Milk Means More Match Preview: AFC Ann Arbor at Toledo Villa FC

The Mighty Oak are back in action as they take to the road outside the state of Michigan for the second time this season. AFCAA will make the trip US-23 to Toledo where Toledo Villa FC await them. This will be a first-ever meeting between the two sides as Toledo is currently in their first season as an NPSL club. AFC Ann Arbor are yet to lose this season on the road, and ahead of some crucial matches against playoff contending sides, they will hope to keep the momentum up through the month of June.

After a dominating win over FC Columbus, beating the other Ohio team in the NPSL Great Lakes 4-1, the hope for the side is that the free-scoring ways that were so prominent last season will return. AFCAA have played eight matches and, with their big outing against Columbus, jumped into double-digits goals scored with eleven. Yazeed Matthews leads the team with three goals, all three against FCCLB in the two matches played against them, but three other players each have two goals apiece (Jordan Montoya, Jarred Dass, and Sebastian Chalbaud).

In defense, The Mighty Oak have showed strength with a late concession against Columbus stopping them from having four clean sheets in their last five matches. With Ian McGrane making saves in net, and center backs like Matt Braem, Ben Thornton, and Iwan Webster ahead of him, the defensive spine is strong. In addition, wingbacks Stephen Turnbull (on the right) and Jake Rufe or Marlon Freitas (on the left) have been able to charge forward in attack while making sure to cover their man getting back. The stability offered in defense may just have helped to nudge the attack out of its shell last match.

The Opponent

As previously mentioned, Toledo Villa are the newest members to the NPSL family. As is the case with so many “expansion” teams over sports, however, they have found their first season to be full of challenges. TVFC currently sit in eighth out of the eight-team Great Lakes Conference with just a single point. They needed a late goal, their only goal in open play this season, to draw a point at home against FC Indiana. They’ve scored two other times this season, both coming off penalty kicks.

Despite the struggles getting points, Toledo have been able to impress at times. A 90th minute winner from Aaron McCready is how they rescued a point from FC Indiana, showing how they will not give up on a match. They also brought a 1-0 lead over Grand Rapids FC to the half in GRFC’s visit to Toledo, however they would ultimately lose that match 4-1. Likewise, they would strike first against FC Columbus and would also take a 1-0 lead to the half on the road, but once again they would fall 3-1.

It is clear that Toledo Villa are not to be taken lightly because they will capitalize on mistakes made. With a couple penalties conceded by AFCAA this season, a key will certainly be to make sure they avoid making any possible mistakes in the box. With an important three points on the line, it will be all about taking care of business on the road this Friday evening.

AFCAA Dominate in 4-1 Victory Over FC Columbus

The Mighty Oak finished off a season sweep over FC Columbus at home thanks to a 4-1 victory. Having already played on Friday and only managed a draw (despite a clean sheet), some rotation was necessary and it helped spur AFCAA to a big victory in the NPSL playoff hunt. Whether in possession or out of possession and in the counter, it seemed that AFC were comfortable in the match and a four goal outing made the match even sweeter.

From the start of the match, AFC were able to get control of the match thanks to an early goal off a corner kick. James Vaughan send a lovely ball into the box and Yazeed Matthews finished with a header into the net at the near post in just the fourth minute. Matthews would rattle the post just minutes later with another hard attempt. The next minute would see Ian McGrane pressed into action with a nice save off a free kick, but these frantic opening ten minutes would be just the start of the excitement.

In the 29th minute, Columbus gave the ball away in their third and Sebastian Chalbaud needed only a touch to help it onto Matthews’s feet. The rest was Matthews dicing up the Columbus defense as he finished in a similarly cool fashion. Then, in the 37th minute, Jake Rufe made an incisive pass through the heart of the of the defense. Joseph Musgrave came all the way out of his net to try and clear, but Jarred Dass got a touch on it to round him and finish easily into the net. At halftime The Mighty Oak equaled their three scored in Columbus.

The opening fifteen minutes of the second half were comfortable for AFCAA, and they would ultimately add a fourth. Thanks to a bit of loose play out of the back, Matthews would find Vaughan in the box, but his shot was saved well. Chalbaud was continuing a forward run, though, and he would finish the play by drilling the ball into the back of the net. The game would get chippy at times, but The Mighty Oak kept cool heads. They would concede in the 87th minute with Devyn Etling following up a well-saved long shot by Spencer Ward.

The four goals in the match were the most scored this season for AFCAA and will make up 40% of the team’s current NPSL goal output. A brace from Matthews was nice to see and means that all three of his goals came in the two matches against FC Columbus. Additionally, Chalbaud contributed both a goal and assist to the cause while in the back, things remained steady as ever. Against a dangerous attack, the back line held strong and all four men in defense deserve credit for 87 minutes of goalless football.

The Mighty Oak will be back in action next Friday, June 14th, on the road against Toledo Villa FC. Results elsewhere mean that while Grand Rapids and Detroit City have a game in hand, they are within a point of GRFC, and a point ahead of DCFC.

Milk Means More Match Previews: vs Indiana Union and at Lansing United

The AFC Ann Arbor women face the second back-to-back match of the season as they welcome Indiana Union to Concordia on Saturday the 8th at 6 PM and travel up to Lansing to challenge against Lansing United, on Sunday the 9th at 2 PM. This is the first time in The Mighty Oak history to meet the Westfield-based side, Indiana Union. Lansing United, however, have met AFCAA earlier this season in Concordia, managed to grab 2-0 victory over The Mighty Oak.

The thrilling Michigan Milk Cup quarter-finals match against North Oakland gave huge confidence to The Mighty Oak, as they defeated the MPSL side by 6-1 and advanced through semi-finals. Three goals each for both halves from Tatiana Mason, Rachael Sweigard, Devyn Brough, Katie Vitella, and Emily Eitzman, a two-goal hero, made it possible. It was the first home -and season- win after almost a month when The Mighty Oak beat Grand Rapids by 5-2.

Now AFCAA aim to bring this positive atmosphere to the league campaign. The Mighty Oak are yet to grab the second league victory, recording 1-0-4 this season so far, and they are confident to mark this back-to-back match remarkable. The goal is to strengthen the defense and keep the score sheet clean, as AFCAA has not yet made the first clean-sheet, as keeping the attacking force forward.

The Opposition

Indiana Union are currently on the 2nd place of the table, marking 2-1-1 so far. It is their 3rd year in the UWS league, marked 7th in their first season and 5th in their second among seven teams. Indiana dominated Michigan Legends and seized comfortable 5-0 win in their home opener. Indiana’s first away game to Grand Rapids was ended with thrilling 3-3 tie against Grand Rapids FC. Then they went through two home games in two days. May 31st and June 1st, which the results were a 2-3 lost against Lansing, the team that The Mighty Oak will face after, and a 3-2 victory to Detroit Sun.

Lansing United are the only team who turned all the league matches to victory, grabbing five wins so far and remain unbeaten. The first encounter of the season between Lansing and AFCAA in Concordia is ended with 2-0 to Lansing, thanks to Camryn Evans who found a net twice. Lansing’s unbeaten run doesn’t apply to their entire season anymore, as they got defeated by Detroit Sun, which ended in 1-2, but the bounce back was easy to them. United completed a three-point mission in the latest league match against Grand Rapids FC, thanks to the stoppage-time goal from Kaley Buck who made the final score line to 2-1.

AFCAA and KZFC Battle to a Draw for the Second Time

For the second time this season, a meeting between The Mighty Oak and Kalamazoo FC ends in a draw. The two sides each had a couple of chances each, but at the end of the day Kalamazoo proved to be too tough of a nut to crack. With the match being played on natural grass, a different style of play was certainly favored and that in itself played into the hands of the home side. At the end of the day, the final result ended in a 0-0.

AFCAA started the match with perhaps their most positive chance of the entire first half. In the fifth minute, Yazeed Matthews played William Eskay through on goal and the wide-man sent a shot just wide of the frame. The first shot on target would come from Matthews in the 25th minute, but the well-hit attempt was straight at the keeper. Those were the key chances of the half as The Mighty Oak dominated possession, but found the KZFC defensive block difficult to puzzle out.

The first big chance of the match came to Kalamazoo in the 53rd when Dalton Michael was played through clean on the left wing. Ian McGrane, who has been so essential in net all season, made a big kick save to keep The Mighty Oak’s clean sheet intact. Just minutes later, it was AFCAA’s turn to great a great opportunity as Matthews found the ball in the box at his feet, but his attempt hit the post and Eskay’s follow-up attempt was saved, and offside, regardless.

From there, the match heated up. AFCAA continued to control possession and find space on the wings, but Kalamazoo FC grew into the match as well. Still, though, neither side could find a winner. AFC would push forward, but two stoppage minutes drew ire from Eric Rudland and the match ended in a scoreless draw.

The Mighty Oak’s best chance came on Matthews’s shot off the post, and McGrane’s save was absolutely essential. AFCAA will be disappointed to come away with just one point, but with this being a two-match weekend it will be important to get back in positive spirits. AFCAA host FC Columbus on Sunday at 3 PM.

Milk Means More Match Preview: AFC Ann Arbor at Kalamazoo FC

AFC Ann Arbor will venture out on the road after three straight home matches to take on Kalamazoo FC for the second time this season. The match will mark the beginning of the second half of the NPSL season for The Mighty Oak and the first of a big four-match weekend for AFCAA on both the men and women’s side of the organization. The first match of this season’s series saw the teams draw 1-1 thanks to a late stunner from Amadou Cisse in AFC’s home opener.

In these two teams’ first meeting, AFCAA was stunned with an opening goal from Dalton Michael in the first ten minutes of the match. KZFC was then able to sit back and absorb the pressure that The Mighty Oak delivered, and this would work for much of the match. However, Cisse would check in late on in the match and ultimately delivered with a massive stoppage time goal to earn The Mighty Oak a point in their first-ever match at Concordia. The hope for AFC will be that they exit Kalamazoo with all three points.

Historically, AFCAA have fared very well against Kalamazoo. The Mighty Oak have never lost to KZFC in their history, but that has not come without some tough matches. In addition to the 1-1 draw this season, AFC were held goalless in this fixture last season as the two sides battled to a draw. Additionally, it took a 90th minute Brandon Katona goal to sneak out of Kalamazoo as 1-0 winners in the Michigan Milk Cup semi-finals last season. In order to keep their streak intact, AFC Ann Arbor must be ready for all Kalamazoo can throw at them, especially defensive where they have previously found success against The Mighty Oak.

AFCAA currently sit second in the Great Lakes Conference table, a point behind Grand Rapids FC and a point in front of Detroit City FC. The 2-0 home loss to GRFC puts them in a vulnerable position with both Grand Rapids and Detroit possessing a game in hand on them, but those two sides will square off this weekend giving The Mighty Oak a golden opportunity to keep their noses out in front of at least one of the two sides in the playoff push.

The Opponent

Kalamazoo FC sit fourth in the Great Lakes table, two points ahead of FC Columbus who have a game in hand on them. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw on the road to Michigan Stars in which they needed an 89th minute equalizer from Giuseppe Vitale to snag a point away from Stars. Their defining match of the season, however, was a 3-2 away win at Keyworth Stadium that included a 90th minute winner from Elliott Miller. Dalton Michael and Vitale each lead Kalamazoo with three league goals, but Michael leads the club with four in total on the season, with one in the Michigan Milk Cup. That goal was not enough, and KZFC were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Oakland County FC.

AFC Ann Arbor Women Advance to Michigan Milk Cup Semis

AFC Ann Arbor advance to the Michigan Milk Cup semi-finals after a comfortable 6-1 victory against Michigan Premier Soccer League side, North Oakland. Two goals from Emily Eitzman and one goal each from Tatiana Mason, Rachel Sweigard, Devyn Brough and Katie Vitella helped The Mighty Oak survive in the competition.

It was a dominating first half for The Mighty Oak, as they flashed four shots in the first ten minutes across the frame. The attacking efforts were eventually led to an early goal from Tatiana Mason, in the 13th minute mark, on a cross-like attempt from the right side. Grabbing the first goal of the match gave AFCAA the confidence, which made it possible to net the second in the 27th minutes. Mason, the first scorer, sent a flat cross which then found Rachael Sweigard in the center, and it was an easy tap-in for Sweigard to make it 2-0. Mason created another assist from the right after 5 minutes from that. This time, it was Emily Eitzman who added the third. There were not many threats from North Oakland, but a long range shot in the 42nd minute was saved by Victoria Norris easily.

The Mighty Oak netted their fourth in the 52th minute thanks to the effort from Devyn Brough who caught the keeper’s mistake and put the ball neatly the net. The fifth came just after four minutes from the fourth, as Jenna Smith sent a cross and Eitzman, just like her first goal of the game, scored it without any difficulty. It was the 60th minute when Vitella completed the team’s sixth in a one-to-one opportunity against the keeper. The dream for clean sheet, however, went away as Mya Oleksiak connected a looping cross to head past Sofia Sweier, the substitute keeper, in the 70th minute mark. Both teams failed to find the net for the rest of the game and it would remain 6-1 till the final whistle.

It was a record breaking match for AFCAA. Scoring six in a match is the most goals scored in AFCAA women’s history, five being the original. Also, this game was the very first match and victory in Michigan Milk Cup for the women’s side. Today would be a memorable day for our player of the match, Emily Eitzman, who scored two essential goals, becoming the youngest scorer of the entire AFC Ann Arbor team (men or women) at the age of 17.

The Mighty Oak want to keep this positive momentum going into the league as AFCAA host Indiana Union on Saturday, June 8th, at 6 PM.

AFCAA Women Lose to Michigan Legends 1-0

The AFC Ann Arbor women’s team failed to grab a second win in the team’s history, and finished with a 1-0 defeat against Michigan Legends for the second time this season. Alex Thomas was the only scorer of the match who found the net at the sixty minute mark. This was the fourth loss of the season, however there are still five matches to play and plenty of time to improve the placing in the table.

Michigan Legends kept most of the possession throughout the first half and they were also the team who found the very first shot of the match. In the 2nd minute, Alex Thomas from the Legends created a one-to-one opportunity but Victoria Norris in the net denied it with a kick save. Norris faced on the similar threat from Thomas in 20th minute, but was able to save it again. AFCAA’s attacking force was led by Mami Yamaguchi who found some brilliant attacking possession as a whole. AFCAA’s best opportunity of the match, and perhaps of the day, was from Tatiana Mason, with a sweet long-range shot from her left foot. Ultimately, though, the crossbar saved the day for Legends.

In the start of the second half, The Mighty Oak came out with a new keeper, Sofia Sweier, who then faced a long range shot but handled it well. AFCAA responded to the shot quickly as Rachel Sweigard drilled a well-taken shot which hit the far left post. The first and only goal of the game came out three minutes after Sweigard’s shot, and it was from Legends. The newcomer Sweier made a clearing mistake which then Alex Thomas rushed onto and found an empty net in the 60th minute.

The Mighty Oak then made an effort to equalize in the last 20 minutes but shots from Tatiana Mason and Jenna Smith went wide. AFC would continue to press forward, and attempt to limit Legends’ opportunities, but nothing would come about for the home side. The last four minutes of stoppage time were dominated by AFCAA but failed to make the product and failed to upset the scoreline of 0-1.

AFCAA failed to get revenge of the 1-0 defeat in the Legends away game which took place on May 25th at the Canton Cup. The Mighty Oak women are back in action on June 4th at 6 PM as they host North Oakland in a Michigan Milk Cup quarter-final.

AFC Ann Arbor Taste Defeat for the First Time in NPSL Play This Season

AFC Ann Arbor dropped all three points for the first time at home since July 3rd, 2016, as Grand Rapids FC topped The Mighty Oak 2-0. It was a pair of late goals from GRFC that saw AFCAA downed at Concordia. Both goals from Grand Rapids came from Samuel Biek in hard luck fashion for The Mighty Oak – a penalty and off a break with McGrane caught up for a corner – and as it turned out GRFC will walk out of this early battle at the top of the table with all three points.

The start of the match was heavy in terms of the two sides feeling each other out. Both sides had just one shot on target and neither threatened the other’s keeper too seriously. AFC’s first true chance came at the end of a strong tackle by Henry Ramirez in the 42nd minute. After winning the ball near midfield, he carried it down the wing and nearly found Yazeed Matthews for an acrobatic finish, but Matthews’s shot went just wide. While not on target, it was a promising attempt from AFCAA.

The second half started out strong in the 51st with a double-chance for The Mighty Oak. Jack Hallahan’s shot off his left foot was punched out by Joe White, the Grand Rapids keeper, and Yazeed’s chance was hard, but straight at the keeper. The Mighty Oak saw another nice chance from Sebastian Chalbaud come to fruition, but his shot was just wide. GRFC countered with TJ Ifaturoti as a sub and the dangerous forward forced a handful great saves from Ian McGrane in net.

Unfortunately for AFCAA, they would see their strong defensive efforts take a crucial blow in the 85th minute when a handball in the box gifted Grand Rapids a penalty. The taker, Samuel Biek, sent in the opposite way of McGrane’s dive, and Grand Rapids were on the board first and late in the match. AFCAA tried to equalize, and nearly found a way through thanks to a nice shot from Gary Ogilvie, but the shot was saved. The ensuing corner would see McGrane come join the attacking forces in the box but ultimately get caught out and Biek could finish off a run with a cool finish into the empty net.

The end result will feel harsh for fans of The Mighty Oak, who watched their side defend well for 85 minutes of the match. Grand Rapids were able to snag a pair of scrappy goals and snap AFCAA’s 327-minute defensive goalless streak. The Mighty Oak will be back in action this Friday, June 7th, as they visit Kalamazoo and take on KZFC for the second time this season. A quick turnaround will see them host FC Columbus on Sunday, June 9th for their second meeting of 2019.

Milk Means More Match Preview [Double Header]: Men's vs GRFC // Women's vs Legends

TICKETS - STANDINGS - MATCH DAY GUIDE - WATCH

It is the first ever AFC Ann Arbor doubleheader as one ticket will get fans into both games here this Sunday. First is the men’s match which will see AFCAA take on Grand Rapids FC at 2 PM in a battle for first place in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference. Following that, the women will take on Michigan Legends at 5 PM for the second time this season. On a day forecasted to be sunny and in the mid-60s, it is setting up to be the perfect day to spend with The Mighty Oak at Concordia.

The Mighty Oak’s men’s side are the only team to remain undefeated at this point in the NPSL season. Their most recent victory was a 1-0 victory over Michigan Stars at home in which Jarred Dass scored the lone goal for the boys in blue. This past Thursday, however, AFC took down BiH GR in the Michigan Milk Cup quarter-finals by a score of 2-0, again at Concordia. They will hope to continue their winning ways against a strong opponent in GRFC.

The women, meanwhile, are hoping to right the ship after a pair of tough losses on back-to-back days. The Mighty Oak hosted one of the premier women’s sides in the country in Lansing United and hung tough, but would fall 2-0. Then, at the Canton Cup, they were beaten 1-0 by Michigan Legends. This will serve as a redemption game for the women’s side who, now with ample rest, will hope to play a fully fit squad in hopes of snagging their second win of the season.

About the Opponent(s)

The NPSL Great Lakes is still taking shape, but the early stages show AFCAA and GRFC as the top two teams in both total points and points-per-game. GRFC has played one fewer game than The Mighty Oak, and while they sit behind AFC Ann Arbor in total points (nine for GR, eleven for AFC) they hold a lead in points-per-game (2.25 to 2). Grand Rapids responded well to a 3-0 defeat in Columbus against FC Columbus to the tune of a 3-1 home victory over FC Indiana, that saw FCI score the first goal, but GRFC respond well. It is a balanced attack thus far for the soon-to-be visitors as nine separate players have scored all nine NPSL goals.

Michigan Legends have a victory under their belts against The Mighty Oak, but aside from that their results have left them wanting. Between the two meetings with AFCAA, Grand Rapids FC won 6-1 at Legends. Their lone away result was a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Indiana Union, so AFC will be hoping to force some additional negative away form out of Michigan Legends. Katie Coleman was the lone goal scorer in the first meeting of these two teams.

Match Day Festivities

Food Vendors: Ray’s Red Hots, Kona Ice

Probility Physical Therapy will be on site offering free injury assessments.

Jimmy John’s will be looking for two contestants for a gift card giveaway halftime promotion.

The Mighty Oak Play Their Way to the Michigan Milk Cup Semi-Finals

The Mighty Oak move on to the semi-finals of the Michigan Milk Cup thanks to a 2-0 victory over UPSL foe BiH GR. It rained hard before kickoff, but the sun peeked through the clouds enough to shine down on AFCAA throughout the ninety minutes. It was two early goals in just over the first twenty minutes of the match, and from there AFC were able to control the ball, and with a bit of help from Spencer Ward’s strong performance in net.

It was a strong start and a sign of positive things to come when Andres Chalbaud, making his AFCAA debut, made a strong run into the box and was greeted by an errant tackle from the keeper. The referee awarded the penalty and Chalbaud took it himself. Stepping over it, and taking his time, he made the keeper guess wrong and finished coolly into the net. Before the fans could properly get to their seats, The Mighty Oak had an early lead.

Upon the wings of the goal, the home side continued to build. Gary Ogilvie, in minute number twelve, danced around a handful of BiH defenders and played a brilliant ball down to Marlon Freitas on the left flank. Freitas was held back well by BiH defenders, but he laid a nice ball off to Jordan Montoya, whose hard-hit shot found the chest of the keeper. Then, in the 20th minute, William Eskay made a great run from the left wing into the box and found Chalbaud’s head for a goal, but the ball was ruled out of play before Eskay could catch up to it. This was only delaying the inevitable second goal for The Mighty Oak.

Upon taking the goal kick, the Grand Rapids-based side attempted to play the ball out from back. They were, however, too loose with the ball and Eskay was able to end up with the ball at his feet and take a first touch hit and find the back of the net. This marked the ending of a strong opening period of the game in which two goals were found and possession was entirely controlled by The Mighty Oak.

After this second goal, BiH were able to find themselves in more dangerous positions, but Spencer Ward, playing in his first match since the suspenseful 1-1 draw with Kalamazoo in the home opener, was on his game. The stops started in the 28th minute when he denied Miguel Flores from a tight angle and they continued. Then, shortly after the start of the second half, Ward made another huge kick save to keep BiH off the scoring sheet. The capper was, in the 76th minute, Yovany Duran’s free kick getting met with a Ward hand. He was essential to keeping the clean sheet and earned man of the match for a reason.

It was a fantastic night all around for The Mighty Oak as Brandon Katona, Michigan Milk Cup hero last season, made his season debut in the match. The aforementioned Chalbaud along with Bruno Piva made their debuts for the club as a whole. It was also a strong ninety minutes for Ogilvie and Nevello Yoseke as the well-traveled veterans dominated the midfield during the match.

The next Michigan Milk Cup match is to be determined by a draw within the coming weeks. AFCAA will either host or visit Flint City Bucks, Grand Rapids FC, or Oakland County FC. The next game for the men and women will take place on June 2nd in a doubleheader. AFC take on Grand Rapids FC at 2 PM in what will be an early battle for Great Lakes supremacy. The women will play immediately after at 5 PM against Michigan Legends as they hope to snag their second home win of the season. Tickets are available now and one ticket will get you into both games of the doubleheader! Spend your Sunday at Concordia with The Mighty Oak!

Milk Means More Match Preview: AFC Ann Arbor vs BiH GR

AFC Ann Arbor hope to become the fourth and final semi-finalist for the next stage of the Michigan Milk Cup. Standing in their way is one of the UPSL’s newest clubs: BiH GR. The two teams will play at 6 PM at Concordia in what is the third annual Michigan Milk Cup. AFCAA are no strangers to the competition, having won the very first cup while finishing as runner-up to Lansing United last season. BiH GR, meanwhile, look to follow the trend that Oakland County FC set of a UPSL team knocking off an NPSL side (Kalamazoo FC) in the quarter-finals.

The Mighty Oak head into this match with just one loss in all competitions this season, that being a U.S. Open Cup loss to pro side Lansing Ignite on the road. They enter the match on a four-match unbeaten run that has most recently seen them pick up four points out of a six possible this Memorial Day weekend, including a 1-0 home victory over Michigan Stars on Memorial Day. Jarred Dass was the hero of the day with the lone goal of the match and he was named AFCAA Man of the Match.

In these somewhat early stages of the season, The Mighty Oak are sitting top of the table in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference in both total points (eleven points in five games) as well as points per game, which decided NPSL regional seeding at the end of the year (2.2 points per game). While playing more games than every other team in the conference, they have conceded joint-fewest goals over the 2019 campaign with three let in. Their nearest rivals in points are Detroit City FC and Kalamazoo FC, who both sit four points back with a game in hand. Grand Rapids FC have six points through three games, and this sets up a massive Great Lakes clash on the weekend.

The Opponent

Before thinking about GRFC, however, all sights are set on the newcomer to the Grand Rapids soccer scene. BiH GR are in their first season of existence and are on a strong start to the season. BiH GR handled their first-round opponent, Bafana United, easily to the tune of a 6-0 victory, setting up this match. They sit top of the table in the UPSL Midwest – East Division with seven points in four games, but by the end of Wednesday will slip to at least second in as a result of Oakland County FC and Carpathia FC squaring off (both have six points through just two games). For the new UPSL side, this match represents a massive opportunity to make a name for themselves within Michigan.

AFCAA Top Stars for Second Time This Season

In the fifth annual Memorial Day Classic, AFC Ann Arbor dominated a ten-man Michigan Stars for the entire second half to top Stars for the second time this season, 1-0. Jarred Dass scored the lone goal in the match in the 40th minute and was also responsible for the sending off of keeper Tatenda Mkuruva just minutes later. The win moved The Mighty Oak to eleven points through five matches and keeps them undefeated in the NPSL this season.

AFC Ann Arbor took control of the entire first half, to the tune of six shots on goal and seven corner kicks. The corner kicks, in particular, caused Mkuruva some difficulty in punching them away as James Vaughan’s delivery never cleanly found a man in the box, but clipped punches from the keeper occasionally found a man. The best of those chances came in the 23rd minute as Amadou Cisse ended up with the ball at his feet, but a Stars defender did well to block the shot.

AFCAA continued to build forward through the first half. Sebastian Chalbaud forced a diving save out of Mkuruva in the 30th minute. Dass slipped Henry Ramirez through on goal in the 35th minute, but his shot was just high. Finally, in the 40th minute, following a scrum in the box and plenty of deflections, Dass ended the move up with the ball at his feet and hit it well enough to sneak past the keeper. Just moments later, Dass would be the one running through on goal and was all but certain to beat the keeper and finish into an empty net, but Mkuruva, the Zimbabwean international, tackled him just outside the box to get himself sent off. AFC finished the half with another handful of chances, but could not find a second goal and went into the half with their one goal lead intact.

The second half saw more of the same dominating play from AFCAA, but simply could not find a second goal. Through the first fifteen minutes, a pair of shots (one in open play, one off a set piece) from Vaughan and a free kick from Chalbaud all came close, but the two dead balls were just wide and the longer hit from Vaughan ended in a save from new keeper Keith Arndt.

The next twenty minutes were more of the same dominating possession-based football from The Mighty Oak, but Stars would find a couple of opportunities to test Ian McGrane. McGrane was up for the task, however, and any concerning attacking play from MSFC would pass with no real tension. The Mighty Oak saw out the two minutes allocated for second half stoppage time and would walk out winners of a comfortable 1-0 match.

Jarred Dass earned man of the match honors for his goal and all-around hard work on the pitch, but the clean sheet and chances point to this being a stellar team performance overall. It serves as the second victory over Michigan Stars and the second time that AFC were able to either change the game or control the game after Stars went down to ten men.

AFCAA are back in action this Thursday at 6 PM in their Michigan Milk Cup quarterfinal match against BiH GR. They will be attempt to be the final semifinalist in the Michigan Milk Cup as they hope to join league-mates Grand Rapids FC, USL League Two’s Flint City Bucks, and the UPSL’s Oakland County FC.

Top 5 Reasons to Attend 5th Annual Memorial Day Classic

Top 5 Reasons to Attend 5th Annual Memorial Day Classic

Aside from being only the second home match at Concordia for the men’s team so far this season, there’s a number of other reasons you won’t want to miss the 5th Annual Memorial Day Classic. We’ve got an exciting team on the field, some awesome food options, a great atmosphere and finally some decent weather. Come out and support The Mighty Oak as they host Michigan Stars FC at 3PM for the second of their two league meetings this season.

1. Food vendors: Detroit Dough, El Manantial (tacos), Kona Ice, Ray’s Red Hots and Hungry Howie’s

2. Beautiful game time temp: 70 (and dry!)

3. Purchase your 2019 ‘Stripes’ kit

4. Grab a beer at the game

5. Play foot darts

Milk Means More Match Preview: AFC Ann Arbor vs Michigan Stars [5th Annual Memorial Day Classic]

TICKETS - MATCH DAY GUIDE - STANDINGS - WATCH

AFC Ann Arbor return home for their first two-match weekend of the season as they welcome Michigan Stars to Concordia for the two teams’ second meeting of the season. The still-undefeated AFCAA will hope to taste victory over their in-state foes for the second time this season, while building off their first clean sheet of the season. The Mighty Oak battled Detroit City FC to a 0-0 draw away from home on Friday.

The first meeting between these two teams was the opening match of the NPSL’s Great Lakes Conference. AFC conceded early with a 64th minute Steven Juncaj opener, but after a sending-off in the 70th minute, Jordan Montoya found the back of the net twice in under ten minutes to get a 2-1 victory to open the season. With more players brought in to the side since the opener, AFC will certainly hope not to leave it until the final fifteen minutes to secure themselves a result in the match.

Speaking on more recent results, The Mighty Oak’s draw Friday means they are just one of two teams without a loss in NPSL play (Grand Rapids FC). While no goal could be found, Jack Hallahan was a constant threat and the clean sheet kept in a hostile environment and open, attacking, game, was a positive sign. Matt Braem earned the AFCAA Man of the Match thanks to some brilliant defensive work, while the supporters’ man of the match went to keeper Ian McGrane who helped keep AFCAA in the game with some huge stops.

The match will be the second men’s match at Concordia University and the men are seeking their first victory in their new home. Amadou Cisse scored the first goal at Concordia in AFC history and as a super sub Cisse has proved invaluable to the side.

The Opponent

Stars are 0-2-0 and have been out of action in the NPSL falling to Detroit City 1-0 at home. Stars will make their first road trip of the season for this Memorial Day match. Despite the slow, early, start, it is indeed still early in the season. Stars have defended well early in the season, conceding three times in two games, and both goals in the previous match coming a man down.

AFCAA Take a Point in Detroit

Nil-nil games sometimes end scoreless because lack in ambition. Not Friday night at Keyworth. AFC Ann Arbor played Detroit City to a 0-0 in a match that saw plenty of brilliant saves and loads of drama. The two in-state rivals played a spirited match with a couple of crunching tackles and opportunities on dead balls, but in the end neither side could get the winner.

AFC got the first chance in the tenth minute from a lovely move by Jack Hallahan. The Englishman wove his way in and out the Detroit defense all night and it started early in the match with a shot that forced a tip save over the bar from Owen Finnerty. Ten minutes later, it was Ian McGrane’s turn to be the hero in goal as he made a strong punching save on an out-of-the-box hit. McGrane and the AFCAA back line held firm on the corner kick that ensued, as well as a couple others prior to it.

From this point it was Detroit City who owned possession for the first half. Shawn Lawson nodded a long shot home, but he was offside. McGrane again had to make a big save in a one-on-one in the 34th and once more the corner was cleared. The Mighty Oak could settle down for the rest of the half and continue holding the clean sheet as they went back into the dressing room.

The first ten minutes of the second half were again dominated by Detroit City. AFC would win a corner thanks to a run down the right wing by Henry Ramirez, but nothing could come of it. Then, in the last half-hour, the game opened up entirely. Alex Alexis and Jack Hallahan forced a couple of necessary interventions from Finnerty in the Detroit net, but at the other end DCFC countered with a penalty won when Ben Thornton took down a DCFC man in the box. Lawson stepped up to take it, made a nice move to force McGrane to guess wrong, but drilled the post and the ball would go out of play for a goal kick.

The next ten minutes saw AFCAA get three clear cut chances. Hallahan would beat the keeper with a nice left-footed effort, but the shot went just a hair wide in the 68th minute. Then in the 71st, Hallahan again beat the keeper but it was Jalen Crisler there to make a miracle goal line clearance to keep the score line at zeroes. Finally, off the corner kick, Matt Braem, who was stellar in defense all night, saw his looping header hit the bar and go out for a goal kick.

More chances would come for The Mighty Oak, but those three were the most glorious. In the last couple minutes of the match, though, McGrane would need to come up big (quite literally) again with an unreal double save. McGrane stood on his head all night and this was yet another time he helped keep the first clean sheet for AFCAA this season. The Mighty Oak only got one point, but it was well-earned and hard-fought.

It took some time to settle into the game, nearly the full first half, and a penalty scare shook AFCAA fans surely, but the chances created were certainly worthy of at least one goal. Jack Hallahan was unbelievably dangerous all night, whether on the wing or centrally, and Amadou Cisse was able to be an impact sub on the wing once again. It was truly a team effort in all aspects, and The Mighty Oak will look to build off this positive performance into their next game – where they welcome Michigan Stars to Concordia on Memorial Day at 3 PM.