James Vaughan Returns for Third Season with The Mighty Oak

AFC Ann Arbor are pleased to announce James Vaughan’s return to The Mighty Oak. The 2019 season will mark the Englishman’s third in blue and white as he spent 2016 and 2017 with the club. The Bexhill native has had a storied career with AFCAA and will look to add to it in this upcoming season. A starter in both his seasons with The Mighty Oak under Eric Rudland, he scored five goals and four assists through a midfield position in a 2017 campaign that saw him win Team MVP. He was also a four-year starter at Northwood, culminating in a 2017-18 senior campaign that saw him score eight goals and chip in six assists over seventeen games, good enough for a spot on the Division-II All-Midwest Region Team.

“Having left for a year to pursue other options I definitely realized that the Ann Arbor franchise and the community behind it is high above the rest,” said the returnee. “With a family feel to the club I cannot wait to be a part of it once again.” His return is cause for plenty of celebration for fans and staff alike. Rudland called Vaughan a “welcome addition” to an already solid squad. His statement that the ever-consistent midfielder has only continued to progress since being named Team MVP in 2017 is even more reason for optimism for fans of The Mighty Oak.

As a player, fans may be familiar with Vaughan as a whole, Rudland offers some glowing praise as his coach. He says that he expects, “big things from him as a central connector in our midfield line.” When it comes to traits that make him so suited for this job, Rudland offers these, “He has great vision, awareness and is really proficient in build-up play. He fits our system and style of play really well and we are keen to get him into the squad.” Make no mistake, he is a superb individual piece that fits well into the AFCAA team puzzle as a whole.

When asked what makes him so successful, though, Vaughan, ever the team player, attributes success at the NPSL level to the collective. “I think the team chemistry is one of the biggest things for me as to why I have had some success at the club,” he tells AFC. He continued, “You are around these boys for 3-4 months and by having the great relationships I do has enabled me to be confident in my abilities.” Also speaking on the necessity of trust, he says, “Trusting one another is a vital part of a team’s success and Coach Rudland's teams always have this in abundance.”

AFCAA as a whole are represented by many around and with the club as a ‘family.’ Vaughan truly represents the statement that once one is a member of the AFCAA Family, they are always a member. Despite not being a member of the squad last season, the midfielder said, “Even over the last year I have kept in contact with Eric and his coaching staff as well as players I have played with over my two-year stint at the club.” Vaughan showed his commitment to remaining loyal to the club both by words (with teammates and coaches) as well as actions. He stated, “I would come back to watch games whenever I could because they club makes you feel like you are always a part of the AFCAA Family.” Fans of the club will be happy that instead of simply watching the games, he is back to being a part of them for the side.

Another connection Vaughan has still had with the region, and specifically Rudland, is through the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine. Vaughan participated in both the 2017 and 2018 combines, and he joins Jake Rufe, his ex-teammate in 2016 and 2017 at AFC, and Henry Ramirez, as players set to join the club following the 2018 installment of the event. On the experience as a whole, Vaughan called it “a great experience,” to which he elaborated on, saying, “…putting yourself in a position to where you can compete with the top talent from around the country is a great way of understanding where your game is at and what you need to do in order to reach the next level.” With a glowing recommendation of it as a whole, it is clear that the combine has allowed him greater knowledge of his ability as a player in general.

For Vaughan, with so many special moments with the club, it is hard to pick just one moment that he loves the most. If he has to choose, Vaughan says, “…it would be the win over Dayton in the Regional Semi Final game back in 2017.” When asked why, he recalls, “This being a huge day for the club, I think all the boys wanted to give everything they had to the cause. I can remember the day like it was yesterday…a scorching day with a midafternoon kick off.” He added about the victory in extra time, “I think everyone at the club celebrate like we had won the world cup!” With Vaughan returning to the eleven, the thought, and hope, for fans is that he will help give more moments like that to remember.

Ryan Pierson Joins AFC Ann Arbor

AFC Ann Arbor are thrilled to confirm the first newcomer to the 2019 roster, forward Ryan Pierson. Pierson is a local player hailing from Plymouth, Michigan, and attended high school at Detroit Catholic Central where he was named 2017-18 Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. He will be the second Gatorade PotY to play for AFCAA, joining Alec Lasinski (2013-14 winner). From there, Pierson played at Saginaw Valley State University before transferring to the University of Detroit Mercy ahead of his sophomore season. Last season he made eighteen appearances with three starts for the Cardinals, tallying four assists in his first season on the collegiate level.

On joining the team, Pierson said, “I’m really excited about coming along and joining AFC and I’m really looking forward to the season and getting started with the team.” When discussing his excitement for the upcoming season, Pierson said, “I’m most looking forward to playing at this level of soccer. I haven’t yet gotten to play in the NPSL, it’s been something growing up in high school I knew I’d want to play [in]. It’s always something I’ve wanted to do, play for a top team. I’m really excited to do so.”

AFCAA also had multiple alluring aspects about it. One was their status as a NPSL Great Lakes power. As Pierson put it, “I see they’re always…a top team in the league. I want to play for the best team possible and get the best training in and win as many games as possible.” Another was location: “Ann Arbor is also close to home so that really drew me in too so my family and friends can watch me play. And then their fans and everything like that, it seems like [there’s] a really good fan base.” Finally, Pierson also noted his knowledge of Eric Rudland growing up in the region, and cited UDM Head Coach Nick Deren’s experience with Rudland by way of Michigan Rush as a way to trust in the AFC head man.

Given his strong freshman season with a top program at SVSU and his high school accolades – not even mentioning his unreal 32 goals and fifteen assists in just 25 games as a senior with the Shamrocks – it is no surprise that when talking about strengths, they generally center around attacking quality. Pierson described himself as “more of a 1v1 player” in general. When assessing his game further, he said, “I like to get on the flank and cut in, and also take it down the line with my left foot and get as many shots off as possible. I think going 1v1 in the final third and getting the shot off is my greatest quality, and using my speed to do that.” Head coach Eric Rudland agrees with this self-assessment, saying on his new attacker, “He is a pacey winger who can cause problems for opponents in the final 1/3 of the field. We expect Ryan to make an impact for the team and be a player who can grow into our club in years to come.”

Between a tough schedule with one of the top teams in NCAA Division Two and a transfer to a Horizon League Division One school, Pierson is confident that when it comes to quality of competition in the NPSL, he will not be fazed by the impressiveness of the other seven teams in the conference. “At Saginaw Valley we won the league, won the conference, and got to play against a ton of top teams there as well like Michigan and Oakland in the preseason,” Pierson said. “I think from Saginaw to Detroit and now the spring season in Detroit I’m definitely playing against a lot of top talent [with] a lot of these people playing in leagues like the NPSL.” The talent has been there in teams he has already played, the hope is that Pierson is going to be able to swiftly transition over against the tough competition of the NPSL.

When it comes to goals, Pierson is focused not just on personal betterment, but he is also aspirational for the team as a collective. He says, “I want to win as many games as possible and I want to score as many goals and assists and help my team contribute as much as possible to win another championship.” With the culture of excellence that has been built, especially as two-time defending NPSL Great Lakes Conference Champions, the positive mindset and solid confidence within himself and his new teammates is surely a delight for fans of the club to see. Called a “good player with a bright future” by Rudland, Pierson is another positive signing for the future of the club.

About AFC Ann Arbor

Founded in 2014, Association Football Club Ann Arbor launched it’s men’s semi-pro team in 2015 and has competed in the NPSL since 2016. Led by Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, the team has found great success winning back to back Great Lakes Championships (‘17 & ‘18) and earning US Open Cup bids three straight years (2017-2019). In October 2018, the club announced the launch of the women’s side, who will be skippered by Andy “Pritch” Pritchard in their inaugural season of the United Women’s Soccer national league. Owned and operated by a group of local soccer fans and entrepreneurs, AFC Ann Arbor has become a fixture in the greater Ann Arbor community.

Rosen Returns for Fourth Season Following Italy Trial

When it comes to mainstays within the club, Jake Rosen is certainly a man that fits this billing. The outside back has played a role in every NPSL season with the club. AFC Ann Arbor are pleased to announce Rosen’s return to the club next season, but it comes with a caveat. His return will come not at the immediate start of the season, however, as Rosen has been given the exciting opportunity to play as a trialist overseas in hopes of signing a contract in Europe. Eric Rudland confirmed to AFCAA, “We are hopeful that he locks in a deal overseas, but either way it is likely that he will come back to AFC to see the second 1/2 of the season through with us.”

Rosen himself gave some extra details on what exactly his trial entails. “I will be training with a fifth-division team called Sora Calcio for three months with [an] agent that will be providing options and other trials,” Rosen explained. He hopes that he will “continue to do well over those three months of training there” while in Italy. Not merely an outstanding experience in terms of furthering his career, but the cultural aspect is sure to be a positive all-around for the AFCAA-experienced player.

The concept of a ‘trial’ may be slightly confusing to those unfamiliar to the sport. A trial is not too far off from what one in American sports would consider a tryout. On a trial, a player trains and plays with a certain team for a set amount of time in hopes of impressing them, or any other team that may see them play, in hopes of obtaining a professional contract. While this same concept exists in the American world of soccer, it is far more commonly talked about in the overseas game. The opportunity is one not extended to any player, and it is a testament to Rosen’s ability as a whole.

While a recent development for Rosen, the process of impressing scouts overseas is nothing new. He described the process of obtaining this opportunity saying, “A scout saw my highlight video I made after playing for Schoolcraft, so I had been talking to him for a few years.” Since playing for Schoolcraft, Rosen has been able to add to further highlight reels with impressive moments at Saginaw Valley State as well as with The Mighty Oak. Last season saw him deliver a picture-perfect ball for Moco Watson’s head to meet and find the back of the net in a Mother’s Day battle with Detroit City, a moment Rosen described as his favorite of last season. He also finished with a sweetly hit goal in the home rout against FC Indiana in the final NPSL regular season game of the year. With key moments in the first home league game and final one, it shows just what sort of work ethic and how important Rosen was all throughout the season.

When it comes to what he would like out of the experience, Rosen has established goals in his mind. He said, “All I want to do is learn as much as possible as a player. I’ve learned so much playing with different players over the years, as well as coaches, so I’m seeking more growth.” He continued, saying, “Every coach has different tactics to how they want the game played [to] certain standard[s]. I want to continue to make myself more versatile and overall become a better player.” It is clear when speaking to Rosen that he very clearly has an idea for how his overseas trip will go, and what exactly he aims to do while in Italy.

Rosen looks back upon his past three years with the club with great fondness. When it comes to a favorite memory over his entire career, Rosen has two, as he said, “My fondest memories of playing at AFC would be my first season there playing against DCFC away. That was the first time I had been in a true professional atmosphere for a game. Second would be the second season against Grand Rapids at home when I hit the cross bar from forty [yards] out, maybe, and Yuri [Farkas] headed it in just to get called offside.” While surely a fourth season would bring many of the same exciting moments, if Rosen is able to stick around in Europe on a professional contract, it would be an exciting moment for both player and club as a whole.

As imagined, all in the AFCAA Family are excited, perhaps none more so than Rudland himself. He credit Rosen, saying, “Jake is a local player who has been 100% committed during his 3 years with us. This is a kid who has battled through injury and other hardships during his career and he has always found a way to come out on top.” He also added that for The Mighty Oak as a whole, he hopes this could expand the network and open up a new pathway for AFCAA players in the future.

To aid in Rosen’s quest overseas, he has a GoFundMe in which members of the AFCAA Family can assist in any sort of living expenses while away in Italy over the course of his ten weeks across the Atlantic Ocean.

Click here to contribute to Jake Rosen’s trial fund.

Henry Ramirez Returns to AFCAA

The Mighty Oak are thrilled to announce Henry Ramirez as the seventh member of the 2019 AFC Ann Arbor squad. Ramirez spent the first portion of last season with AFCAA, but an injury cut his time in Ann Arbor short. Still, in his time with the club Ramirez became an instant fan favorite in the midfield with his hard work and relentless pressure of the opposition in the heart of the pitch. Head coach Eric Rudland gave the midfield man some high praise in saying, “he was one of the players we were most excited about bringing in for the 2018 season”. After a stellar stint with The Mighty Oak, a strong finish to his collegiate career, the best is yet to come for the young midfielder.

From Costa Mesa, California, Ramirez is coming off his senior season with UMKC that featured him taking the second-most shots for the Kangaroos in fifteen games played. He spent two years at Arizona Western College, a junior college in Yuma, and received First Team All-Conference and NSCAA All-Regional honors in both seasons. His fine play allowed him to take the leap up to the Division One level and join up in Kansas City with the Kangaroos, where he has spent his final two years of eligibility.

Along with his collegiate career at UMKC, what some may not know about Ramirez is that he also played the 2017 NPSL season with FC Indiana, which helped him garner exposure to the AFC Ann Arbor staff. Rudland, in fact, called him “one of the top center mids in our conference” during his 2017 campaign. His performances against The Mighty Oak impressed decision makers within the club enough to enquire about his services once 2018 rolled around, and those who support the club are happy that fate played into their hands with the midfielder.

Looking ahead at this season after the one which was cut short, Ramirez said about his new opportunity in a familiar set-up, “I’m ecstatic! My season unfortunately was cut short last year and I have been given a second chance, and I will not let it pass!” Returning back to The Mighty Oak was a no-brainer for the midfield man as he said, “When the idea of coming back to Ann Arbor came into discussion, it made me think of the whole community and people who make the wonderful club AFC Ann Arbor run together so smoothly!”

More recently than the NPSL league season was the 2018 Midwest Pro Soccer Combine, which Ramirez was one of three 2018 squad members to take part in. Ramirez was grateful for the experience, and thankful to those who sponsored him for it, saying, “It was an amazing experience; the setup is top class and the talent out there was great! It gave me a-lot of insight of what the talent looks like at the next level. I got a few looks and invitation to closed trials from it, so overall great experience glad I was given the opportunity by Eric & Main St. Hooligans.” Ramirez has plenty of gratitude for the devoted supporters of The Mighty Oak, whom he referred to as “the best fans in the country” for their support on and off the pitch.

The play style of the attacking midfielder is highlighted not just be his shiftiness on the ball, but plenty of other qualities off it. As he described about his game, “I think I’m a hard worker on and off the ball. I attack with the same effort as I defend.” Indeed, plenty of times last season was Ramirez the leading man at the helm of a press up the pitch against his opponents. His playmaking ability also caused plenty of problems with opposing defenders, but as he also describes, “I’m strong on the ball with quick feet. I think that’s what made me dangerous [with] AFC Ann Arbor.” Indeed, he was tough to get off the ball, making him all the more difficult to stop in any fashion in an in-game setting.

Rudland noted similar things about the midfield as he said, “He has the engine to press and the technique to create, which is exactly the player profile we need to fit into our hybrid midfield.” Within AFCAA’s usual three-man midfield, it demands plenty from all three players within it. Ramirez has the unique skills to lead the press and do exactly what the side needs out of its highest-up-the-pitch midfielder.

Despite a season cut short, it was not one lacking in memorable moments for Ramirez. He spoke of his favorite memory with the club, “[It] would have to be my first official start with AFC Ann Arbor at home against conference rival Detroit City.” He discussed what made it special, saying, “the atmosphere of the crowd and support of our fans was incredible. I played the whole game and after the match, I remember thinking to myself [that] this is a special feeling and special club to be a part of.” Finishing his thought, Ramirez concluded, “I am truly lucky to be here.” The Mighty Oak’s faithful certainly feel the same way about Ramirez being in Ann Arbor as well.

About AFC Ann Arbor

Founded in 2014, Association Football Club Ann Arbor launched it’s men’s semi-pro team in 2015 and has competed in the NPSL since 2016. Led by Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, the team has found great success winning back to back Great Lakes Championships (‘17 & ‘18) and earning US Open Cup bids three straight years (2017-2019). In October 2018, the club announced the launch of the women’s side, who will be skippered by Andy “Pritch” Pritchard in their inaugural season of the United Women’s Soccer national league. Owned and operated by a group of local soccer fans and entrepreneurs, AFC Ann Arbor has become a fixture in the greater Ann Arbor community.

AFC Ann Arbor Add Suzuho Yamasaki to 2019 Roster

After being named Head Coach for the inaugural women’s team, Andy Pritchard went straight to work and began recruiting top level talent to join The Mighty Oak for 2019. Suzuho Yamasaki is not only the first international signing for the club on the women’s side, but she’s a player that excites the staff in terms of her potential impact this summer.

“It’s very exciting to coach a player of  Suzuho’s caliber. She’s a player that can not only control the tempo of a game but also finds opportunities to assist her teammates and score goals,” added Pritchard.

The Japanese international is coming off a massive freshman year with the Martin Methodist College in Tennessee. Yamasaki helped the Redhaws to an impressive 19-1-2 record, reaching the NAIA Round of 16. The former Japanese National Team U17 player stacked accolades to acknowledge her role in helping the Redhawks to an unbelievably successful season. She was named to the All-Freshman Team, First Team All-Conference, Third Team All-American (NAIA) and let her team to the conference championship. The midfielder scored 3 goals and tallied 12 assists while her team finished the season ranked top ten nationally.

Yamasaki’s resume is impressive and Pritchard expects the midfielder to compete at a high level and help shape a winning culture from day one. She can play as a holding or attacking mid which only further confirms her ability to control the middle of the pitch along with the tempo of the match.

Welcome to The Mighty Oak, Suzuho!

About AFC Ann Arbor

Founded in 2014, Association Football Club Ann Arbor launched it’s men’s semi-pro team in 2015 and has competed in the NPSL since 2016. Led by Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, the team has found great success winning back to back Great Lakes Championships (‘17 & ‘18) and earning US Open Cup bids three straight years (2017-2019). In October 2018, the club announced the launch of the women’s side, who will be skippered by Andy “Pritch” Pritchard in their inaugural season of the United Women’s Soccer national league. Owned and operated by a group of local soccer fans and entrepreneurs, AFC Ann Arbor has become a fixture in the greater Ann Arbor community.

Ron Rudland Returns to AFC Ann Arbor Coaching Staff

AFC Ann Arbor have confirmed the return of Ron Rudland to the coaching staff for the 2019 season. Ron, the father of AFCAA head coach Eric Rudland, has spent time as a member of Eric’s coaching staff at his previous stop in Lansing, and also coached the younger Rudland during high school at Parma Western. This is season number four that Ron will be spending with the club.

Ron is a legend of the sport all throughout the state of Michigan. After playing (American) football during high school at Flint Carman, he began a soccer career at Olivet College, where he says his love for the game stems from. After that, his coaching career began. He describes the process, saying, “I was given the opportunity to start a soccer program at Western HS in Jackson County back in 1985 and was the Varsity coach there until this past fall. I also coached club soccer and have seen several of my former players now become coaches themselves.” The sport has also given him the opportunity to both teach and learn, as he says, “Soccer has given me the opportunity to not only teach young men the game of soccer but also teach lots of life lessons. [It] has taken us around the world from Europe, South America and many places in the United States.”

For Eric, it is a special experience to be able to coach with his father. Eric says, “Obviously the football is what brings us together, which is true for all of the staff.” He continues on, though, saying, “But having my dad involved has been a special dynamic. He has keen insight that comes from years of experience in the game, teaching and managing players.” For Ron, too, it is a fantastic opportunity to have some quality family time. He says, “I enjoy coaching with Eric because it gives us time to spend together which is hard to do the rest of the year between my teaching and his club coaching schedules.” Amidst busy schedules, the connection AFC allows the two Rudlands gives both the chance to connect over a shared passion.

As with so many coaching families, talk of coaching and the sport is not limited to just the time on the pitch or at training. As Ron describes, “During the season we are on the phone all the time talking about personnel, scouting the teams and just basic soccer talk! Off-season we still talk soccer but more about player recruitment and club news.” Eric added about the familial dynamic, “Coaching is a common thread in all discussions in the Rudland household, and it's been that way since I can remember. My dad began coaching soccer when I was five or six, so it's really all I've known.” He also joked about the scenarios he and his father could frequently find themselves in saying, “The most recent dealings with players, talk of soccer tactics, an upcoming match and/or a new way to organize a training activity were (and still are) normal dinner conversation...probably much to my wife’s and mother's despise!”

With so much experience attributed to him, the presence on Ron on the sidelines gives another set to brilliant eyes to coach with during training and to make adjustments during games. The partnership between the senior and junior Rudlands has brought great success to Ann Arbor, and the hope is certainly that it will continue into the 2019 season.

When asking Eric what the greatest lesson he learned from his father, Eric said, “The greatest example is the passion my dad has to grow and learn. I always remember, still to this day, him reading books, watching coaching VHS tapes, talking to other coaches on the phone...always eager to find the next nugget of gold that would allow his players and team to be successful.” He continued, saying, “This desire to learn and grow really is what helps coaches stay sharp and provide the best environment for players to develop and win.”

With the coaching staff of The Mighty Oak set to return all four assistant coaches to the organization, this lack of turnover has offered a sense of stability for the upcoming season. Instead of what Eric described as an “acclimation period”, he says, “There is a commonality in how we work, our vision for the team and a familiarity with each of our roles & responsibilities.” The hope is that this understanding will allow the staff to grow and flourish as well as they have in previous seasons from the first moment of the season.

Bringing it back to the elder statesman of the Rudland family, he has plenty that he is excited for. He says, “I always look forward to having the chance to work with the fine group of young men that play on the team and spending time coaching with Eric and the rest of the coaching staff.” In terms of a favorite memory during his time in Ann Arbor, he says, “Every time I show up, I have fun being there! But the neatest memory is probably the first season playing away at Detroit City, which was the first game ever held at their home stadium in Hamtramck.” With plenty of positive results and atmospheres that, as Ron described, have been “exhilarating” in the past, the best is yet to come.

About AFC Ann Arbor

Founded in 2014, Association Football Club Ann Arbor launched it’s men’s semi-pro team in 2015 and has competed in the NPSL since 2016. Led by Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, the team has found great success winning back to back Great Lakes Championships (‘17 & ‘18) and earning US Open Cup bids three straight years (2017-2019). In October 2018, the club announced the launch of the women’s side, who will be skippered by Andy “Pritch” Pritchard in their inaugural season of the United Women’s Soccer national league. Owned and operated by a group of local soccer fans and entrepreneurs, AFC Ann Arbor has become a fixture in the greater Ann Arbor community.

Marlon Freitas Returns to AFC Ann Arbor

AFC Ann Arbor are pleased to confirm Marlon Freitas as the sixth men’s signing ahead of the 2019 season. This will mark Freitas’ second consecutive season with The Mighty Oak, having spent last season with the club as well. A Brazilian who has just concluded his senior season with Madonna University, Freitas starred for the Madonna side that made a deep run in the NAIA National Tournament. Head coach Eric Rudland said of the newest returnee to AFCAA, “This past fall he was a catalyst for Madonna's run to the NAIA Final Four and he was a player that was reliable in our environment last year in Ann Arbor. We are hopeful that he can make a big impact for us this season.”

Freitas’ season with Madonna was one to write home about as he played outstandingly well on the collegiate level. He finished the season with six goals and nine assists in 21 games, good for second-most goals on the team (behind AFCAA alum Yuri Farkas) and a team-high in assists. This total included a golden goal in the Second Round of the NAIA Tournament to give Madonna a victory over Bellevue to continue their run through the tournament.

About the tournament run, Freitas said, “At Madonna we got the best outcome that anyone could have wished for. The boys worked so hard every day at practice to be able to get where we got. It was one of the best experiences going to Nationals.” Ever the team-spirited individual, the Brazilian continued, “When you work hard every day it pays off. Those boys turned into my brothers through this experience and I’m so thankful for them. I also have to say that I’m thankful for such strong leadership, our team couldn’t have done it without Coach Z (Madonna head coach Mark Zathey) and Felipe Guimaraes.”

Looking ahead to the summer, though, Freitas is just as excited. “I’m feeling very grateful to return to such a solid team with a very strong support system,” he said. “I am looking forward to improve my game with the help of my team and coaches they push me to improve my game.” Building off not just a successful season collegiately, but also with a season with AFC under his belt that included a goal in the season-opening game at Milwaukee, he is looking to work hard and put himself in a strong position to help the side.

As a player, Rudland described Freitas as “[not] your prototypical Brazilian”. He elaborated, saying, “[His] technique and creativity is blended with a tenacious defensive spirit to go after the opponent. This has allowed him to adapt well to playing as a right back.” Freitas echoed similar thoughts about himself as he said, “When it comes to the defense, I feel that I am pretty good at locking down.” Not just a defender, Freitas has done plenty of damage on the attack, primarily as a left winger. On his offensive game, Freitas said, “On the offense, I would say that I’m very instinctive. I see the field and know where everyone is at and where they are going. So, when I get the ball, it’s not a lot of thinking, my body just takes over.”

An assessment of his game prompted Freitas to provide a bit of extra analysis, saying, “Strengths of mine are that I’m very quick, intense, have good stamina, never give up, and have a growing passion for the game.” The combination of each trait makes for a superb athlete on the pitch both physically and mentally for any side he may play on. This especially helps him in either favored position but especially, as Rudland deployed him last season, as a right back in the AFCAA model.

When it comes to goals, Freitas’ are based in firm positivity, and an assurance in himself to get better. “My hopes are that I improve a little bit every single day,” said the newest member to the 2019 roster. He continued, “I also hope to prove myself to my coaches, teammates, and fans that we can thrive again this season.” Certainly anyone that has seen Freitas play will know that with him signed on for another season with the club, the club is in that much better position to thrive.

About AFC Ann Arbor

Founded in 2014, Association Football Club Ann Arbor launched it’s men’s semi-pro team in 2015 and has competed in the NPSL since 2016. Led by Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, the team has found great success winning back to back Great Lakes Championships (‘17 & ‘18) and earning US Open Cup bids three straight years (2017-2019). In October 2018, the club announced the launch of the women’s side, who will be skippered by Andy “Pritch” Pritchard in their inaugural season of the United Women’s Soccer national league. Owned and operated by a group of local soccer fans and entrepreneurs, AFC Ann Arbor has become a fixture in the greater Ann Arbor community.

Taylor Babcock Joins The Mighty Oak for 2019

It’s not often you hear of a twenty-one year old coming out of retirement, but as AFC Ann Arbor Women’s newest signing Taylor Babcock jokes, “Considering I’m coming out of retirement, I’m just ecstatic to get to play and be apart of a team again. I love being around the game and am excited to be able to compete on the field.”

She may be comical off the pitch, but the defender from Northville (born in Spokane) means business when it comes time to compete. In high school, she was named Team MVP three times, earned all-state third team as a junior before being named all-state second team her senior season. After high school, she pushed on to play at the University of Portland before returning home to Michigan where Babcock began her coaching career. Now, a youth coach for the Michigan Tigers (alongside AFC Ann Arbor teammate Megan Trapp), she “started coaching and fell in love with the alternative perspective of the game it provided me with.”

For Babcock, the game has given her so much, that she wants to share and help shape the next generation of players, specifically young girls. “Growing up, my club team would scrimmage all the boys teams and every time we were on cloud nine. Soccer didn’t really seem to have double standards, it was simple—if I was all in, good things would happen. The game instilled the ideal of meritocracy in me from a very early age—work hard above all else. It’s been an outlook I’ve carried throughout my life and forever am grateful to the game for,” said Babcock.

“I currently coach a group of 7 & 8 year old ladies and I think they might be the most excited that I’m playing this summer. But 10 years from now when they’re playing for AFC I want them to love the game. As a female, soccer has empowered me in ways that have affected my entire life. Teammates are forever and us, soccer girls, are a breed of our own! So I’m honored for an opportunity to show my girls that how we play on the field can be just as fierce as how we live our lives off it,” she added.

Quite honestly, you may never hear of another player as humble and appreciative as her. “The longer I’m around the game, the more I realize how it lasts forever. The community that soccer has given and continues to give me is world class. I’m just excited to expand it a little more.”

About AFC Ann Arbor

Founded in 2014, Association Football Club Ann Arbor launched it’s men’s semi-pro team in 2015 and has competed in the NPSL since 2016. Led by Head Coach & Sporting Director, Eric Rudland, the team has found great success winning back to back Great Lakes Championships (‘17 & ‘18) and earning US Open Cup bids three straight years (2017-2019). In October 2018, the club announced the launch of the women’s side, who will be skippered by Andy “Pritch” Pritchard in their inaugural season of the United Women’s Soccer national league. Owned and operated by a group of local soccer fans and entrepreneurs, AFC Ann Arbor has become a fixture in the greater Ann Arbor community.

'Frenchy' Returns for Fourth Season with AFCAA

AFC Ann Arbor are pleased to welcome back Matthieu Braem back for the 2019 NPSL season. The 2016 AFCAA Defensive Player of the Year, the Loyola (IL) graduate and French native is returning to Ann Arbor for what will be his fourth season with The Mighty Oak. Affectionally dubbed ‘Frenchy’ within the club and amongst its fans, Braem has been an ever-present for the side in its NPSL lifetime. He returns for 2019 wiser than before coming off his first ever professional contract with the MASL’s Harrisburg Heat. His longevity is key for head coach Eric Rudland who said, “This will be Frenchy's fourth season with us. That is unique to our level of football and pretty special for our club.”

Braem’s impact on the side far surpasses the on-field aspect of the game. As he himself says, “I think that the biggest value I personally add outside of [on] the field is the knowledge of the club and everything that comes around it.” Indeed, having been around for what will be coming upon year number four with the side, Braem has been around for all three previous times to the NPSL Midwest Regional playoffs and has played a role in all three runs. With his experience living within the club’s history itself, he is a valuable asset for players around him as a whole to learn and improve.

When talking about his play style, Braem understands that answers may vary. He said, “I feel like opinions and answers would change depending on who you talk to. But I like to describe myself as a smart and robust defender who always enjoys playing out of the back and start the attack from there.” Indeed, Braem has generally been a fixture within defense, generally deployed as a central defender for the boys in blue and white. He continued on, saying, “I also like playing with a high line, which fit Eric's tactics perfectly as he likes to press up the field and put the opponents under constant pressure.” Rudland agreed that Braem is a proper fit for the side as he said, “He has a clear understanding of our system and style of play and the way we go about our business day in and day out.” As previously mentioned, experience is key.

Featuring not only in AFCAA’s plans last season, but also in the CONIFA World Cup, ‘Frenchy’ is well-and-truly a world traveler of the sport. As he prepares to return from his stint in Pennsylvania, the newest returnee said, “It has been a crazy learning experience. But I am enjoying every single second of it. I get to wake up every morning doing what I love, so I can't complain.” He continued onward with a point that Rudland would concur with saying, “It's also nice to be able to stay fit and head to AFC fully fit and ready to get started.” Rudland later added, “That being said, we are hopeful that we will be able to rely on him early in our important May matches.” With Braem, there are certainly hopes that he will be a productive player, yet again, for the full NPSL campaign.

When thinking about the club as a whole, Ann Arbor’s favorite Frenchman is able to contribute plenty to the set-up of not just the team on the pitch, but as a leader off it. Braem said, “AFC as a whole, values its community and I think that it is really important for new players to understand that as soon as the season starts.” In addition to being able to help new players to the side adjust to the demands and rigors of an NPSL season, he, too, has a greater understanding now of what is needed of him than ever before. He detailed, “As a player, by now, I have a really close relationship and understanding with Eric and the coaching staff, which definitely helps setting up expectations during games but also practices.” Knowing what to expect gives Braem an extra edge over opposing teams who may be attempted to gain that same level of understanding amongst themselves.

Over his time with The Mighty Oak, two memories stand out for Braem. When pressed for a favorite, he replied, “[The] first thing that comes to my mind is the win over Lansing at home, when we were down 2-0. That was incredible.” He continued, saying, “The other one would probably be clinching our back-to-back conference title last year, at home in front of our fans.” The Mighty Oak’s faithful will be hoping for plenty more memorable moments like these as the new league season approaches.

Megan Trapp Signs as First AFCAA Women's Player

Association Football Club Ann Arbor are proud to announce their first women’s player in club history, Megan Trapp.  The Plymouth native will be joining The Mighty Oak after a successful collegiate career at Eastern Michigan University, and brings her experience of previously playing in the United Women’s Soccer national league.

Since finishing her collegiate playing days, Trapp has now added coaching to her resume as she will be entering her 4th year as an assistant at Concordia University Ann Arbor this fall, in addition to her youth coaching duties with local Ann Arbor youth club, Michigan Tigers.

Her role at the Michigan Tigers helped her forge a relationship with club director, and AFC Ann Arbor women’s head coach, Andy Pritchard. Trapp said, “The relationship I have with Pritch is great! My signing for AFC Ann Arbor came about because of my interest in playing during the summer in the area. He knew I had played in this league before, and now since a team is closer to my work and home, he knew I was interested in joining the team.” She added, “I am looking forward to representing the Ann Arbor community and am hoping that youth soccer players will come and enjoy the games.”

“We’re very excited to have Megan on the team this year. With her already having played in the UWS, she will not only bring leadership but her experience to the group,” said Andy Pritchard.

Trapp herself knows the impact this women’s team can have on the next generation of female players and that might just be the thing that excites her the most. “I am hoping I can give all of these girls the confidence to keep playing and loving the game. Knowing that I never thought there would be this type of opportunity for myself, I am hoping to show them that they can grow up playing the game they love even after college. This game is for all ages and I want to create a positive image for all female soccer players.”

“Playing for AFC Ann Arbor means a lot to be able to positively represent the community. I am hoping to meet new players, fans, youth players, and more of the community. It is very exciting to be apart of a club that takes pride in their community!” added Trapp.

The community impact and lasting effect she’ll be able to make with her teammates this summer is a definite driver for Trapp, but she also hopes to find success on the pitch setting her sights high saying, “This summer I would love to be able to take this team to the league championship game. I am hoping we have a good group of girls who invest time into the team and be able to compete at the top of the conference.”

To hear more from Megan, be sure to listen to the newest episode of ‘Welcome to Tree Town’ set to drop this coming Thursday at 9AM.

Brandon Katona Returns for Year Number Two with The Mighty Oak

AFC Ann Arbor is pleased to announce Brandon Katona is the next returnee to The Mighty Oak for the 2019 season. Katona spent the 2018 season with AFCAA and is the first to be from the state of Michigan to be announced for this season. From Dearborn, Katona has just finished a four-year collegiate career at Adrian College. He was named to the Second Team All-MIAA Conference in 2017 as a junior and followed that up with a pair of goals in eleven games played as a senior. As Katona’s return marks four out of four confirmed players being returnees, Eric Rudland said, “His involvement in 2019 adds another returning piece to our core group.”

When it came to linking up with AFC last season, Katona had some obvious reasoning behind it, saying, “I was drawn to AFC because they were a newer program and already seeing some major accomplishments.” He continued to praise the club’s set-up as he said, “Everyone at the club has a winning mentality and it pushes everyone to be at their best. It was a type of atmosphere I hadn’t been around in the past and being a part of it is something that really drew me in.”

Generally deployed off the bench, Katona was able to play a role in a large majority of matchday squads in his first season. “He came through with a few key performances including our season opener out in Milwaukee and our away Milk Cup semi-final match vs Kalamazoo,” said Rudland. Katona’s top highlight of last season was one of the most thrilling for the club in one of those aforementioned key performances. He noted that “scoring the winning goal in the Milk Cup semifinal at Kalamazoo [was] tons of fun.” Indeed, Katona helped top Kalamazoo FC away from home thanks to a last-minute goal, the lone goal of a semifinal bout in Kalamazoo.

The last-minute goal was an on-the-pitch highlight, but being part of the AFCAA Family is far more than just the game itself. He continued from his earlier quote, saying, “But also, just making a bunch of friends through the team and challenging each other every day in training is a great memory for me.”

Perhaps one of the most intriguing things about Katona as a player is his versatility, which coach Rudland highlighted. The head coach said, “Brandon is a local player with positional versatility. Last year we used him as a left back, wing back and front-line player.” Katona is a rare breed of player that has been effectively been deployed at forward, midfield, and in defense be it for AFC, or for Adrian. Listed as a defender last season, Katona acknowledged his versatility as well, telling AFCAA, “I’d say the reason I’ve been featured at positions anywhere…is because I am willing to help the team in any way possible.”

He noted that his flexibility in position makes him unique, but the utility-man is more than just a player capable of playing anywhere. He discussed his skills saying, “I am pretty quick and enjoy playing on the wing and giving defenders a hard time.” The pace and trickiness on the wing, combined with a knowledge of an attacker’s brain, suits him well as a modern fullback. On the opposite hand, a knowledge of what a defender is thinking suits him well to playing in an attacking role as well. What is true no matter where he plays is that Katona brings plenty of skills along with a high IQ on the pitch.

Katona has his own ideals for how the season will turn out. He says, “Hoping for [the] best this season, I’d like to help the team reach our goals and continue our success as a club!” It is not just about Katona as a player, but the team-spirited mentality in helping AFC Ann Arbor grow as a club is the sort of model player attitude that a club like The Mighty Oak could ask for.

Jake Rufe Returns for Third Season with AFCAA

AFC Ann Arbor are happy to announce Jake Rufe as the third member of The Mighty Oak’s 2019 campaign. A veteran of AFC and familiar with both the club and Eric Rudland, Rufe spent 2016 and 2017 with AFCAA before a season with the Michigan Bucks in the PDL in 2018. A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Rufe returns to The Mighty Oak having completed his collegiate career at Western Michigan University.

While new experiences are always alluring, Rufe said about returning to AFCAA, “Nothing has come close to the joy and excitement that I got playing in Ann Arbor in my two seasons with AFCAA.” Rufe continued, “I have some lifelong friendships from my time there and I am maybe most excited to get around those guys again.” Rufe’s passion is something that Eric Rudland has immediately noticed, as he said of the midfielder, “Rufe really embodies everything that our club stands for. He was a part of our family during my first two seasons with the club. Back in 2016 he was a steady player who helped shape the culture of our club and in 2017 he was a huge part of our success.” His return provides an exciting presence into the midfield for The Mighty Oak.

Rufe is a player with much to be impressed with. He has impressed at all levels of play. This includes, collegiately, a Second Team All-MAC selection in 2017 with the Broncos along with starting in all twenty games, and playing in the second-most minutes, of the Broncos’ 2018 campaign. This even more recently also includes an impressive showing at the 2018 Midwest Pro Soccer Combine, under the direction of Rudland himself. Of the combine experience, Rufe said, “The Midwest Combine was an important event for me and for a lot of guys there to see where we were at in regards to players aspiring for the same goal. The combine places you in a peculiar situation of balancing the act of playing simple yet showing the abilities that set you apart.” As for how that pertains to his current state of play, Rufe said, “Now I have an idea of where I am and where I want to be as a player and I am much more confident heading to trials or events moving forward.”

As a player, Rufe is versatile in the midfield, able to play deeper in the pitch as a ‘six’ or in a more advanced ‘eight’ in the midfield. Both of these strengths lend themselves brilliantly to the AFC system, as Rudland says about the player, “He has a massive engine, plays with heart and possess a range of abilities that make him a huge commodity for AFCAA.” Speaking of his own strengths, Rufe highlights a few, saying, “I would say work rate and intensity have got to be some of the things that stands out about my game and I am always trying to get up and down the field as much as I can especially defensively.”

Of course, practice makes perfect, and Rufe looks forward to returning to the training of AFC, with a top-class staff ready to help. He said, “The team environment during training is competitive and has always been a place to improve your game and challenge your teammates to the maximum. AFC truly has a remarkable head coach in Eric Rudland, and he manages the players well on and off the pitch. Boyzzz [Khumalo] is a special resource to work with, and the staff as a whole is genuinely invested in the overall wellbeing of the guys and it shows.”

On a personal level, in terms of his own game, Rufe highlights what the staff helps him greatly with, “…my awareness and not working myself out of the play. This is something I am constantly trying to improve as it usually gives me a better picture of what I should do in possession of the ball.” His consistency in working hard and improving helps set him apart from other midfielders while also allowing him to fit right in with AFC.

With his return in the season to come, the time is right to reminisce about the seasons prior that he spent with The Mighty Oak. When it comes to one of his two seasons standing out, though, Rufe explains, “Winning the league in such a dominant fashion in 2017 stands out looking back as a whole. My first season with the club moving from the bench, to a sub, and then finally to a starting player was such a satisfying experience and one in which I really began to find my style as well as my role for the club.”

When talking about a game in particular, there is one he also has in mind, saying “The fans make the most memorable games however and when we play rivals and the crowd turns up at their strongest it is unforgettable. One in particular was DCFC at home in 2017. The game was a huge result at that time in the season and the stadium was packed out with AFC fans including my parents and some close friends that made the trip from down in Alabama.” With the new season not too far off in the distance, fans will surely have no doubt that happy memories like those in 2017 are sure to follow, with Rufe playing a part in them as well.

Jordan Montoya to Return to Ann Arbor for 2019 Season

AFC Ann Arbor are pleased to announce the second member of the 2019 roster will be Jordan Montoya. Montoya will join AFCAA for his second consecutive season with the club following the 2018 campaign. The twenty-year-old attacker previously spent time within the Toronto FC youth academy and the Ontario native has previously played a role for both the Jamaican and Canadian U17 sides as well.

On returning to The Mighty Oak for season number two, Montoya said, “I’m looking forward to [coming] back stronger and wanting to have a bigger role on the team. I’m excited to get myself more exposure and opportunities for a professional route, and also open more eyes to anyone who’s watching.” Indeed, Montoya started the season outside the starting eleven, but as the season continued the attack-minded player forced himself into a role for the side. Montoya finished the season second-high goal scorer for AFC with an impressive six goals in all competitions, five of those coming in NPSL play.

As the season is approaching, another aspect Montoya has his eyes in is returning under the guidance of the AFCAA staff, saying, “I’m also looking forward [to] being coached by Eric and the rest of the coaching staff as I like how they run the sessions and their style of play.” He had high praise for the staff as a whole as he mentioned how a staff he could turn to and talk with made the 2018 season go smoothly. That, in turn, resulted in the level of performance that one could see out of the Canadian.

Eric Rudland is looking forward to the return of a man who played an integral role in the set-up for The Mighty Oak. The head coach said on what to expect from the player, “Jordan is versatile attacking player. He has loads of physical and technical traits that bode well for him in our league.” Indeed, both Rudland and Montoya share similar ideas of just what sort of player he is. Montoya said about himself and the game he plays, “I think I’m a very sneaky, agile player with quick, technical feet that allow me to get around players with pace, breaking lines of defense and [creating] opportunities in the attacking third to help with scoring chances.”

These sorts of aspects that Montoya possesses helped make a player that has had a spotlight shone on him by Rudland for his successful results. Rudland said, “Last year he made huge strides in his game without the ball. He developed a high tempo pressing mentality that really helped our team success, so we have high expectations for his impact in 2019.” Whenever a player returns, there is an understanding on what can be assumed about what the player brings forth to the table. With Montoya, though, the improvement he showed as the season continued points to positive signs that he will continue to grow as the NPSL season goes deeper and deeper.

One fact many may not know about Montoya is that, like Mike Novotny, he was scouted by AFCAA and subsequently signed for the 2018 season following a successful two days in Brighton, Michigan. On how that came to happen, Montoya said, “In 2017, I took part in the Midwest Pro Soccer Combine, and from there Coach Eric communicated with me and my agent to discuss an opportunity to play under him in summer 2018. From seeing me play in the combine is how I got noticed.” Indeed, Montoya’s stellar combine back now just about a year-and-a-quarter ago has helped him open up the door in the first place, and once again he returns to Ann Arbor for the season to come.

The season that was gave Montoya plenty of things to reflect upon. When asked for some, Montoya had plenty to say. “My favorite memories from last year are definitely the relationships I’ve created and interaction I had on and off the pitch.” The familial nature of the club is always raved about by past the present players alike, and Montoya is no exception. He continues, “During games and training, although staying focused at task, being with the team, and making jokes, made the experience unreal.” The positive environment surrounding the club at all times certainly makes players feel warm and welcomed. As for the fans, surely they will be excited upon hearing that Jordan Montoya is back for season number two in Ann Arbor.

Stephen Turnbull Returns to The Mighty Oak for 2019

AFC Ann Arbor are thrilled to announce Stephen Turnbull as the first player set to join The Mighty Oak for the 2019 season. Turnbull will be joining AFCAA for his second season, returning after a successful 2018 campaign last season. The Holtsville, New York, native plays his collegiate soccer at Stony Brook University, where he played with fellow AFCAA alumni Serge Gamwanya and Martieon ‘Moco’ Watson.

Turnbull said on the upcoming season, “I am extremely excited to return to Ann Arbor this season. I felt last season towards the end I was finally getting into the mix and I was able to have an impact, which is something I would like to strive for from day one.” Indeed Turnbull, the right back, was not the starter for AFC right away, but as the season went on, Turnbull proved his value. Eventually, the defender played his way into the starting eleven where he became a staple at right back.

Turnbull noted last season’s home bout with Grand Rapids FC as a turning point for himself at the club, saying, “I wasn’t set to start that match but…I was able to start that match and record my first assist for AFCAA.” When speaking of his favorite moments, while giving that one as an individual memory, one for the team as a whole stood out for him, “I would say…winning the league at our home field. Seeing how much it meant to everyone around me was so amazing and made me really feel a part of something special.”

The passion he speaks of is evident when talking about what why he was so excited to return back to The Mighty Oak, “This past summer gave me a home-like feeling from day one, and that’s something that’s very difficult to find.” Turnbull continued, praising the staff who made his time last season “even more special than it already [was]” while also crediting others saying, “The people surrounding the club are who make it so amazing, so when choosing to come back it was a no-brainer.”

When talking about his importance, head coach Eric Rudland made it clear that the feeling of excitement in Turnbull returning is mutual among club and player. “Stephen was an integral member of our backline in 2018. Anytime you can bring back a man who played a key role in the team's success it helps set up the group and the individual player for success.” Turnbull’s own personal growth is key to himself too, as he is excited to get an opportunity to return and continue to showcase his skills at the NPSL level. Turnbull said, “This summer season I am looking for the ability to get in and play as many minutes as possible.” With his future, Turnbull wants to play at the professional level, and the club, he made clear, gives him a great opportunity to play for an audience that could help push him forward.

The personality fit is apparent with Turnbull and AFCAA, but the fit within the operating style of the club is a match as well. Rudland said about the first signee for The Mighty Oak, “He fits our system and style of play really well as an attacking outside back. He came into our group last year and battled day in and day out to win a spot, so our hope is that he can re-enter our environment and be at a high level right away.”

When discussing his style of play, Turnbull had a firm grasp on what makes him operate so well in his side’s line of defense, “As a right back I try to be as solid, and dangerous, as possible. A lot of teams don’t expect right backs to have a big impact, but I feel that having an outside back that is dangerous on both sides of the ball is key.” Indeed, as AFC fans saw on plenty occasions, many-a-time would play come from the wings and result in goals or chances through open play as a result of full back play. Within both the modern game of football and The Mighty Oak as a club, full back possesses plenty of importance within the game.

Turnbull’s game possesses plenty of strengths. When asked to point out some of those that he brings to the table, he had multiple in mind, “[They] are my ability to make runs up the sideline in support of my midfielders, and my ability to beat players off-the-dribble in dangerous areas. Creating 2v1 situations on the outside is my favorite when I’m attacking, and my least favorite when defending!” Finally, Turnbull concluded, nothing comes without hard work, as he noted by saying, “I never stop working and I always give it 100%. I think the coaching staff enjoys that aspect about players so that’s what I bring every day.”

Looking forward to the season, Turnbull has his own goals both personally and as a member of The Mighty Oak. As touched upon, personally, he hopes that this season will allow him to continue to give him great opportunities to look ahead to playing at the professional level. As a team though, he says, “I want to win the regional championship because last season we were right there and just didn’t quite get it, so I feel this year we can win it and go on to fight for the national championship.” With Turnbull returning in the blue and white, those lofty goals are surely that much more obtainable.

AFC Ann Arbor’s Treehouse Set to Open in March

With the news of a new on-field home, AFC Ann Arbor now officially have an off-the-pitch headquarters as well. AFCAA are thrilled to announce the impending opening of its very own team shop that will be known as ‘The Treehouse’. Located at 3676 South State Street, supporters of The Mighty Oak now officially have their own home away from home.

For chairman Bilal Saeed, a recent event sparked desire to carry out a plan that he has dreamt of before. “It's something I've been wanting to do for a while. I started looking at spaces over a year ago, but when I visited the MPLS City Clubshop in December at the AGM [Annual General Meeting], I knew I couldn't wait any longer to launch this project.” AFCAA are pleased to join the growing number of clubs in opening its doors up to supporters and community members with team shops.

The grand opening for The Treehouse is already confirmed. The one-stop-shop for all things AFC, including all new merchandise and 2019 tickets and memberships, will have a grand opening event on Friday March 1st, from 6 to 9pm. “The grand opening will also include our first ever "equipment sale" where we will be selling some of the old match worn jerseys and team gear,” Saeed said of the exciting event. “Since it's getting close to the season, it will be a great opportunity to get fans, players, and staff together before the madness begins.” The Treehouse will, as Saeed said, not serve just as a store, but a place for all members of the AFCAA Family to conglomerate and interact with one another at events like these. AFC Ann Arbor’s Treehouse officially opens to the public on Monday, March 4th at 11am, and will be open Monday-Friday, 11am-6pm until the season starts.

With its commitment to community, that importance of the club as a whole was not lost on Saeed in the opening of a club shop. “The Treehouse is just one more piece to the puzzle of growing our footprint in the community,” he said. The branching out in multiple different areas of the community, be it serving the community through youth programs like The Mighty Oak Youth Project, assisting in charity works outside the state (or even country) like the Umhlaba Vision Foundation, providing access to the sport to young people in South Africa, or this, each project in embedding itself in the community it calls home serves its own function.

For those who wish the matchdays would come a bit quicker, or in the season when fans wish they did not have to end, supporters will be glad to know that they do not have to. AFC Ann Arbor will be thrilled to welcome you into its new home next month for a grand opening full of fun, along with many more action-packed days as winter turns to spring, and spring into summer. Be sure to follow @AFCAnnArbor on Twitter and keep watch AFCAnnArbor.com for more news and notes about The Treehouse’s grand opening, and other events that may be happening at the shop.