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September 27, 2020: Detroit City FC vs New Amsterdam FC

dohaeng

November 12, 2020

September 27, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Game Ten
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Detroit City FC 4, New Amsterdam FC 2

DCFC Kevin Venegas 9′
DCFC Michael Kafari (Yazeed Matthews) 13′
DCFC Shawn Claud Lawson (Ryan Peterson) 70′
NAFC Michael Bello (Carlton McKenzie) 73′
DCFC Shawn Claud Lawson (Ryan Peterson) 76′
NAFC Michael Bello (Mahmoud Keita) 84′

Yellow Cards:
Evin Nadaner (NAFC) 90+’

After the earlier match between Oakland Roots and Michigan Stars, only a victory would bounce the Stars out of the playoffs. A draw helped no one.

Detroit City FC started the match with the same starting eleven as they did in their previous match – the 2-1 victory over Oakland Roots.

STARTING XI
Detroit City FC
Jean Antoine – Keeper
Steve Carroll – Defender
Tendai Jirira – Defender
Kevin Venegas – Defender
Jimmy Filerman – Midfielder
Bakie Goodman – Midfielder
Cyrus Saydee – Midfielder
Michael Kafari – Midfielder
Ibrahim Conteh – Midfielder
Max Todd – Forward
Yazeed Matthews – Forward

New Amsterdam FC made two changes to the starting eleven that drew even against the Michigan Stars. Saad Afif and Carlton McKenzie replaced Tobi Esche and Mahmoud Keita, respectively.

STARTING XI
New Amsterdam FC
Mahamed Keita – Keeper
Saad Afif – Defender
Jesus Riesco – Defender
Oluremi Williams – Defender
Daniel Vicente – Defender
Thomas Yorstom – Defender
Michael Natsu – Defender
Evin Nadaner – Midfielder
Cort Flaetgen – Midfielder
Daniel Bedoya – Midfielder
Carlton McKenzie – Midfielder

Tendai Jirira sent a long ball into the box, which Jesus Riesco cleared into the path of Kevin Venegas, who placed the ball past Mahamed Keita and into the back of the net, giving City a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute.

Four minutes later, Bakie Goodman passed the ball forward, into the box. Yazeed Matthews chased it down, and with the New Amsterdam keeper charging out to cut down a shot, Zee back-heeled the ball to a wide open Michael Kafari who passed it into the wide-open net. City 2, New Amsterdam 0.

At halftime, both teams made substitutions. George Chomakov, Shawn Claud Lawson and Brandon Clegg relieved Ibrahim Conteh, Yazeed Matthews, and Steve Carroll for City. New Amsterdam brought in keeper Aldo Munez for Mahamed Keita, and Mahmoud Keita replaced Daniel Bedoya. Zaire Bartley and Michael Bello also began the half, subbing in for Cordt Flaetgen and Tommy Yorston.

Max Todd made way for Ryan Peterson in the 65th minute. This led to two goals by Shawn Claud Lawson. After this near miss..

Peterson delivered another through-ball to Lawson, who put it past Munez to give City a 3-0 lead in the 70th minute.

Michael Bello scored 3 minutes later, but another 3 minutes later, Peterson found Lawson again, and City led 4-1. Kevin Venegas would be relieved by Sebastian Capozucchi in the 83rd minute, just before a free kick to New Amsterdam. From the free kick, Mahmoud Keita sent the ball across the goal and Michael Bello would score his second in the 83rd minute.

The group stage for Group A had finished. Oakland Roots and Detroit City FC would advance to the semi-finals.

Oakland Roots 2-0-1 6 pts +3 goal differential
Detroit City FC 2-0-1 6 pts +1 goal differential
Michigan Stars 1-1-1 4 pts +1 goal differential
New Amsterdam FC 0-1-2 1 pt -5 goal differential.

For all the games in the tournament, visit HERE.

September 27, 2020: Oakland Roots vs Michigan Stars

dohaeng

2 comments

November 11, 2020

September 27, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Game Nine
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Oakland Roots 1, Michigan Stars 0

Roots Seo In Kim (Manuel Gonzalez) 4′

Yellow Cards:
David Abidor (Roots) 59′
Tatenda Mkuruva (Stars) 90+’

A win for either team would put them in the playoffs, with the loser having to wait for the result of the Detroit City FC vs New Amsterdam FC match later in the evening.

Ten of the starting eleven for the Stars had started the previous match, including Alexander Satrustegui, who received a red card for two yellow cards he received in the previous match against New Amsterdam FC. The rumor was one of the yellow cards was rescinded. Replacing Brian Vang was Sebastein Des Pres.

STARTING XI
Michigan Stars
Tatenda Mkuruva – Keeper
Gonnie Ben-Tal – Defender
Joseph Aidoo – Defender
Tomas Bernedo – Defender
Andres Chalbaud – Defender
Sebastien Des Pres – Defender
James Abraham – Defender
Devon Amoo-Mensah – Defender
Steven Juncaj – Midfielder
Kyle Nuel – Forward
Alexander Satrustegui – Forward

For Oakland, it was a six-player change from the starting eleven that lost to Detroit City FC. Daniel Navarro, Niall Irwin, Manny Gonzalez, Seo In Kim, Yohannes Harish, and Johnny Rodriguez started in place of Nana Attakora, Robert Hines, Angel Heredia, Peter Pearson, Matt Fondy, and Jack McInerney.

STARTING XI
Oakland Roots
Christian Herrera – Keeper
David Navarro – Defender
Tarn Weir – Defender
David Abidor – Defender
Niall Irwin – Midfielder
Diego Casillas – Midfielder
Manuel Gonzalez – Midfielder
Ariel Mbumba – Midfielder
Seo In Kim – Midfielder
Yohannes Harish – Midfielder
Johnny Rodriguez – Forward

In the 4th minute, Manny Gonzalez delivered a corner into the box. Seo In Kim rushed toward goal and back-heeled it past Tatenda Mkuruva, for this first and only goal of the match.

The message on the South Korean goal scorer’s jersey is the Gandhi quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Chances were had by both teams, though it seemed Oakland had the more dangerous ones. In the second half, substitutions were entered by both teams. Oakland added Matt Fondy (for Seo In Kim) in the 55th minute and Michigan swapped out Sebastien Des Pres for Tekodah Lobsiger in the 56th. In the 65th minute, Cameron Schneider entered the match in place of Alexander Satrustegui for Michigan, and a minute later, Oakland replaced Johnny Rodriguez with Jack McInerney. Oakland made three more subs within a minute of each other when Angel Heredia replaced Ariel Mbumba in the 72nd minute, and a double swap of Nelson Blanco and Peter Pearson for Yohannes Harish and Niall Irwin in the 73rd. The Stars made a double substitution in the 79th minute, bringing in Patrick Sullivan and James Pipe for Tomas Bernedo and Andres Chalbaud. But nothing disturbed the early goal by Seo In Kim, and Oakland won the match.

This gave the Oakland Roots 6 points and a +3 goal differential. The Michigan Stars remained at 4 points, with a +1 goal differential. A Detroit City FC win or a New Amsterdam FC win by 5 goals would eliminate the Stars from the competition.

The complete tournament can be found HERE.

September 25, 2020: Los Angeles Force vs Cal United Strikers

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2 comments

November 10, 2020

September 25, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Game Eight
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Cal United FC 2, Los Angeles Force 3

LAF Christian Gordillo Moreno (PK) 37′
LAF Christian Gordillo Moreno (Paolo Cardozo) 45+’
CAL Omar Nuno 58′
LAF Christian Gordillo Moreno (Paolo Cardozo) 69′
CAL Christian Thierjung (Omar Nuno) 74′

Yellow Cards:
Christian Gordillo Moreno (LAF) 28′

After the nil-nil Chattanooga FC vs New York Cosmos match, we were treated to a match that had the most goals score in the tournament thus far.

The Cal United Strikers and Los Angeles Force have played each other four times in the past year, with Cal United winning two, and the other two ending in a draw.

After defeating the New York Cosmos, Cal United decided to stick with the winning formula and same starting eleven.

STARTING XI

Cal United Strikers
Steven Barrera – Keeper
Ikaika Fuerte – Defender
Michael Bryant – Defender
Chris Klute – Defender
Ayden Bowers – Defender
Kevin Garcia-Lopez – Defender
Duncan Capriotti – Midfielder
Christian Theirjung – Midfielder
Shane Kaemerle – Midfielder
Shinya Kadono – Midfielder
Abraham Villon – Forward

The Force replaced two of their starting eleven from their match against Chattanooga FC. Franky Martinez and Spencer Moeller started in place of Jonatan Valle and Abraham Torres. Torres was serving the suspension for the red card issued against him in the Chattanooga match.

STARTING XI

Los Angeles Force
Hugo Gomez – Keeper
Franky Martinez – Defender
Spencer Moeller – Defender
Quinton Carey – Defender
Gregory Salazar – Defender
Josue Espana – Midfielder
Jimmie Villalobos – Midfielder
Cyro Reis de Oliveira – Midfielder
Paolo Cardozo – Midfielder
Danny Trejo – Forward
Cristian Gordillo Moreno – Forward

In the 37th minute, Josue Espana was taken down in the Cal United box, setting up a penalty kick which Cristian Gordillo Moreno converted, giving the Force a one-goal lead.

As the first half entered into added time, Paolo Cardozo sent a free kick into the box. Cristian Gordillo Moreno flicked it with his head across the face of the goal, which bounced into the corner of the net, to double the LA Force lead going into halftime.

In the 58th minute, Cal United substitutes combined to score. Evan Waldrep, who had subbed in for injured Duncan Capriotti in the 35th minute, ripped a shot from well outside the box, which struck the crossbar and fell into the box. Quinton Carey guided the ball out of the box, however Omar Nuno, who replaced Shane Kaemerle at half time, muscled him off, brought the ball back in, and fired this shot into the upper corner of the net.

Eleven minutes later, though, Paolo Cardozo and Danny Trejo made a little give-and-go play outside the Cal United box. Cardozo drew the Cal United defender toward him, then fed the ball to a wide open Cristian Gordillo Moreno to slot home his hat trick goal, giving the Force a 3-1 lead.

At halftime, Cal United had substituted Kevin Jeon for Kevin Garcia-Lopez, then brought in Andy Contreras in for Abraham Villon in the 73rd minute and Juan Pablo Ocegueda for the injured Ikaika Fuerte in the 74th.

In the 74th minute, Cal United had a throw-in on the sideline near the Los Angeles box. It was launched and fell onto the rising heads of an LA and Cal player, popping the ball up and further into the box where Omar Nuno attempted a bicycle kick. The shot went errant but toward the goal where Christian Theirjung was open to fire it home, cutting the Los Angeles lead.

Cristian Gordillo Moreno took his three goals and a seat at the 73rd minute, replaced by Jesus Gonzalez for Los Angeles. Gordillo was a former Cal United player, so this will likely add fuel for the rivalry between these two teams. Then the Force brought in four sets of fresh legs in the 82nd minute. Erick Villatoro, Moja Hale, Jonathan Partida, and Christopher Ribet came in for Danny Trejo, Paolo Cardozo, Josue Espana, and Cyro Reis de Oliveria, to defend the lead. Cal United could not get the equalizer, and this exciting and entertaining match ended with Los Angeles’ first victory against Cal United.

Tonight’s match results kept all four teams in Group B alive going into the final day of the group stage.

Chattanooga FC 1-1-0 4 pts +2 goal differential
Cal United Strikers 1-0-1 3 pts +1 goal differential
Los Angeles Force 1-0-1 3 pts -1 goal differential
New York Cosmos 0-1-1 1 pts -2 goal differential

The entire tournament can be found HERE.

September 25, 2020: New York Cosmos vs Chattanooga FC

dohaeng

2 comments

November 9, 2020

September 25, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Game Seven
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
New York Cosmos 0, Chattanooga FC 0

Yellow Cards:
Juan Hernandez (CFC) 11′
Mattia Cella (NYC) 24′
Kyle Carr (CFC) 33′
Brian Bement (CRC) 47′
Giuseppe Barone (NYC) 50′
David Koloko (CFC) 64′
Ryan Marcano (CRC) 80′

Chattanooga won its opening match against the Los Angeles Force, and after losing 2-0 to Cal United, the Cosmos were in a must-win situation to keep their hopes of advancing alive. This had the promise of being a good match.

Chattanooga made four changes to the starting line up from the Los Angeles Force match. In were Cameron Woodfin, David Koloko, Kyle Carr, and Brian Bement for Richard Dixon, Darwin Lom, Jowayne Laidley, and Sean Hoffstatter.

STARTING XI

Chattanooga FC
Alec Redington – Keeper
Wilfred Williams – Defender
Nick Speilman – Defender
Shaun Russell – Defender
Cameron Woodfin – Defender
David Koloko – Defender
Juan Hernandez – Midfielder
Kyle Carr – Midfielder
Ian McGrath – Midfielder
Jose Ferraz – Forward
Brian Bement – Forward

The Cosmos made three changes to the starting eleven from their match against Cal United. Charlie Ledula, Leandro Geo Alves, and Aly Hassan made way for Giuseppe Barone, Beldi Bardic, and Issac Acuna.

STARTING XI

New York Cosmos
Jesse Corke – Keeper
Pedro Galvao – Defender
Matt Lewis – Defender
Ansi Agolli – Defender
Konrad Plewa – Defender
Danny Szetela – Midfielder
Mattia Cella – Midfielder
Giuseppe Barone – Midfielder
Bledi Bardic – Forward
Shavon John-Brown – Forward
Isaac Acuna – Forward

Both teams generated chances, and the referee dealt out cards as if working a shift at the Motor City Casino. Chattanooga subbed in Ryan Marcano for Wilfred Williams to begin the second half. Darwin Lom replaced Ian McGrath in the 64th, Erik Panzer for Shaun Russell in the 74th, and Christopher Marshall for Cameron Woodfin in the 81st minute. For the Cosmos, John Denis entered the match for Giuseppe Barone in the 61st minute, Charlie Ledula for Bledi Bardic in the 70th, and Aly Hassan for Isaac Acuna in the 88th. However, no one could find the back of the net, resulting in a nil-nil draw. Fortunately, the game provided some action to shoot on this beautiful Friday evening.

The draw put Chattanooga on top of the group and pulled the Cosmos out of the basement.

Chattanooga FC 1-1-0 4 pts +2 goal differential
Cal United Strikers 1-0-0 3 pts +2 goal differential
New York Cosmos 0-1-1 1 pts -2 goal differential
Chattanooga FC 0-0-1 0 pts -2 goal differential

All the games of the tournament can be found HERE.

September 24, 2020: New Amsterdam FC vs Michigan Stars

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2 comments

November 7, 2020

September 24, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Game Six
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Michigan Stars 2, New Amsterdam FC 2

NAFC Danny Vincete (Oluremi Williams) 35′
MICH Gonnie Ben-Tal (Kyle Nuel) 45′
NAFC Michael Bello (Danny Vincete) 63′
MICH Steven Juncaj (PK) 77′

Yellow Cards:
Alexander Satrustegui (MICH) 20′
Oluremi Williams (NAFC) 37′
Danny Vincete (NAFC) 46′
Zaire Bartley (NAFC) 75′
Michael Nastu (NAFC) 94′
Steven Juncaj (MICH) 96′

Red Cards:
Alexander Satrustegui (MICH) 22′ (second yellow card)
Remi Tazifor 53′

Wow. After an exciting match of skillful soccer between Oakland Roots and Detroit City FC, the nightcap descended into chaos. With Independent Cup, Fall Season, and the first match of Group A, New Amsterdam FC had 6 losses and 2 draws, and was outscored 26-3. And cards make regular appearances both because of the team’s physical style of play and ability to agitate their opponents. After Michigan’s victory over Detroit City FC, the Stars seemed to be the favorites in this one. But never underestimate the Stars from, well, being the Stars.

Only one change in the starting eleven for the Michigan Stars from their match against DCFC. Brian Vang started tonight in place of Zachary Reynolds.

STARTING XI

Michigan Stars
Tatenda Mkuruva – Keeper
Joseph Aidoo – Defender
Kyle Nuel – Defender
Andres Chalbaud – Defender
Devon Amoo-Mensah – Defender
Zachary Reynolds – Defender
James Abraham – Midfielder
Brian Vang – Midfielder
Steven Juncaj – Midfielder
Alexander Satrustegui – Midfielder
Gonnie Ben-Tal – Forward
Tomas Bernedo – Forward

Mahamed Keita and Michael Natsu get the start ahead of Aldo Munez and Michael Bello who started for New Amsterdam FC against the Oakland Roots.

STARTING XI

New Amsterdam FC
Mahamed Keita – Keeper
Jesus Alvarez Riesco – Defender
Oluremi Williams – Defender
Danny Vicente – Defender
Tobi Esche – Defender
Tommy Yorston – Midfielder
Evin Nadaner – Midfielder
Cordt Flaetgen – Midfielder
Danny Bedoya – Midfielder
Michael Natsu – Midfielder
Mahmoud Keita – Forward

Twenty minutes in, Alexander Satrustegui was cautioned. Not heeding the warning, two minutes later he drew his second yellow card, putting the Stars down to ten men.

Without the usual crowd noise, a lot of what’s on the field can be heard. There seemed to be disagreement within the New Amsterdam team on the field. Maybe that’s the Bronx way of communication. One player offered suggestions about a play and the teammate turned around and said, “Shut the f#%k up.” Shortly after, New Amsterdam took the lead when Oluremi Williams stripped the ball from Brian Vang, and sent it to a wide open Daniel Vicente for a goal in the 35th minute. As the NAFC player came to celebrate with his teammate, the guy who didn’t want to hear it from him earlier avoided him completely.

Despite being down a man, the Stars persisted. Remy Tazifor subbed in for Brian Vang in the 41st minute. In the waning seconds of the half, Gonnie Ben-Tal scored on a header in the box from a cross delivered by Kyle Nuel to draw even when the halftime whistle blew.

As the second half began, New Amsterdam made a line-up change by replacing Tommy Yorston with Zaire Bartley. The aggressive play continued. Daniel Vicente was yellow carded in the 46th minute. Temperatures rose after a nasty tackle by Remy Tazifor which earned him a straight red card, taking the Stars down to nine men on the pitch.

Michael Bello, who came into the game as a sub for Oluremi Williams in the 58th minute, received a slick pass from Danny Vicente, and fired it past the Stars’ keeper to give New Amsterdam a 2-1 lead. But the lead would be conceded when a penalty kick was awarded to the Stars, and Steve Juncaj converted it.

The Stars subbed Tomas Bernedo in the 68th minute for Tekodah Lobsiger.

This was a feisty affair.

I did not stick around after the final whistle, however sources reported that Stars owner, George Juncaj became visibly and verbally upset with the New Amsterdam team, to the point of removing his suit jacket, ready to come to blows with someone. It was also heard by witnesses that Juncaj said something to the effect that he’d stick their heads in toilets. All this occurred after the referees were off the pitch and the television cameras had shut down for the night.

As Group A finished the night, all four teams were still eligible to make the semi-finals depending on Sunday night’s results, when Oakland Roots play Michigan Stars and Detroit City FC take on New Amsterdam FC.

Michigan Stars 1-1-0 = 4 pts, +2 goal differential
Oakland Roots 1-0-1 = 3 pts, +2 goal differential.
Detroit City FC 1-0-1 = 3 pts, -1 goal differential
New Amsterdam 0-1-1 – 1 pt., -3 goal differential.

The full tournament can be found HERE.

September 24, 2020: Detroit City FC vs Oakland Roots (NISA Fall Tournament)

dohaeng

4 comments

November 6, 2020

September 24, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Game Five
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Detroit City FC 2, Oakland Roots 1

OAK Matt Fondy (Diego Casillas) 45′
DCFC Yazeed Matthews (Jimmy Filerman) 54′
DCFC Shawn Claud-Lawson (Tendai Jirira) 80′

Yellow Cards:
Michael Kafari (DCFC) 36′
Ariel Mbumba (OAK) 39′
Jimmy Filerman (DCFC) 64′

Coming into the second match of the group stage, Oakland’s victory over New Amsterdam FC provided them with the good start they needed. However, to use the cliche, this was a must-win for Detroit City FC to stay in the battle for a spot in the semi-finals.

Detroit City FC made four line-up changes from their loss to the Stars. Jean Antoine, Jimmy Filerman, Michael Kafari, and Ibrahim Conteh started tonight’s match in place of Parker Siegfried, Brandon Clegg, George Chomakov, and Connor Rutz.

STARTING XI

Detroit City FC
Jean Antoine – Keeper
Jimmy Filerman – Defender
Steve Carroll – Defender
Tendai Jirira – Defender
Michael Kafari – Defender
Kevin Vengas – Defender
Bakie Goodman – Midfielder
Cyrus Saydee – Midfielder
Ibrahim Conteh – Midfielder
Max Todd – Forward
Yazeed Matthews – Forward

For Oakland, ten of the starting eleven were starters in their victory over New Amsterdam FC, switching Angel Heredia in for Yohannas Harish.

STARTING XI

Oakland Roots
Christian Herrera – Keeper
Nana Attakora – Defender
Robert Hines II – Defender
David Abidor – Defender
Tarn Wier – Midfielder
Peter Pearson – Midfielder
Diego Casillas – Midfielder
Ariel Mbumba – Midfielder
Angel Heredia – Midfielder
Matt Fondy – Forward
Jack McInerney – Forward

City and Roots, having never played each other, went through a feeling out period early in the match. Then, they settled into their games and right at the end of the first half, Oakland’s Matt Fondy scored to give the Roots a 1-0 lead.

In the 53rd minute, Oakland inserted Nelson Blanco, removing defender Robert Hines. But it was Detroit with the offensive threat and goal by Yazeed Matthews, deflecting Jimmy Filerman’s shot past Christian Herrera in the 54th minute.

Detroit kept on the pressure. In the 68th minute, Manuel Gonzalez replaced Ariel Mbumba, then eight minutes later, David Navarro replaced Matt Fondy for Oakland. In the 78th minute, City made a double substitution, bringing Jimmy Filerman and Max Todd off and inserting Sebastian Cappozucchi and City’s all-time leading goal scorer, Shawn Claud Lawson into the match. Two minutes later, Tendai Jirira made a run down the left side and delivered a perfect ball into the box for #9 to back-heel into the Roots goal for the game-winner.

George Chomakov subbed in for Ibrahim Conteh in the 87th minute and Cyrus Saydee made way for Connor Rutz in the 90th minute for City, as they closed out the 2-1 victory.

The Group A standings looked like this after the match.

Oakland Roots 1-0-1 = 3 points, +2 goal differential
Michigan Stars 1-0-0 = 3 points, +2 goal differential
Detroit City FC 1-0-1 = 3 points, -1 goal differential.
New Amsterdam FC 0-0-1 = 0 points, -3 goal differential.

The other matches of the tournament can be found HERE.

September 22, 2020: Chattanooga FC vs Los Angeles Force (NISA 2020 Fall Tournament)

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2 comments

November 5, 2020

September 21, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Match Four
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Los Angeles Force 0, Chattanooga FC 2

CFC Sean Hoffstatter (Kyle Carr) 45′
CFC Darwin Lom 63′

Yellow Cards:
Ryan Marcano (CFC) 51′
Brian Bement (CFC) 90+’

Red Cards:
Abraham Torres (LA) 9′

Our frenemies, Chattanooga, won the Eastern Conference for seeding in the tournament. Los Angeles was the #4 seed in Group B.

STARTING XI

Los Angeles Force
Hugo Gomez – Keeper
Jonatan Valle – Defender
Gregory Salazar – Defender
Abraham Torres – Defender
Quinton Carey – Defender
Josue Espana – Midfielder
Jimmy Villalobos – Midfielder
Cyro Reis de Oliveria – Midfielder
Paolo Cardozo – Midfielder
Danny Trejo – Forward
Christian Gordillo – Forward

STARTING XI

Chattanooga FC
Alec Redington – Keeper
Wilfred Williams – Defender
Richard Dixon – Defender
Nick Spielman – Defender
Shaun Russell – Defender
Darwin Lom – Midfielder
Juan Hernandez – Midfielder
Jowayne Laidley – Midfielder
Sean Hoffstatter – Midfielder
Ian McGrath – Midfielder
Jose Ferraz – Forward

It didn’t take long for LA to put themselves in a hole, as Abraham Torres’ elbow to the face of Jose Ferraz earned him a straight red card in the 9th minute. This gave Chattanooga FC a man advantage for the remainder of the match.

Even though they were down a man, Danny Trejo just kept coming at the CFC goal, trying to give his team a lead on the scoreboard.

In the embers of the first half, Kyle Carr, who, with Kyle Marcano, subbed in for Richard Dixon and Jowayne Laidley in the 28th minute, delivered a corner kick that Sean Hoffstatter’s head directed into the net to give Chattanooga FC a 1-0 lead at halftime.

As the second half began, Brian Bement subbed in for the goal scorer, Sean Hoffstatter.

In the 60th minute, again on a corner kick, CFC capitalized and doubled the lead.

Los Angeles kept working and earned a penalty kick in the 78th minute. CFC keeper, Alec Redington made the save, however it was adjudicated by the referee that he came off his line too early. On the second attempt, Danny Trejo hit the crossbar.

After Day One of the Group A matches, it was tied at the top and at the bottom.

Cal United 1-0-0 3 pts, +2 goal differential
Chattanooga 1-0-0 3 pts, +2 goal differential
LA Force 0-0-1 0 pts, -2 goal differential
NY Cosmos 0-0-1 0 pts, -2 goal differential

For all the matches in the tournament, go HERE.

September 22, 2020: Cal United Strikers vs New York Cosmos (NISA Fall 2020 Tournament)

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2 comments

November 4, 2020

September 22, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Match Three
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Cal United Strikers FC 2, New York Cosmos 0

CAL Shane Kaemerle 40′
CAL Christian Thierjung (Michael Bryant) 61′

Yellow Cards: Michael Bryant (Cal United) 64′

The second day of the tournament featured Group B matches on another gorgeous autumn day.

I didn’t know what to expect from this match. The New York Cosmos might have been the favorites, but never having seen the Cal United Strikers in action, it was difficult to predict.

STARTING XI

Cal United Strikers
Steven Barrera – Keeper
Xavier Fuerte – Defender
Michael Bryant – Defender
Chris Klute – Defender
Aydan Bowers – Defender
Kevin Garcia-Lopez – Defender
Duncan Capriotti – Midfielder
Christian Thierjung – Midfielder
Shane Kaemerle – Midfielder
Shinya Kadono – Midfielder
Abraham Villon – Forward

STARTING XI

New York Cosmos
Jesse Corke – Keeper
Pedro Galvao – Defender
Matt Lewis – Defender
Ansi Agolli – Defender
Konrad Plewa – Defender
Danny Szetela – Midfielder
Mattia Cella – Midfielder
Charlie Ledula – Midfielder
Leandro Geo Alves – Forward
Aly Hassan – Forward
Shavon John-Brown – Forward

Cal United and the Cosmos kept pace with each other during the opening half. Then, in the 39th minute, the first goal was scored by the Strikers’ Shane Kaemerle. A great start for Cal United’s sixteen-year-old midfielder. The Strikers took the one-goal lead into halftime.

Coach Don Ebert made two substitutions as the second half began, bringing in Evan Waldrep and Tony Lopez for Duncan Capriotti and the goal-scorer Shane Kaemerle.

The Cosmos subbed out Charlie Ledula in the 56th minute for Darwin Espinal. Five minutes later, Michael Bryant sent a long pass to Christian Thierjung, who sprinted in alone to double Cal United’s lead.

Despite pushing forward and substituting John Denis for Leandro Geo Alves in the 66th minute and Giuseppe Barone for Danny Szetela in the 81st minute, the Cosmos couldn’t find the net, and the Strikers kept countering. Cal United’s Abraham Villon was also subbed out for Omar Nuno in the 81st minute.

Cal United took the first three points in Group B from a strong effort. The second match of the night would feature the Los Angeles Force and Chattanooga FC.
All the matches of the tournament can be found HERE.

September 21, 2020: Oakland Roots vs New Amsterdam FC

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2 comments

November 3, 2020

September 21, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Match Two
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
New Amsterdam FC 0, Oakland Roots 3

Roots Matt Fondy (Jack McInerney) 32′
Roots Jack McInerney (Diego Casillas) 65′
Roots Nelson Blanco (Matt Fondy) 75′

Yellow Cards:
Tommy Yorston (NAFC) 45′
Michael Bello (NAFC) 45′
Nelson Blanco (OAK) 52′
Diego Casillas (OAK) 55′
Daniel Vicente (NAFC) 67′
Evin Nadaner (NAFC) 69′

Unfortunately, the Oakland Roots will no longer be in NISA, for they announced on September 17, 2020 that they would be moving to USL League Two for the 2021 season. Which is too bad because the team’s focus on racial and gender justice within the Oakland community and the independent and community-based emphasis of NISA and its members seems an appropriate fit. Many of the players replaced their names with messages on their jerseys such as:

Equality Justice (Tarn Wier)
Demouria Hogg Youth Uprising (Matt Fondy)
No To Racism (Ariel Mbumba)
Education Reform Equality (David Abidor)
Miles Hall Boy (Robert Hines II)
Breonna Taylor/Trayvon Martin (Nelson Blanco)
Igualadad Oakland Genesis (Nana Attakora)
Ahmaud Arbery Suspicious (Peter Pearson)
Respect Justice (Daniel Navarro)

STARTING XI

OAKLAND ROOTS
Christian Herrera – Keeper
Nana Attakora – Defender
Robert Hines II – Defender
Tarn Wier – Defender
David Abidor – Defender
Peter Pearson – Midfielder
Diego Casillas – Midfielder
Ariel Mbumba – Midfielder
Yohannes Harish – Midfielder
Matt Fondy – Forward
Jack McInerney – Forward

STARTING XI

New Amsterdam FC
Aldo Munez – Keeper
Jesus Alvarez Riesco – Defender
Martin Williams – Defender
Danny Vicente – Defender
Tobi Esche – Defender
Tommy Yorston – Midfielder
Evin Nadaner – Midfielder
Cordt Flaetgen – Midfielder
Danny Bedoya – Midfielder
Michael Bello – Midfielder
Mahmoud Keita – Forward

New Amsterdam FC brought their New York attitude to the match. This skirmish took place in the first half when NAFC Tommy Yorston snuck a punch into the face of the Oakland player. A couple of yellow cards resulted. In all, six yellow cards were shown during the match – 4 to New Amsterdam, 2 to Oakland.

Matt Fondy scored in the 32nd minute, giving Oakland a 1-0 lead that held to half time. To begin the second half, the Roots subbed Nelson Blanco in for Yohannes Harish. Carlton McKenzie subbed in for Tommy Yorston for New Amsterdam.

One very noticeable observation was the tremendous height of Roots’ keeper Christian Herrera.

The Roots added goals by Jack McInerney (65′) and Nelson Blanco (75′), and dominated the team from the Bronx. Second half subs included Manuel Gonzalez in for Peter Pearson (57′), Angel Heredia in for Tarn Weir (74′), and Johnny Rodriguez in for Matt Fondy (81′) for Oakland. Yusuf Mikaheel came in for Mahmoud Keita (89′) for New Amsterdam.

After the opening day, Group A looked like this:

Oakland Roots 1-0-0 = 3 points, +3 goal differential
Michigan Stars 1-0-0 = 3 points, +2 goal differential
Detroit City FC 0-0-1 = 0 points, -2 goal differential.
New Amsterdam FC 0-0-1 = 0 points, -3 goal differential.

The next day, Group B began. For every match of the tournament, go HERE.

September 21, 2020: Detroit City FC vs Michigan Stars (NISA Fall Tournament)

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November 2, 2020

Detroit City FC traveled to New York and played to a scoreless draw against the Cosmos on September 9th, to close out the shortened Fall Season in preparation for 2020 NISA Fall Tournament. The remaining fixtures of the abbreviated season looked like this:

September 6, 2020: LA Force 0, Oakland Roots 2
September 12, 2020: New Amsterdam FC 0, Michigan Stars 3
September 12, 2020: Chattanooga FC 2, New York Cosmos 1
September 13, 2020: Cal United Strikers FC 1, Oakland Roots 1
September 16, 2020: Chattanooga FC 3, New Amsterdam FC 0
September 16, 2020: LA Force 0, Cal United Strikers FC 0

The final standings:

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Chattanooga FC 3-0-1 = 9 points
Michigan Stars FC 2-2-0 = 8 points
NY Cosmos 1-2-1 = 5 points
Detroit City FC 1-2-1 = 5 points
New Amsterdam FC 0-0-4 = 0 points

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Oakland Roots 1-1-0 = 4 points
Cal United Strikers FC 0-2-0 = 2 points
LA Force 0-1-1 = 1 point

For the NISA Fall Tournament, the teams were placed into two groups based on the results above, with each team within each group to play each other once.

GROUP A
Oakland Roots
Michigan Stars
Detroit City FC
New Amsterdam FC

GROUP B
Chattanooga FC
Cal United Strikers FC
New York Cosmos
Los Angeles Force

The tournament was set up in a bubble environment, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the teams staying at a hotel, with one floor for each team.

September 21, 2020
2020 NISA Fall Tournament
Group Stage, Match One
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI
Detroit City FC 0, Michigan Stars 2

Stars Gonnie Ben-Tal (Steven Juncaj) 52′
Stars Tomas Bernedo (Kyle Nuel) 58′

Yellow Cards:
Brandon Clegg (DCFC) 44′
Brian Yang (MICH) 82′

The Tournament began with the Group A matches, leading off with Detroit City FC vs Michigan Stars. It was a beautiful, sunny September evening in the upper 70’s. City added Brandon Clegg to the roster, and Max Todd, Cyrus Saydee, and Bakie Goodman returned to the team.

To keep the bubble environment neutral, the Northern Guard Supporters’ banners and Smokey the Bot were not permitted.

Starting XI

Detroit City FC
Parker Siegfried – Keeper
Stephen Carroll – Defender
Brandon Clegg – Defender
Tendai Jirira – Defender
Kevin Venegas – Defender
George Chomakov – Midfielder
Bakie Goodman – Midfielder
Cyrus Saydee – Midfielder
Connor Rutz – Midfielder
Yazeed Matthews – Forward
Max Todd – Forward

STARTING XI

Michigan Stars
Tatenda Mkuruva – Keeper
Joseph Aidoo – Defender
Andres Chalbaud – Defender
Zachary Reynolds – Defender
James Abraham – Defender
Devon Amoo-Mensah – Defender
Steven Juncaj – Midfielder
Kyle Nuel – Midfielder
Alexander Satrustegui – Midfielder
Gonnie Ben-Tal – Forward
Tomas Bernedo – Forward

It was a tense affair, with City trying to control possession and the Stars trying to prevent it with their pressing. Here, early on, the Stars come close, but George Chomakov clears the line.

Scoreless at the half, the team huddled at the center circle to discuss 2nd half strategy.

The Stars scored on two set pieces, just six minutes apart. City had a little more than thirty minutes to make it up. After subbing Michael Kafari for Cyrus Saydee (60th minute) and Shawn Claud-Lawson for Max Todd (65th minute), City generated some chances, but the ball couldn’t find its way into the back of the net (despite the Stars’ straw-man keeper who collapsed when Shawn Claud Lawson breathed on him). Ryan Peterson came in for Yazeed Matthews in the 85th minute.

The Stars made four subs during the match: Tekodah Lobsiger for Steven Juncaj (60′), Remy Tazifor and Brian Vang for Tomas Bernedo and Zachary Reynolds (77′), and Cameron Schneider for Kyle Nuel (81′).