying of them, “Without them the game is not the same. That's who the game is played for and we want to give them the most entertaining type of football. For me that's what makes this club special.” Asllani’s contributions to the team as a coach go a great deal in molding the side that has given its fans so much to smile about this past season. He, and the rest of those in the organization, will hope for more of the same.

Boyzzz Khumalo Promoted to Club Technical Director

Since Eric Rudland and Boyzzz Khumalo joined AFC Ann Arbor, Boyzzz has been a trusted advisor to the head coach and beloved by the players. Just last season, the club named an award after him which will be given out every year to a player within the organization who’s somewhat of an unsung hero. Now, though, Khumalo is moving up in the ranks on the side as AFCAA are happy to announce that Khumalo has been named the club’s Technical Director. Eric Rudland said, about the appointment, “The vision of appointing Boyzzz as the TD is to place him in a position where he can positively impact both the men's & women's side of the club by sharing best practices, feedback and ideas to create cohesion between our footballing brand and the way we go about our business.”

“It means a lot to me to be given that title,” Boyzzz said when discussing his new title. “Special thanks to guys like Bilal and Eric, who I’ve worked with for years. It means, to me, that they think highly of me. My job is to be here and help the team. My job is to help both sides, not just the men’s side, but the women’s and the men’s.” A beloved member of the AFCAA Family, he is more than qualified to help find talent and continue assisting the club as a whole.

Boyzzz has been a member of the AFCAA coaching staff since the 2016 season, joining the side from Lansing United, where he worked with Eric Rudland. He also currently serves as an assistant coach for Madonna University and was a co-founder for the Umhlaba Vision Foundation – a foundation that helps make positive influences for young South Africans through both sport and education. Previously, Boyzzz spent time in the MLS with DC United.

His time as a player serves as a way to connect even further with those that are currently active. “I played the game, so, as a player, and now as a coach, I see myself as them,” Boyzzz told AFC. Eric Rudland also added the new technical director, “He was a gifted attacking player in his day and is very good about sharing his visions on style of play. He has been a huge asset in shaping our team's attack and coaching individual attacking players.” His success as a coach and player only prove to serve as more clues that he serves as an exceptional choice in leading the club with his technical directorship.

Boyzzz is well aware that the new position comes with plenty of responsibility, but he has a great understanding of what will need to be done. “The position is always going to be the same as before we had the women’s team; to get as many players as we can. The plan is to do the same thing with the women’s team.” The addition of the women’s side adds an extra dynamic to the position as a whole. With the focus, however, to continue with ‘business as usual’ for both sides despite the women’s team entering an inaugural season, means that Boyzzz already has a grasp on what exactly to do as technical director.

With the season fast approaching, it is already apparent that Boyzzz is looking forward to what is to come. As he tells AFC, “When we start training. I just love being on the field. I’m one of these coaches who loves to hop in on a session.” As any source at the club will tell you, Boyzzz certainly still has ‘it’ when it comes to a kick-about on the training pitch with the regular squad members. When it comes to what he loves about the club, Boyzzz enjoys the camaraderie around the side saying, “The way we train, the way we do things, we do things the professional way. So it’s kind of like getting guys ready for the pro-like level.”

At the end of the day, the new technical director understands exactly how to get the best out those players that he helps to find for the club. “…all the guys that come to us, what do they want to do? They want to go to the next level. That’s the biggest thing for me, trying to help these guys go to the next level. Not only the guys, we’re going to try and do the same thing for the women’s team.” With the stellar coaching staff that includes Boyzzz and his newly-earned position, without question fans should expect to see plenty more AFCAA Family members moving up the ranks in the soccer ladder.

Jim Grewe Joins AFCAA Women's Staff as Goalkeeper Coach

The AFC Ann Arbor women’s side have announced the third member of their coaching staff. Jim Grewe joins the AFCAA women as the side’s goalkeeper coach. He is the second member named by Andy Pritchard to the staff as an assistant for the team. When asked what about the club appealed to him, Grewe had a list of two key reasons.

“First and foremost being able to coach with both Andy and Barry is a big draw. Both are coaches that I respect and look forward to working with. Secondly, seeing what the AFC Ann Arbor men's side has been able to accomplish both on the field and in the community over the past few years. Trying to replicate that with the women's side is an exciting and intriguing challenge.”

Grewe’s coaching pedigree includes time most recently spent as the Director of Goalkeeping for the Michigan Jaguars. He has fourteen years of experience with the Jaguars and additionally, served as Michigan ODP Goalkeeping Coach during his time with the Jaguars. Grewe also served as the Goalkeeping Coach for the Eastern Michigan University Eagles’ women’s side. Before coaching, Grewe spent 1997-2000 as a netminder for the Detroit Titans, including helping to helm Detroit to their first ever victory over Michigan State in East Lansing.

Grewe’s experiences were massively influential on his thought process about soccer as a coach. As a result, he told us, “I think the biggest thing I took away from my college playing and coaching experience is that no matter what level you are playing/coaching at there is still a lot to learn and a lot to teach. You have to be willing to learn, grow and adjust no matter your position or role.”

Grewe holds a USSF ‘D’ License and, by way of spending his career in the state of Michigan, is plenty familiar with the state of Michigan and talent within the state. To Pritchard, that appealed to Grewe, whom he has known for about a decade, saying, “He has coached goalkeepers in Michigan for many years at all levels - ODP, youth and collegiate.” The time spent in Michigan should make any sort of settling in process rather easy to assimilate to.

AFCAA’s newest coach shared a bit of insight into his coaching methodology for his keepers. “The number one thing I try to instill in the goalkeepers I work with is confidence,” he said. “That has to be the base on which you build.” With the modern game evolving and, as he stated, “the days of just being a shot-stopper are gone,” Grewe also added, “The other big thing I want them to understand is that they are the 11th field player, that has the luxury of using their hands when necessary.” AFCAA will continue to be a forward-thinking club on both the men’s and women’s sides with shifts in modern footballing trends, and the addition to Grewe with his line of thinking is no exception.

As Pritchard’s staff shapes up, there is a methodology behind the coaching staff’s composition. “With the process of naming I know that both Jim and Barry have different opinions/views on the game from me, and that will bring ideas about the game that I may not think of.” Pritchard adds, about his friendship and knowledge of the staff named so far, “I’ve known both coaches for a long period of time and consider both very good friends. I know they will be a great asset to the team. With all coaches living in Ann Arbor, I think that gives us all an extra push to do well.”

As the summer fast approaches, and the staff rounds into form, AFC Ann Arbor will continue to have updates on AFCAA roster and coaching staff news as it develops.

Barry Scott Joins AFCAA Women's Coaching Staff

AFC Ann Arbor have announced today the next addition to their inaugural women’s side’s coaching staff. Andy Pritchard’s head assistant coach will be Barry Scott. Scott is a coach who spent over a decade in the state of Michigan with the Michigan Jaguars, and spent an additional decade before his time with the Jaguars as a coach.

Scott’s accomplishments on the youth level are impressive with the Jaguars. Scott led the U-17 Michigan Jaguars boys’ team to a United States Youth Soccer national championship in 2012. The side included ex-Michigan State Spartans and MLS Draftees Ken Krolicki and Jimmy Hague, along with Western Michigan and NPSL standout Zach Bock. He followed that up this past summer with another Youth Soccer national championship, this time with the Jaguars’ Green U-14 girls’ side.

Andy Pritchard, the AFC Ann Arbor head coach, had some kind words for a man he has known for seventeen years. “Barry has pretty much won everything in youth soccer there is to win, as well as having professional playing experience back home in Scotland. That I think will help at the higher level.” Scott added to Pritchard’s description of their familiarity, “We both came over to the US with Britannia soccer in the late 90s…I was in Michigan and he was in Cleveland. He then came to Michigan and the rest, as they say, is history.” The pair have a long-running personal history and will be set to work together for the AFCAA women’s side set to debut in the UWS for its 2019 season.

Born in Scotland, Scott’s qualifications are just as impressive as his accolades. He is a USSF A License holder to go with an SFA C License from the Scottish FA. With coaching certifications both in the United States and overseas, it is sure that he will add knowledge and experience along with his expertise.

In speaking with Scott, he is looking forward to everything about the season. “I am really excited about seeing some of the players I used to coach and coach against.” As a head assistant, he foresees his key aspects of the job to be similar to Pritchard’s, both recruiting and developing players to join The Mighty Oak. Scott thinks not just short term, for the AFCAA team’s health, but for the players as a whole, “We want [to] build a successful program while making sure that we continue to develop the players we have to be better, so that they can return to their college programs and will have [taken] steps in their development.”

Finally, when asked about what appealed to Scott about the AFCAA organization, the new member of the coaching staff had plenty in mind, “It’s a great organization that has done really well on the men’s side and very much a part of the community.” He continued, saying, “I am excited to be a part of the program and to work with my long-time friend is going to be fun.” For fans of The Mighty Oak, the happiness and light air Scott speaks of the game he loves is sure to rouse excitement for the season to come.

Men's and Women's Tryout Set for February 15th

AFC Ann Arbor will host the club’s annual open tryout on February 15th. Just as in years past, space will be limited and players are encouraged to register early. The event will be held at High Velocity Sports in Canton.

The big difference this year comes with the addition of the Women’s team. From 6 to 8pm, the Women’s team, led by Andy Pritchard, will hold their first open tryout. Prospective players can register in advance for $30 which secures their spot at the tryout. Each participant will receive an AFC Ann Arbor training top.

The Men’s team will host their tryout immediately following the Women’s, from 8 to 10pm. Coach Eric Rudland and staff have identified at least one player each year from the tryout to join the first team. The cost for the Men’s tryout is $45 and includes the cost of a training top as well.

To register, click here.

Novotny Finds New Challenge in USL Championship

Coming off the heels of a successful Midwest Pro Soccer Combine for the second year running, Mike Novotny has impressed. This season, it has resulted in his first professional contract in the United States, and second in his career. On January 2nd, Novotny announced his signing with USL Championship side Hartford Athletic for the 2019 season. Novotny becomes the second AFCAA player from last season to sign with a USL side, joining Stanley Okumu (Real Monarchs).

For Novotny, this represents a thrilling opportunity to play at a very high level within the country. His first contract, with Stöde IF in Sweden, presented an opportunity for the goalie to play at a professional level overseas. He told AFCAA last month ahead of the combine his experiences overseas allowed him to realize what it takes to get to that next level, and he has been able to reach it for the season to come.

Novotny learned of the interest on Hartford’s end through Eric Rudland, “I was told from Eric that they struck an interest in me and he really helped along the way with the whole process.” As a whole, Rudland also feels this is a great set-up for his keeper from last season to step into. He said, “Obviously Hartford are a new club with a very good set-up and they have high aspirations. For Mike it's a great opportunity to start with a new franchise where he can earn everything he deserves.” He added that while he may enter the side of one of the youngest players on the team, he will be in a great position to learn.

Hartford is an expansion side for the USL Championship this season, the first season as a whole with the new USL-tier system of Championship, League One, and League Two. HAFC will be led in their first season by Jimmy Nielsen, who spent over a decade playing in the Danish Superliga for AaB, winning the award for top Danish keeper of the year twice in his career. In addition to experience overseas in Denmark, he spent part of a season with Leicester City and won the MLS Cup in 2013 with Sporting KC.

Nielsen, and the staff as a whole, including goalkeeper coach George Kostelis, excited Novotny, who said, “The coaching staff definitely set it apart from other teams. The head coach, Jimmy [Nielsen], was a big-time goalkeeper and I felt I could connect with him well.” Novotny added, “Along with him, the rest of the coaching staff was very personable and you could tell they [want] to make some big things happen this year.”

Previously the head coach at Oklahoma City Energy in the USL, Nielsen’s impact on the squad has seen three Danes already announced and five who have played for Nielsen in OKC, Novotny enters an exciting squad already familiar with the coaching staff and the league as a whole. As shown by his performances in Sweden and Ann Arbor, new faces and places have not seemed to faze the netminder one bit, and he is eager to showcase his quality. When asked about what excited him about this opportunity, he stated, “[A] new city, new people, [and] a whole new opportunity.”

Speaking to Rudland and his involvement in the process, it was clear that Hartford took a liking to Novotny during the search. AFCAA’s head coach said of the process, “[Hartford] carried on their own vetting process and ended up really liking Mike's personality, ability and his ambitions. I kept Mike in the loop throughout the process and at the end of the day it ended up being a great fit for both Hartford and Mike.”

In all the excitement surrounding this exciting time in his career, Novotny still has not forgotten about The Mighty Oak. The man affectionally dubbed “Handsome Goalie” by the Main St. Hooligans said, “Thank you for the endless love and support! AFCAA is always going to have a special place in my heart because of all the people that made it happen.” He continued, saying, “I’m looking forward to watching a successful season.” Surely the AFCAA supporters around the globe will say the same about their keeper’s new side ahead of his season to come as well.

Membership Pick Up Event Rescheduled for Thursday, December 20th

Friday’s membership pick up event ‘Pick Up and Play’ at Revel and Roll has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 20th from 6 to 9PM.

The reschedule was due to a delay in shipment of the season scarves. The unfortunate delay in shipping forced the club to move the event to next Thursday, December 20th, from 6 to 9pm, after they arrive.

Fans who have purchased their membership and planned to pick it up today were notified via earlier today with instructions on how to get your tickets if you aren’t able to attend next Thursday’s event.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have cause but hope to see you all next Thursday at Revel & Roll.

Frenchy Tackles a New Indoor Challenge

The man affectionately known as ‘Frenchy’, otherwise known as Matthieu Braem, by those around AFC Ann Arbor is something resembling a club legend with the side. One of just a select handful of players to have spent all three years thus far with the side in the NPSL, his skill as a defender made him a mainstay in the starting eleven. Those attributes are set to carry themselves over to a new challenge as Braem has signed his first official professional contract with the Harrisburg Heat in the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League).

For those who may be unfamiliar with the MASL as a whole, Braem broke it down. “It's like a mix between hockey and soccer, with a really fast paced type of game and lots of chances [for] goals.” While the game retains plenty of soccer elements, the indoor play style means many rules are similar to hockey.

There are six players on the field, five outfielders and a goalkeeper, with the option of a sixth attack (parallel to “pulling the goalie” in hockey) that can use their hands in their own penalty box. With walls surrounding the field, players may pass or bounce the ball off the walls to themselves or teammates as well. There are also cards corresponding to what would be considered a power play in hockey, with a “blue card” sending a player to the penalty box for two minutes. The yellow card in the MASL also excludes the player who committed the foul for five minutes.

With all the rules variations, adjusting to the game will be key for Braem. He is learning under Pat Healey in Harrisburg, though. Healey played collegiate soccer at Towson and was capped nationally on the United States’ national futsal team. Braem described his new head boss to be “known as one of the best defenders to play in the MASL.” As a defender himself, there are certainly very few people to learn about a new craft than someone who is well-versed in the sport themselves, and Healey certainly fits that bill.

There have been plenty of differences from the more expansive outdoor game to the tighter arena game for Braem. He said, “The fitness level is much higher, and more demanding. Your first touch has to be perfect or you get eaten alive. It is known as a veteran league with a lot of highly experienced players, so obviously, as a rookie, they try to put you under pressure and wait for your mistakes.”

While there may be a learning curve, Eric Rudland cited multiple attributes that will help him out. “Frenchy has quick feet and uses his body well. He's also strong in 1v1 duels and can play out of pressure.” These sorts of things playing such an important role in both the indoor and outdoor game prove that while the style of play may be quite different, there are plenty of things to link the two forms of soccer together.

For Braem, this means more than just a contract. “Since I was a kid, I have been dreaming about becoming a professional soccer player, and gave up so much and made so many sacrifices for it, that it makes [this] even more enjoyable. I was so close to giving up not a while ago, and I am really thankful I didn't.” This opportunity has been one coming after much hard work put in by Braem and determination shown to keep going in the world of soccer.

Braem also showed plenty of gratitude towards the AFCAA Family. “I could not be more thankful to the Main Street Hooligans. They’re absolutely amazing. I love to stay in touch with them over social media as well.” Ever the popular man, he continues to hold a wonderful relationship with those around the club. With the indoor season ending in April, Braem also did not want to rule anything out in the future, saying, “Maybe I will be able to compete again in the NPSL this upcoming season. We will see how everything goes and where I end up. But I wouldn't be opposed to coming back and play for the club again.” The future is always changing and never likely to be predicted, but on his current course, things are only looking bright for Ann Arbor’s favorite Frenchman.

Andy Pritchard Named Head Coach of AFCAA Women

Association Football Club Ann Arbor have hired Andy Pritchard as the first head coach of the new women’s team. Pritchard, who holds a USSF A License, brings over 20 years of coaching experience to The Mighty Oak. His previous coaching destinations have included serving as Technical Director of Canton Celtic Soccer Club, Director of Coaching for Michigan Rush – Downriver, and Club Director for Michigan Tigers F.C.

In addition to the experience he holds in the United States, he also possesses an English F.A. Coaching License. He spent time in England coaching the Manchester City youth academy players and as a player himself he spent time in both the Manchester City youth academy and on the English university level at Priestley College in Manchester.

This step forward in Pritchard’s career is one of great excitement for the long-time coach in the state of Michigan. “I would like to thank the organization for giving me the opportunity to coach for AFC Ann Arbor.  Getting to coach a women's team in the community I live in means a great deal, especially having two young daughters of my own who love the game. I'm most excited about working with the players and staff, trying to create a team that the community can be proud of,” said Pritchard.

As this is the first season for the women’s side of AFC Ann Arbor, part of what Pritchard feels responsible for is not just on-field results, but also building a culture. Pritchard said, “I would be lying if I didn't say I want to win anything and everything, but the one thing I hope from year one is to produce a training/playing environment that will improve the players over the course of the season, creating something that players will want to come back to for years to come.”

The women’s team, which was announced in October 2018, will begin play in May of 2019 in the United Women’s Soccer league’s Midwest division. The Midwest includes two out of state teams based in Indiana, Indy Premier and the Fort Wayne Gryphons, and five other teams in the state of Michigan: Detroit Sun, Genesee FC, Grand Rapids FC, Lansing United and Michigan Legends.

The United Women’s Soccer league began play in May of 2016 and will enter its fourth season this spring/summer. It is in the second tier of the United States’ women’s soccer pyramid and has continued to see increases in growth as the league grows in experience. Upon start of the first season, the women’s side will join the men’s side as the only semi-professional club teams in Washtenaw County.

Prospective players can expect tryout information to be released within the next month but can fill out this form to receive updates and more information.

Giveaways and Game Cards at Pick Up and Play

This Friday marks the club’s annual Membership pickup ahead of the holidays. Those who have purchased 2019 Memberships and selected to pick it up can do so at Revel and Roll on Friday from 6 to 9PM at our Pick Up and Play event.

Friday’s event is also important to the club as we look to gather items to donate to the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. Blankets, underwear, socks, dental hygiene essentials, spices, diapers, first aid supplies, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, small bottle of shower essentials are key items that the shelter is always in need of.

Every person who attends and brings an item, will receive a FREE 1-hour time play card for the Revel and Roll arcade. In addition to the free hour of games, participants will also be entered into giveaways from AFC Ann Arbor. These items include a 2018 official team stadium jacket, match worn kits and more!

You can still purchase your 2019 Membership here, with the option to pick it up at Friday’s event. Fans who aren’t members or haven’t purchased their package yet are still encouraged to attend. They may even get the chance to meet the new women’s head coach for the first time, who will be making an appearance at Friday’s get together.

Novotny Returns to Combine More Experienced and Refined

One year ago, Mike Novotny was gearing up for the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine for the first time. Flash forward one year and two continents later, and Novotny is doing the same thing, only with a whole lot more experience underneath his belt.

Novotny’s first combine experience came off the heels of an acclaimed career as an Eastern Illinois Panther. A four-year starter for the Summit League conference side, Novotny’s best season was saved for last with a 0.95 GAA and 91 saves (good for seventh in the entire NCAA) in his senior year. He was also named Summit League Goalkeeper of the Year honors. That earned him a shot at the Midwest Pro Combine in 2017. It was a huge opportunity for Novotny, who saw doors open for him as a result. “[The combine] gave me the opportunity to go on trial with Pittsburgh and into preseason with the Portland Timbers.” When his spell with the Timbers 2 side of the USL came to an end, another door opened back in Michigan with AFCAA.

At the combine, head coach Eric Rudland saw things during the two days that The Mighty Oak’s faithful would quickly see throughout the summer. When asked about what he liked about the keeper, Rudland responded, “Mike was technically very good and a great shot stopper. He also displayed a proficient ability to play out of the back on the ground, which I knew would fit our style of play well. Mike also trained really hard and exhibited a mentality that I thought would set him apart from others.”

As it turned out, Novotny became a key piece to the AFCAA puzzle in the 2018 season. He kept six clean sheets over the season and was named the AFCAA Defensive Player of the Year following the conclusion of the season. Following his incredibly successful season in Ann Arbor, he moved on to Sweden and joined Stöde IF in Sweden, where he kept four shutouts over the course of five matches, only allowing one goal in his five appearances.

The stint overseas was a fantastic learning experience for Novotny who said, “The biggest lesson I have learned was the grind of playing soccer for a living.” Coming off the college season with just “a couple months jammed with 15 games” to “having games every week for 7-8 months” is a rapid adjustment that takes a professional to get down pat, especially when operating at a top club in both leagues participating in.

Not only is Novotny wiser in terms of football, but having participated in the combine once already, he knows what to expect. “I know what I need to do to get to that next level,” he said when asked about how previous experience at the combine would help him. Always attempting to push himself to be the best keeper he possibly can be, he has also “set the bar higher this year” to impress the professional scouts in Brighton in what he also described as an “amazing opportunity.”

Having experience at the combine is one thing, but it is another to be able to perform under pressure. Fortunately for Novotny, he has been able to do so regularly throughout 2018. Between his help in leading AFCAA to a Great Lakes conference title, including wins in pressure-packed situations to keep a firm grasp on the lead on top, as well as helping to lead Stöde during a push for a promotion play-off (his side ultimately finished fourth, just two points behind second place and a trip to the play-off). His experiences leading the back lines of his sides is certainly appealing to professional sides, where keepers that make sure to have an eye on organization of their teams in the field is always tantamount for clubs.

When it comes to the question of whether or not Novotny is ready, it goes without saying that he certainly is. After the eventful year of soccer, Rudland said, “He has refined some areas of his game so we are confident that he will draw interest form professional clubs.” The improvement has been key in fine-tuning Novotny as an all-around keeper. Novotny also said, on what he was most looking forward to about the combine, “I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and showing the coaches and scouts that are in attendance that I am ready for the next level in the States.” In front of over twenty professional teams, Novotny and the other participants of the combine are not going to get much of a bigger stage right in Ann Arbor’s background.

Gamwanya Begins Path to Pros at Midwest Pro Soccer Combine

The recipient of the second Main St. Hooligans scholarship for the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine has been confirmed with the second round of player confirmations. Midfielder Serge Gamwayna will be returning to the state of Michigan for the combine to help further his dreams of becoming a professional. The exciting news took the Stony Brook senior, who graduates in December, a bit by surprise, “It was not really something I was expecting. It was something I talked about with Eric a little bit.”

Gamwanya’s play certainly warranted his acceptance to the combine next month. Aside from a stellar year with AFC Ann Arbor, manning the midfield in any position needed, be it box-to-box, defensive, or attacking, he starred for Stony Brook as a senior. He tied for the team lead in goals and points, with six and fifteen, respectively. It was a team that featured fellow AFCAA man Martieon ‘Moco’ Watson as the leading assist-man with seven on the season.

Playing college in New York and hailing from Norway, Gamwanya might have been an unexpected man on a roster for a side in Michigan to those who don’t know about the scouting methods of AFCAA. As Eric Rudland spoke when asked about comparisons between searching for players for AFCAA and the combine, “We evaluate the player applications for the combine the same as we do for AFC. We look at their "TIPS" Technique - Insight - Personality & Speed.” It’s four categories that the midfield man has in spades and has shown on both club and college level. The methods of Rudland do not go unappreciated by the MSH as well. “We are so thankful that AFC really takes their scouting seriously and finds amazing players regardless of their earlier experience.”

Gamwanya was stepping into the unknown, himself, over the summer. He’d never been to Ann Arbor before joining up with AFCAA. The adjustment was not harsh at all and quickly Gamwanya became stapled into the eleven. “The level of all the players is very high, the coaching staff is very demanding, and every practice…you’re learning something new. Every week players are fighting to be in the starting eleven.” The competition “got the best” out of him and that, in turn, made the entire side better as a whole.

As alumni of The Mighty Oak tend to do, Gamwanya had plenty of praise for the supporters as well. “The fans are amazing. Every game you see them out there, chanting, having the smoke everywhere, and knowing every player’s name even if you are not a starter.” He continued on, saying, “Away or home, we always had them traveling.” He gave credit to them as well traveling well to games like Detroit City, for example, saying, “you can hear the Ann Arbor fans in the background really loud.”

The foundation of the club holds its roots in the supporters, and that always rings true whenever players speak about the support they receive from the Main St. Hooligans. The generosity and faith never goes unnoticed when it comes to the support for the club, and it is never more present when supporting former players.