Photo courtesy CASA Soccer League

The CASA Soccer League is the Delaware Valley’s largest amateur soccer league.

As part of our coverage of local soccer, we’ll be featuring match reports from games played in CASA’s top six divisions. This week’s reports cover the games played throughout the 9th matchweek of CASA’s Fall season.

Thanks to CASA’s president, Nolan Bair, and his writing team across all divisions for compiling the match reports and to PSP’s Paul Catrino Jr. for coordinating.

Primera Division

Reporting by: Charlie Shea

YTP FC 2 – 8 Philadelphia Corinthians FC

Philadelphia Corinthians FC played one of their best games of the season, beating YTP FC 8-2 in a matchup of top-4 sides. AJ Bishop scored 4 goals and was MOTM. “We changed up our formation a little bit and it worked like perfection,” said captain Sam Vale. “Sat a little deeper to cut off space and it gave our attacking outlets more space to work with.” The goals came fast and early, too, with Corinthians going up 4-0 within the first 15 minutes. If double-digit goals weren’t enough for you, the game saw a player from each side sent off on a straight red, the product of late game frustrations boiling over. “This game had it all,” said Vale. The result sees Corinthians climb all the way into 3rd, while YTP slip into 5th, tied with Icarus FC on 12pts but behind on goal differential. Corinthians will try to make it 4 wins in a row next week against Philadelphia Heritage, while YTP will have the stern test of playing the Primera’s top side, FC Misconduct.

YTP: Ryan, Trodden
PCFC: Underwood, Irwin (3), Bishop (4)

FC Misconduct 3 – 2 FC SouthHouse

In a matchup of the Primera’s top two teams, FC Misconduct came from 0-2 down to win a thrilling 3-2 against FC SouthHouse. “It was a game that had the feel of a Kelly Cup Final,” said Misconduct’s Blake Fink who scored a brace and was MOTM. “We had a couple bad mental lapses in the first half and SouthHouse punished us for them… I thought the second half was a completely different story. We came out and were dominant.” For SouthHouse captain John Trueman, it was a game where his team didn’t quite have the oomph they needed to secure the victory. “We lacked the extra grit Saturday to get the game across the line.” For both sides, attention has begun to turn towards playoff seeding and the Kelly Cup. SouthHouse has been nagged by injuries in recent weeks, “we’re pretty banged up”,  but can guarantee the 2 seed with a victory next week against FC Tigre. FC Misconduct meanwhile are on the verge of a truly historic season, as they’re still the holders of a perfect record, 8-0-0. “We have a chance to go undefeated with a perfect record and we certainly want to achieve that now,” said Fink. They’ll play 5th place YTP next week, “a tricky game”, as they push towards the end of the season.

FCM: Osborne, Fink (2)
FCS: Knittel, Sommer

Philadelphia Heritage SC 2 – 1 FC Tigre

Philadelphia Heritage SC got their first win of the season over the weekend, a close-fought 2-1 over FC Tigre. T-Ben was the goalscorer and MOTM for Heritage. Speaking with captain Ryan Pereus, he described the result as “Better, but it might be too little too late.” Heritage are bottom of the table right now on 4pts, 5pts behind next team Stoney United. Relegation seems probable for the plucky Heritage side who’re currently in their first ever Primera season. They’ll have to fight for their lives next week against Philadelphia Corinthians FC, who’ve been rocketing up the table, while FC Tigre will play the dangerous FC SouthHouse.

PHSC: Kotch, T-Ben
FCT: Fountain

Icarus FC 6 – 0 South Philly United

Icarus FC kept up their strong run of late-season form in a 6-0 thrashing of South Philly United, a result which saw Icarus leapfrog their opponent in the table up to 4th place. Danny Smyth, profiled in last week’s recap, scored another brace and was MOTM. Martin Freeman and Rami Nasrallah both got on the score sheet for the first time, in what was a comprehensive and well-rounded result for Icarus.  Icarus, who now find themselves in 4th place, play Vidas United last week, while South Philly, who’ve dropped to 7th, will play Stoney United.

IFC: Freeman, D. Smyth (2), Adi, Ridge, Nasrallah

Stoney United 1 – 0 Vidas United

Evan Carabelli scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Stoney United over Vidas United, securing a vital 3pts for his squad as they try to fight off relegation. Carabelli scored the opener for Stoney midway through the first half with a nice finish from the edge of the box, and was able to help see the result through. “It was a real grind it out kind of win,” Carabelli said; “We made some adjustments and focused on absorbing pressure a little better and were able to see the game out.” For Vidas, it was a bitter pill. “Definitely disappointed to lose this one,” said captain Nolan Bair. “Had several golden opportunities go begging… [Stoney] took home the smash and grab win, fair play to them.”  Vidas sit in the crowded lower-midtable on 10pts, while Stoney are in the drop zone on 9pts. Vidas will play a surging Icarus FC next week, while Stoney will fight for their place in the Primera against a struggling South Philly United.

Segunda Division

Drexel Shaft 3 – 0 SMK

In a matchup of the Segunda’s top 2 sides, Drexel Shaft took home a 3-0 victory over SMK on a midweek Tuesday election-night fixture. Brandon Esker, who scored for Drexel, was MOTM. Tensions flared with red cards issued to both sides, DS’s Hong and SMK’s McVeigh sent off, but the result in the end seemed comprehensive, with Drexel scoring three and keeping the clean sheet. “They’re a very good side,” said Drexel captain Evan Gibbs, “but when we can put the ball down and move we’re set.” The result saw SMK drop points for the first time all season, as they sit on 21pts 2nd in the table. They do have a game-in-hand over Drexel Shaft, who’re directly above them on 24pts, which could end up being vitally important as both teams fight to represent the Segunda in the upcoming Kelly Cup. Drexel will play FC Bobert Munich next week, while SMK will play Bluestars FC.

DS: Bah, Esker, Madrid

Cracovia 1 – 3 Renob CF

Nick Drozd returned from injury and was the difference maker, scoring twice and earning Renob CF an important 3-1 victory over Cracovia in a well played game. “Definitely much needed,” said Renob captain Brandon Rodriguez. The club had struggled for results lately, combinations of injury and attendance issues, and getting Drozd back was clearly a huge boon to the side. “We had control of the game for a majority of the time and it showed on the score line.” The result saw Renob climb into 4th on 13pts, while Cracovia sit in 8th on 9pts. Both teams seem safe from relegation, the drop zone sits at 5pts currently, so neither team should have lost too much sleep over the result. Renob have a match against Hunting Park United next week, while Cracovia will play Philly Striker Team Jamaica.

C: Hawn
RCF: Ditsche, Drozd (2)

Drexel Shaft 9 – 0 Barenjager SC

Following up on their statement 3-0 over SMK in the midweek, Drexel Shaft rolled into their weekend fixture against Barenjager SC with a full head of steam, beating them 9-0. Nick Andersen scored 4 and was MOTM. “The boys are pleased but still hungry”, said captain Evan Gibbs. Barenjager captain Ryan Prinz said afterwards “They’re a solid team. In shape and used to playing together. That goes a long way in CASA.” For Drexel Shaft, the young lads of the Segunda, its another match week where they get heckled for their age; “Half your team isn’t old enough to vote”, was apparently the quote from disgruntled Barenjagerites this past week. They haven’t let this faze them, though, and if results hold they’ll be representing the Segunda in the Kelly Cup. “We have to take care of business and finish in first place,” said Gibbs when asked. A mature answer from the team taking Segunda by storm. Barenjager will play Rum Ham next week, in a crucial matchup between relegation-threatened sides, while Drexel Shaft will play FC Bobert Munich.

DS: Bah, Loeken, Andersen (4), Martin (2), Sorteberg

SMK 5 – 1 FC Bobert Munich

SMK bounced back from their midweek loss to Drexel Shaft with a commanding 5-1 victory over FC Bobert Munich. Scott Crosby scored a brace and was MOTM. The result sees SMK sitting 2nd in the table on 21pts, with a game in hand on Drexel Shaft above them, while Bobert Munich stay in 9th on 7pts, narrowly above the relegation zone. SMK will play a good looking Bluestars FC next week, while FC Bobert Munich will have the task of facing down Drexel Shaft.

SMK: Crosby (2), Williams, Lieg, Unknown
FCBM: Payton

Rum Ham FC 3 – 1 Philly Striker Team Jamaica

Rum Ham FC got their first win of the season, and their third result in a row, beating Philly Striker Team Jamaica 3-1. “great to finally get our first win,” said team captain Riley McConnell. “We piled on the pressure and they broke down… They had a good late flurry, but as I’ve been saying all year – we’re a much better team than our record shows.” Philly Striker Team sit in 5th on 12pts, safely midtable, while Rum Ham are still bottom on 5pts. Philly Striker Team will play Cracovia next week, while Rum Ham will play Barenjager in an important game for two teams trying to avoid the drop. “Our next few games are against teams right around us in the table so we’ll keep fighting and hopefully we can keep the unbeaten streak going,” said McConnell. “If things go our way we’ll be in good shape.”

Loose Cannons FC 1 – 5 Hunting Park United

Al Hassane Fall scored twice and was MOTM as his side Hunting Park United downed Loose Cannons FC 5-1 over the weekend. The result sees Hunting Park climb all the way into 3rd, on 15pts, while Loose Cannons rest comfortably in the midtable on 10pts. Loose Cannons will play Glenside Celtic Rovers next week, while Hunting Park will play the strong midtable team Renob CF.

LCFC: Gutshall

Tercera Division

Lost FC 1-4 Brothers of the Gourd FC

Brothers of the Gourd FC had not been having a good few weeks and the losses they sustained had been dragging them out of the playoff picture but a comprehensive victory against Lost FC set the Brothers back on the right path. With the lone consolation, Lost never really got themselves going in this game, and once the Brothers started cutting loose, the game moved quickly out of reach for the men in blue. The Brothers were propelled by a hattrick hero performance and an outstanding goalkeeping display which included not one but two penalty kick saves. The victory for Brothers of the Gourd put them back into playoff contention having played a game more than the rest of their competitors. Lost FC stays in their playoff spot despite the loss but as the weeks ebb away, the battles to get the coveted positions will only get fiercer. The Brothers will take on Mark Wahlberg’s Cousins FC at the coming weekend and Lost FC will kick off against Rowan Club Soccer.

LFC: Goals- F. D’Elia
BotG: Goals- B. Auker, T. Mecolomy (3)

Mark Wahlberg’s Cousins FC 0-7 Upper Darby FC

The brunch game brought the division a battle of two teams on opposite ends of the table with extremely clear differences as to their places in the third division pecking order. Upper Darby FC came into the game bolstered by the confidence of having ended the winning streak of the division leaders. Mark Wahlberg’s Cousins FC have been scrappy in picking up points wherever they could in order to pull themselves out of the bottom. On the other side, Upper Darby had strength, speed, and depth. They used this to devastating effect as they controlled the majority of the possession throughout the course of the match with the Cousins only really able to mount small unsuccessful counters. The loss keeps MWC in the relegation zone with safety being four points away. The Cousins will need to end the season perfectly to make their escape.  Upper Darby continues to sit in their playoff spot with the win and will make one last major push for a title grab. They will do battle with SC Corinthians at the weekend.

UDFC: A. Bangura, D. Camara (2), C. Forson, Ike, S. Sankoh, F. Weah

Oaklyn United FC 0-1 SC Corinthians

The lunchtime game sees a matchup of two teams in similar places in the standings yet with different motivations. Oaklyn United had been back and forth in occupying a playoff spot in the past couple of weeks and were looking to make the spot slightly less contentious. SC Corinthians had found life in the division less than satisfying early on but had made strides to correct their trajectory. Although still within a shot of the last playoff spot, the main concern at the current point was maintaining their status in the division and avoiding the drop. They did a good job of it in this matchup as they were able to secure all three points against the Lions. The black and white held possession for large swaths of the game but were unable to capitalize on the pressure. A lone goal for Corinthians was all that was needed for the win. The Lions lose their playoff spot but the good news is that in a division this tight no one will really be able to secure them until the final day. Oaklyn will continue to push for the position as they take on second place Berber United. SC Corinthians will do battle with Upper Darby FC.

OUFC: Yellow- C. Scull
SCC: Goals- Tiaso / Yellow: Tiaso

Rose Tree Gunners FC 1-0 Rowan Club Soccer

The last game on the docket was a duel between league debutants both with vastly different stories to tell. The game did ultimately go the way of the Gunners with a business like victory, to say the least. A solitary goal by Chris Brignall in the 60th minute and a clean sheet whipped up three points for the Gunners although they had plenty of chances late in the game to add more goals. The win gives Rose Tree a nice four point cushion between them and Berber United. Four points remain the theme as that is the difference for Rowan currently sitting above the relegation zone. At the weekend, the Gunners will do battle with last place Rebels and Rowan will take on fourth place Lost FC. A win against Lost could actually see Rebels jump into their playoff spot owing to the airtight nature of the division in the final stretch.

RTG: Goals- C. Brignall / Yellow: C. Brignall, B. Haseltine, C. Savino, Trev. Taylor

Quinto Division

Drexel Hill Elite FC 5 – 0 Philly Skyliners FC

Drexel Hill Elite FC headed into their week 9 match against Philly Skyliners FC still reeling from their 4-4 result against Inter last week, Skyliners had the momentum as they came into the match riding a 7 game unbeaten streak against a Drexel Hill team that has been inconsistent the past 3 weeks. When it came to this game it didnt take long for Drexel Hill’s offense to get going and show once again why they are the team to beat in Quinto as they put 5 in against arguably one of the best defenses in the division. Man of the Match #11 Bility continues his goal scoring streak with a brace that keeps Drexel Hill Elite FC in 1st place. Drexel Hill look to increase their Goal Differential next week when they take on Grape Train FC in what should be a very winnable game for them. Philly Skyliners FC keep hold of 2nd place after suffering only their 2nd loss of the season and look to rebound next week against Oaklyn Diving Academy.

GOALS:   Drexel Hill Elite FC: #11 Bility (2 goals), #9 Teye, #17 Amar, #4 Duopu
MoM: Drexel Hill Elite FC: #11 Bility

Illyrians 2 – 1 Philadelphia Spartans

Winning hasnt been the norm for Philadelphia Spartans or Illyrians as both teams have been on a losing streak recently. The Spartans have managed 3 wins this season, albeit against teams with a combined record of 6-17-2, tend to play a more manageable game and try dictate the pace of the game. Illyrians jumped out to an early lead but Spartans kept the game close and netted a goal to bring the game level 1-1. It seemed fitting that a game between two teams who have struggled to win would end in a tie but Man of the Match #8 Noka would push his team to the brink of exhaustion to secure the win off a poorly cleared ball that found its way into the back of the net off a highlight reel worthy side volley. The loss has Spartans sitting in 7th place. They can make up ground in the standings next week if they manage to beat Inter Phila who’s record doesn’t reflect their quality of play. The 2-1 win today moves Illyrians out of regulation danger as they are now in 8th place and look to move up in the standings as  they play 2 games next week against New Wave FC and Mighty Mutts.

Goals: Spartans: #15 Shtulman Illyrians: #8 Noka, #6 Mecaj
Man of Match: Illyrians #8 Noka

Grape Train FC 7 – 1 Inter Phila

Battle of the bottom 2 teams in Quinto took place this past weekend as Grape Train FC met Inter Phila for what would turn out to be a goal fest. 8 goals were scored in the match, unfortunately for Inter, 7 of those goals went against them which even caught Grape Train FC by surprise as they had only scored 9 goals all season prior to their dominating win today. The goals game in bunches and came early as Grape Train jumped out to huge lead and the quick transition in the midfield from Man of the Match Jimmy Hill left Inter chasing the game and the ball for 90 minutes. No clean sheet for Grape Train FC as Inter Phila did manage to sneak a cheeky goal in, regardless the damage had already been done. The one sided affair left Inter Phila with a feeling of defeat they know all too well as the loss keeps them in 10th place going into their match next week against an equally frustrated Philadelphia Spartans team. Grape Train FC, now in 9th place, look to build on this win and carry some much needed momentum into their matches next week against Quinto darlings the Mighty Mutts and 1st place Drexel Hill Elite FC.

Goals:   Grape Train – #2 J. Stoltz (x2), #12 Pokrykwa, #__ Hill, #__ Huber, #__ Nobilini (x2) Inter Phila – #7 Bagramyan
Yellow Cards: Inter Phila – #1 (GK) Gonzalez (SPA)
MoM: Grape Train #__ Jimmy Hill

New Wave FC 4 – 4 Oaklyn United Academy

Going into their match against Oaklyn United Academy, New Wave FC had only allowed 3 goals so far this season. Every win for New Wave has season has been a shut out, whenever the keeper for New Wave FC found himself picking the ball out of the back of his net the end results were losses. Oaklyn United has a pretty decent defensive record themselves and haven’t given up a ton of goals either.
The game started off pretty tame with a lot of focus on possession and ball control. Then the goals started and once they did the game took a more physical turn which is to be expected in a match between two normally high pressing and physical teams. OUA were the more disciplined team as New Wave saw a wave of yellows shown their way. Yellow card caution or not, Man of the Match #16 Wedderbrun carried the offensive load as his hat trick secured the draw against a Oaklyn United squad that were destined to escape with 3 points. The draw keeps New Wave FC in 4th place heading into next week where they will have matches against Illyrians and Portugoal. Oaklyn United Academy keep tabs on 3rd place and prep for their match next week against Philly Skyliners FC, a win next week would move them up to 2nd place.

Goals:  Oaklyn United  #8 Pease, #88 Adcock, #9 Greene, #10 Pastore
New Wave:  #10 Collazo,  #16Wedderburn (3)
Yellow Cards:  New Wave – #10 Collazo- Reckless tackle, #16 Wedderbrun- Delay of restart of the play  #3 Shaw – Excessive Celebration, #24 Alicea – Reckless tackle

Sexto Division

Rapid Daybreak FC 2 – 2 Honey Badgers FC

Appearing at times to be unfocused and disjointed, RNFC failed to get into a rhythm early on. #3 Colby Gehers stepped up in a performance worthy of his Man of the Match recognition and took a team that at times appeared distracted by the amount of morning dew on the grass and got them focused long enough to manage a 2-2 draw against a very good Honey Badgers team that were sending numbers forward in bunches towards the final minutes of a match they easily could have won. Rapid Daybreak escape the day with a draw that has them in 4th place with a chance to move into first place when they take on FC Delta, Boys Do Cry and FC BTC next week as they make up for games missed earlier in the season. Now in 6th place, Honey Badgers FC need to start getting results if they wish to move up before the end of the season and look to do so when they meet Boys Do Cry next week in what should be an exciting game.

Goals: Rapid DayBreak FC:  (2)    Colby Gehers      and Jordan Evans
Goals:  Honey Badgers  FC; (2)  Brandon Johnson and Caesar Roman
MoM:  Rapid Daybreak Colby Gehers  #3

FC Delta 6 – 2 FC Ladder 15

FC Delta won their first 3 games of the season only to follow that up by losing their next 3. FC Ladder 15 started the season of terrible and has since improved in the recent weeks. In a game that could have went either way for either team I dont think anyone would have guessed one team would put up 6 goals by the same player. In a feat rare even in Casa, FC Delta’s Man of the Match #97 Issabre had a breakout performance netting 6 goals against a FC Ladder team whos goalie had a hard time stopping a light breeze. FC Ladder 15 did manage to get 2 goals but that was still 4 less than what one player on FC Delta managed to accomplish. The heavy handed loss has FC ladder 15 in 7th place going into their match next week against a dangerously boringly but unpredictive Still Processing FC team. The win has FC Delta in 5th place with a chance to move up in the standings when they take on both Rapid Daybreak FC and Rapid Nightfall FC.

Goals:   FC DELTA  – #97 ISSABRE (6x) –  FC LADDER 15 – #12 GONZALEZ , #88 DAVIS
MoM: FC DELTA – #97  ISSABRE

FC BTC 1 – 0 Chamounix

Winning has been a dream not yet materialized for Chamounix who headed into their match against FC BTC winless with only 1 draw on the season. FC BTC who boast a record of 1-4-2 are not much better than their opponents but still have managed to win a game and stay competitive in many others. The game was pretty standard for the lower end of the bottom division as both teams seemed to lose possession as soon as they obtained it. Flashes of brilliance were in low supply but sloppy first touches and shots wide of goal were in abundance. Needless to say the game did end with a victor, that came via game winning goal from Man of the Match #36 Mangone for FC BTC. The 1-0 victory doesnt move FC BTC in the standings as they still remain in 9th place and have a hard match ahead of them next week as they meet Rapid Daybreak FC. Another loss for Chamounix means theyll stay cemented into 10th place when they take on Telle Bouche next week.

Goals: FC BTC- #36 Mangone
Yellow Cards: Chamounix – #14 Cox FC BTC – #10 Caltaabiano
MOM: FC BTC- #36 Mangone

Rapid Nightfall FC 5  – 1 Telle Bouche

Riding a 3 game winning streak, Telle Bouche found themselves up against a high scoring Rapid Nightfall FC team that has been climbing the standings the past few weeks themselves. Both teams enjoyed almost equal amounts of possession but it was only Rapid Nightfall FC who found ways to capitalize on their possession. Telle Bouche who are normally pretty stingy defensively found themselves at center half doing restarts every 15 mins or so as Rapid Nightfall FC slot 5 home. The brace from Man of the Match #4 Synder of Rapid Nightfall FC along with his defensive help in transition allowed for only 1 goal in what was expected to be much more evenly matched outing. Todays win for Rapid Nightfall FC move them into 2nd place and drop Telle Bouche into 3rd. Rapid Nightfall FC look to hang onto 2nd place when they meet FC Delta next week and Telle Bouche can only hope to rebound from todays loss when they take on 10th place Chamounix next week.

GOALS:  Telle Bouche FC 1 (#3 Phy). Rapid Nightfalll FC 5( #10 Lopez (2), #25 Fergen, #4 Snyder (2).
Man of the match:   Rapid Nightfall FC (#4 Synder)

Still Processing FC 3 – 3 Boys Do Cry

When Boys Do Cry took on Still Processing FC this past weekend the expectation was for BDC to get back to their winning ways that saw them win 4 straight with a +9 goal differential earlier this season. Steve Tice was running around like a mad man scoring goals, getting assists and being named man of the match on a consistent basis.  Still Processing has had their share of shinning moments this season however they seem to shoot themselves in the foot more often then not resulting in points being dropped. 6 goals were scored today by 6 different players. Man of the Match # 10 Eider Carmona was a man on a mission. He did the dirty work and made the plays his team needed to secure the draw in a game that looked more and more like another loss for BDC. The draw leaves Boys Do Cry in 4th place and with 2 games this upcoming week against Rapid Daybreak FC and Honey Badgers FC the Boys can make a run for the top of the standings if they get back to their winning ways. Still Processing remain in 8th place going into their match against FC ladder 15 next week in a game that is winnable for either team.

Goals:  Boys Do Cry:  #6 Magrupov, #19 Tice, #18 Dispagna
Still Processing FC:  #3 Connolly, #17 Berlenz Lumar, #14 Jonny Ventura
Yellow Cards: Still Processing FC:  #3 Connolly