Many in the Philadelphia region watched the largest amateur soccer league in America thrive last year despite the glaring and obvious hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet through it all, friendships were forged, competition remained fierce and a sense of normalcy gave many in this massively diverse soccer community some tangible hope to grab onto and ride into 2021.

Some patience, positivity and precise planning has brought about a new season that has officially begun for the CASA Soccer League; and Philly Soccer Page is happy to bring you all the highlights and scores from the Spring 11v11 campaign! This week we have the opening weekend results from CASA’s top six divisions.

A big thank you is always in order to CASA’s chief executive, Nolan Bair, the CASA writing team, and all the captains for their continued communication and camraderie throughout the season.

It was an even split of points as YTP and Vidas United drew at Upper Darby to start off this CASA Spring Season over the weekend. An exciting draw, the game ended 3-3 with YTP snatching a point courtesy of a late goal from Kameron Teel. Teel, who scored a brace, was MOTM. “Game was a very even match”, said YTP captain Giancarlo Granese, “Both teams had many chances to get the win but it was the right result at the end of the day”. YTP actually went up 1-0, but Vidas brought the game back, trading goals until they eventually took the lead 3-2 only to be struck back by YTP right after. “After a rough start we stepped up our play and wanted to win the game until late on,” said captain Nolan Bair. “Team needs to improve its mentality to close out games.” YTP will play Stoney United next week while Vidas United will have perennial powers FC SouthHouse.

YTP: Schaefer, Teel (2)

VU: Shipshanko, Vilsant, Miller

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FC Misconduct held on to a 3-2 win as they saw off a plucky Philadelphia Corinthians FC in both teams season opener at YSC Sports Fields. Stephen Macurdy was MOTM for Misconduct, scoring to put them up 3-1 in the 81st. Alex Kaczysnki pulled one back afterwards for Corinthians for 3-2, but Misconduct saw the game out and took all 3 points. “We’re disappointed we didn’t put the game away much earlier,” said Misconduct’s Blake Fink, “but Corinthians is a very strong squad that is going to make some noise this year.” Corinthians captain Sam Vale took some positive out of the game – “That’s a tough first game but to hold with them is a good step… Finishing in the top 5 is where you want to be and we are well on the way to that.” Corinthians have a bye next week, while Misconduct will “hopefully find some form and start burying our chances” against FC Tigre.

FCM: Allers, Golenis, McCurdy

PCFC: Rodnami, Kaczynski

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New side Real Vidas stormed back from 1-nil down against FC Tigre to win 4-2, scoring three goals in 10 minutes at the start of the second half to pull away. Ahmed Bah was the MOTM for Vidas, scoring once. “We stayed patient,” said captain Evan Gibbs. “Stuck to our plan to possess and continue to create chances… We found our rhythm and netted a few more and remained dominant in possession.” Expectations for the season are “Dubs” along with “Good times with good friends drinking good beers”, said Gibbs. Sounds good, skipper. They’ll play Icarus FC next week, while FC Tigre will play FC Misconduct.

FCT: Fountain, Kotch

RV: Bah, Smolyn, Gibbs, Rocha

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Stoney United and Icarus FC played a wild 4-5 game to start their seasons, with Icarus coming out on the right side with all three points. Icarus were up 5-2 and Stoney scored a couple in the final minutes to make the game interesting, but it was a case of too little too late. “It was scary for a minute there,” said Icarus captain Kyle Smyth. Both Smyth brothers scored for Icarus, Kyle and Danny, which means that in games where both Smyths score Icarus have a 100% win rate. Sample size of 1, but I will be tracking this for the remainder of the season rest assured. In an interesting bit of CASA trivia, Stoney also have a sibling duo – Joseph and Matt Casaletto. One of them scored a hat-trick but the ref’s report didn’t specify, and the Stoney captain never got back to me, so its anyones guess. I’ll be keeping an eye on them for the rest of the season as well. Stoney will play YTP FC next week, while Icarus will have Real Vidas.

SU: Cassaleto (3), Cender

IFC: Robinson (2), Butenewicz, D. Smyth, K. Smyth

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A high scoring week one starts with a three goal victory for the newly promoted Rose Tree Gunners over Heritage, relegated from the Primera Division last fall. Rose Tree managed to get out to a 3-0 lead before Heritage clawed back two goals in the second half. Heritage never got to within one goal of the Gunners. Rose Tree captain Dean Giovanopoulos was very happy with his team’s performance. “We went up by a big margin and had over 75% of the possession,” Giovanopoulos commented. He was happy with the performance of his technically proficient midfielders: “We were able to pin the other team in their own half. We intend to use our tactical ability with our midfield duo”. Rose Tree will look to continue their winning start to the season next week against Cracovia, while Heritage will face Bluestars.

Rose Tree: Dyson, 13’ and 68’; Lessig, 38’; Darra first half; Hastletine, 76’

Heritage: Conde, 55’; Reid, 79’

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A lower scoring contest saw Cracovia and Philadelphia Deportivo split the points in a tense affair at Bryn Athyn College. A back and forth game saw Cracovia edge the first half, while Depor played better in the second. Both goals were scored in a quick five minute burst in the first half. Cracovia opened the scoring after a cross deflected off a Depor defender and went in. Depor were able to equalize in the second half. Cracovia captain Eryk Tylek had positive thoughts for his side’s opening day performance. “I think the game was back and forth,” Tylek commented. “We had more possession in the first half but they did better in the second half.” Tylek hopes Cracovia show their skills on both sides of the ball: “Our game plan is about possession and hard defending.” Cracovia look to show off their skills against a powerful Rose Tree Gunners side next week, while Depor face off against league leaders Santos.

Cracovia- own goal, 22’

Philadelphia Deportivo- second half

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In a rematch of two Segunda Division teams from Fall 2020, the favorites Bobert Munich grabbed a resounding 4-0 victory over Loose Cannons at Bryn Athyn. Bobert Munich look poised to push for a coveted promotion to the Primera Division early on in the campaign. After Bobert opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Morgan, the score remained tight until the second half, when a three goal spurt sealed Bobert’s victory. Forward Payton added a very quick brace in less than two minutes, claiming Man of the Match in the process. Loose Cannon captain Ben Smith thought the scoreline reflected the tough times felt by the Cannons. “It was a tough game. We had too many turnovers. We have a good amount of new guys this season.” However, Smith believes better times are ahead. “We will improve our fitness and get a better feel for each other which will lead to better possession of the ball.” Smith’s Cannons look to earn their first win next week against Statesmen. FC Bobert face off against fellow unbeatens SmittyWerbenFC.

Goals: Bobert Munich- Morgan, 22’; Payton, 52′ and 53′, Dasanti, 80′

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A low scoring affair saw Statesmen see off Cunningham Squires by one goal. The game remained scoreless late into the second half, when Statesmen captain Jackson Dunlap found the crucial contribution to give his side the three points. There were no yellow or red cards and the conduct from both teams was good. Mostly importantly, both teams followed Covid protocols. It was a thrilling affair. Statesmen look to continue their winning run against Loose Cannons, while Cunningham will try to get their first points of the season against fellow winless side Hunting Park United.

Goals: Statesmen- Dunlap, 78′

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A massive six goal victory sent Santos FC to the top of the Segunda Division after one week of play. Even though they won by six, however, Santos had to come from behind, as Hunting Park United opened the scoring through Fadil Abdella in the 24th minute. Santos seized the lead for good before the first half, with Man of the Match Deekai Gbonimy grabbing two of his three goals by the 39th minute. Gbonimy would finish his hat trick in the 50th minute, staking an early lead in the Golden Boot race, while his teammates Kwame Wilson (65’), Jonathan Seya (67’ and 77’), and Alwin Morgan (82’) rounded off the scoring. Santos look to continue their blazing hot start to the season next week against Philadelphia Depor, while Hunting Park will look for their first points against Cunningham.

Santos- Gbonimy, 35’, 39’ , and 50’; Wilson, 65’; Seya, 67’ and 77’; Morgan, 82’.

Hunting Park- Abdella, 24’

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A team with a very long name and very few spaces in it defeated Bluestars by a large margin, 6-1. The game remained close in the first half, which only featured one goal, scored by Tim Young in the 21st minute. Bluestars could feel particularly unlucky after their goalkeeper saved a penalty, only for Young to smash in the rebound. SmittyWerben would make it 4-0 inside of the first 25 minutes of the half, including registering a brace from Man of the Match Nicholas Sample. After Bluestars pegged one back, a late brace from Matt Skinner meant SmittyWerben would run out as 6 goal winners. SmittyWerben captain Carson McBain thought his team executed their game plan well. “We played well together. We tried to press a little to force them to knock the ball long, and we had a good game winning the first balls.” Bluestars’ captain Aaron Bartels-Swindells mourned the result after the game. “After a penalty save from our keeper in the first half and conceding the rebound, we went in at the break feeling like we’d been unlucky.” But eventually SmittyWerben exposed their opponents down the wings in the second half. “we struggled to deal with balls behind the defence, particularly on the wings,” Bartels-Swindells added. “They made some good diagonal runs between the fullback and center back that we didn’t track well”. The Bluestars will look to gain their first points of the season against Heritage, while McBain’s SmittyWerben will face off against fellow week 1 winners Bobert Munich. McBain feels confident that SmittyWerben are primed for a successful season. “We want to try and win the division this year and also compete in the Kelly Cup”.

Goals: SmittyWerben- Young, 21’; Martin, 65’; Sample, 52’ and 71’; Skinner, 85’ and 89’ Bluestars- 73’

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In the first breakfast matchup in the division kickoff, two teams were brought together that already could not be any closer. Brothers of the Gourd FC ended the Fall season right outside of the playoff position in sixth place, missing out by just one point. The team that sat above them, Lost FC. It appeared that one was the theme on the first day of the season, as one point was gained by each team, with each team scoring just one goal. Both teams will still have plenty of time to separate themselves from each other and hope that the theme does not continue throughout the remainder of the season. Brothers of the Gourd FC will go into the weekend to match up against newly promoted FC Burlington. Lost FC will take their talents to square off against Barenjager SC.

LFC: Goals- R. Hutzel

BotG: Goals- A. Uchak

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The second game of the day took place on the New Jersey side of the bridge. Oaklyn United were able to avoid relegation in the Fall as they finished four points above the drop zone. The same could not be said for Barenjager SC as they dropped out of the Segunda division. The Bear Hunters were certainly eager to start the campaign with a win in order to fight their way back into the higher division. The Lions intention was to improve on their position from the Fall. Oaklyn United struck first blood and sought to build on their goal early, carving out numerous cutting edge chances. The lack of clinical finishing came back to punish the Pride as the Bear Hunters were able to find the equalizer and walk away from the game with a point. The Lions will hope they packed their shooting boots as they travel to take on Dolphinbros. Barenjager will look towards Saturday to take the fight to Lost FC.

OUFC: Goals- Z. Hickman

BSC: Goals- M. Milligan / Yellow: T. Tweh

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The brunch time matchup set the stage for a swashbuckling return for division’s third highest scoring team in the Fall. Berber United consistently brought with them an attack that was potent and efficient, an attack that averaged 2.8 goals a game. KRL Trading, returning from hiatus had it all to do to contain Berber United’s firepower. Alas, the men in yellow and blue brought their shooting boots again as they put seven goals past KRL Trading. A hattrick and a brace led the way for Berber United and all KRL could muster was a consolation goal. While the score line may have been lopsided in the first game, KRL will utilize the next opportunity to grab three points as they face off against Drexel Shaft. Berber United will go head to head against Liberty City FC at the coming weekend.

BU: Juba (3), Smail (2), Moussa, K. Babou

KRLT: J. Kratt / Yellow: R. McGinnis

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FC Burlington 1 – 2 Liberty City FC

Week one brought two familiar foes together, both fresh off of their successful promotional campaigns in the Fall. Liberty City FC, known as University City FC two short months ago, dominated the previous division and were looking to make their mark in the Tercera. Heavy recruitment in the offseason as well as a loaded preseason schedule put them poised to start the campaign in a productive manner. FC Burlington, had built a competitive squad throughout their time in the league and their were few teams who could halt them while they were in the Cuarto. This fixture went in favor of the Schnauzers in the Fall and the scoring started off early in the game as Burlington scored within the first ten minutes. Liberty City pegged back pretty quickly afterwards in the fifteenth minute. The rest of the match stayed a tug of war until Liberty City find the game winner in the 85th minute to reverse the fixture against their now familiar adversaries. Liberty City will look to build on their three points as they go up against Berber United. FC Burlington will try to bounce back when they face Brothers of the Gourd FC.

FCB: Goals- S. Dooley
LCFC: Goals- G. Rogers, E. Butler

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The last game of the day featured a squad that were rookies to the league and a squad that was fresh from their first season from the previous Fall. Hees FC, newly rebranded and formerly known as Rowan Club Soccer were hoping that the injection of a new identity could get the ball rolling for them in their second season in the Tercera. Alamo FC are now where their opponents were, undertaking the massive challenge of making a dent in a highly competitive league, in one of the league’s toughest divisions. The sophomore squad made it out with a win against the newcomers. An on target cross, well timed leap, and bullet header were all that Hees FC needed to break the deadlock and secure the three points. While it was not the start to the campaign that Alamo would have liked, the season is long and they have a chance at the coming weekend to go back at it again when they face newly promoted Sunbears FC.

HFC: Goals- Z. Goldberg / Yellow: S. Beluch

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The highly anticipated start to the Cuarto Spring season brought an enticing battle in the breakfast matchup. The Thoroughbreds of Devon SC took on newcomers to the league, SJ Gentlemen. Devon SC, veterans in the league, finished fourth in the division this past fall and were looking to build on their finishing position. The season did not start off on the right foot for the horses as the league debutants ran away with the game in a nine-goal thriller. The most dapper of the Gentlemen had to be William Green as he walked away with half of his team’s goals, earning him the match ball for his hattrick. Devon SC will look to bounce back as the face the other debutants in the league, Leaders FC. SJ Gentlemen will look to build on their winning start as they take on Club Sandwich.

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The second game of the day brought another matchup featuring a league debutant. Leaders FC took on a Maccabi Philly side that had returned from a year long hiatus. Both teams of course were eager for the three points to jump start the season. Leaders FC proved to be the second group of newcomers in as many games to grab a win showcasing that a well put together squad can shake things up in a new league. Leaders’ Sanda walked away with a player of the match performance from a brilliant finishing display, notching a hattrick. Maccabi Philly might have shaken off some rust in this match but will want to improve at the coming weekend as they take Dead Ball SC. Leaders FC will square off against Devon SC.

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Across the bridge in Bordentown, the temperature was slowing rising, which set the stage for an eye-opening match up in the third fixture of the day. Club Sandwich came into the game well rested and satisfied with a respectable mid table finish from last fall. They took on a Philly Falcons squad that had come off a busy winter period that saw indoor soccer involvement as well as a preseason friendly championing a good cause. The Rainbow Battalion came into this game as fit as a team can hope but it was the relaxed and energized Sandwich side that walked away with the victory from the dew-covered Bordentown grass. Christopher Bown for Club Sandwich notched a brace earning player of the match honors. The Rainbow Battalion will look to recover quickly as they head into the weekend to take on the Trouts of Fishtown FC while Club Sandwich will look to grab six points out of six when they take on SJ Gentlemen.

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The lunchtime match up brought about the closest game from the entire weekend. Rebels, fresh off a tumultuous season in the fall, found themselves relegated into the Cuarto. Dead Ball SC, got past their debut season in the fall with a respectable finish in the table and were seeking to build on that position. It was the Rebels who grabbed all three points to jump start their campaign to return to the third division. Dead Ball did get off to a flying start in the game as the drew first blood in the 21st minute. The game went into halftime 1-0 in favor of the Skulls. Their control lasted almost to the hour mark but Rebels were able to equalize. 8 minutes past the hour, Rebels struck goal again and that proved to be the game winner. Rebels’ keeper came away with player of the match honors with an excellent shot stopping performance. Rebels will take their win into the next game at the weekend as they face Philly Skyliners FC. The Skulls will square off against Maccabi Philly.

Goals: DBSC- Mee

Goals: Rebels: K. Galm, K. Lituma

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The early afternoon matchup was a stage set for unadulterated intrigue. Featured were two teams new to the division with three points ripe for the taking. Nations United FC were the league debutants and wanted to continue the trend of winning ways for newcomers on the day. Philly Skyliners FC were flying high themselves as they played their way into the division the previous weekend in a preseason promotional bout. The emotional toll must have played a factor on the Skyliners as they were able to make a dent against Nations United. The onslaught started early with United scoring two goals fifteen minutes apart in the first half. They maintained full control in the second half, tacking on an extra goal in the 63rd minute to leave no doubt and walk out with the win. The debutants could not ask for a more complete game and played like a team that did contain a number of seasoned league veterans. Philly Skyliners FC will seek to put the loss behind them quickly as they head into the next game against Rebels. Nations United will take their three points to face off against Vidas FC.

Goals: NUFC- Moran, A. Misler, Gondeh

Yellow: PSFC- Dyson

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Quinto kicked off their season with a 9am match up between Inter Phila and newcomers Washington Square S.C. who appeared excited and ready to play. Inter started the game off with a rapid pace that resulted in 4 unanswered goals in the first half; including one that caused a game stoppage to inspect the netting after a rocket of a shot from Inter’s #10. Washington Square S.C did get on the board by way of an own goal halfway through the 2nd half, but would concede a late penalty and watch as Man of the Match, Inter #10 would slot the PK home and secure the 5-1 win for Inter.

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Fresh off their 1st place finish in last seasons Sexto Division, Telle Bouche hit the field for a match up against last seasons Sexto promotional playoffs winner FC Delta. A seemingly even matchup played out far from expected as just under 8 minutes into the first half and Telle Bouche found themselves down 2-0. The men from Telle Bouche quickly realized they had no answer for FC Delta’s speedy workhorse, #10 Collado or the clinical finishing of #80 Durant who would coast to a hat trick by the 20th minute. Telle Bouche has some retooling to do in their midfield and FC Delta need to remind #17 Julmiste that spiking the ball out of the air like they do in volley ball is not permitted in CASA or in the game of soccer in general.

Goals: FC Delta #80 Durant 6’, 7’, 18’

Yellow Card: Telle Bouche #4 Liberkowski / FC Delta  # 19 Johnson, #17 Julmiste

Man of the Match: FC Delta #10 Collado.

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Mark Wahlbergs Cousins and Oaklyn United Academy grinded out their early afternoon game to the tone of 2-1 that saw Oaklyn come out as victors. MWC took an early one goal lead into halftime until Oaklyn Academy’s #5 Corey Feldman (not that Feldman) scored to bring the game level. The tie seemed to be all but locked up and neither team really pressed to take all 3 points until the 88th minute when #33 Michael Carmody put Oaklyn ahead 2-1 and secured their first win of the season.

Goals: Oaklyn United – Feldman 65′ Carmody 88′

Wahlbergs: Wisdom 34′

Yellow Cards: Oaklyn: Ditche 78th min for dissent

Wahlberg: Cleary 18th min & Laskaridis 34th min both for unsporting behavior

Man of the Match: Oaklyn United Academy #33 Carmody

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Rapid Daybreak FC and Still Processing FC closed out week 1 in Quinto with their 4pm match up. Still Processing booted Rapid Daybreak from the promotional Playoffs last season so there was a bit of tension on the field as both teams came out playing hard and fast. #3 Gehers and #10 Petrov put Rapid in control heading into the half with a goal each and warranted a physical response from Still Processing. However, good ball control and short clinical passing proved to be too much as Rapid Daybreak get their redemption and first of what Team Captain Jawuan hopes to be at least 10 wins.

Goals: Rapid Daybreak: #3 Gehers (3′,67′), #10 Petrov (41′), #19 Dempsey (60′)

Yellow Cards: Rapid Daybreak: #21 Yasenchak

Man of the Match: Rapid Daybreak #3 Gehers

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In a game that quickly changed tones, UCFC took on New Wave FC and found themselves in the lead just 5 minutes into the match. Momentum aside, New Wave FC would find themselves back ahead just before halftime as a brace from #24 Alicea would see New Wave FC start a run of 6 unanswered goals to close out the contest. Dishing out the assists and helping with a brace of his own, #22 Weddelburn would see his playmaking abilities grab him his first Man of the Match recognition. Brace yourself, New Wave FC managed to get yet another brace as #10 Collazo slotted home 2 goals of his own to see his team walk away with the 6-1 win. UCFC will look to make some adjustments for next week as New Wave FC can only hope to continue in their winning ways.

Goals: New Wave: #24 Alicea 30′, 40′; #22 Weddelburn 50′, 79′; #10 Collazo 54′, 80′

UCFC: #25 Brooks 5′

Man of Match – New Wave FC: #22 Weddelburn

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The 11:45am game saw the return of the Sons of Ben to Casa’s Sexto Division as they took on The Mighty Ducks who failed to capitalize on a slew of early chances in the first half. After a very Gordon Bombay-esque tactical conversation, the Ducks played much better exploited the weakness in the SoB back line for 2 quick goals. An agitated side that could not find their rhythm, the Sons will have to wait til next week to get their first DOOP of the season as the flying V midfield of the Mighy Ducks cruises to their first win of the season.

Goals: Mighty Ducks – Dooley 58′, Green 67′

Man Of the Match: Mighty Ducks – Dooley

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Philadelphia Strikers, the team formally known as Chaminoux were dismantled by FC BTC in their first game of the season. With BTC jumping out to comfortable 3-0 lead, the Strikers put one in just moments into the 2nd half to give their opponents a scare. Despite the jolt of panic, the rag tag team of current and former bowling ball salesmen held it together and put in another 2 goals passed Strikers to give them a cushion and eventual 5-2 victory. Defensive adjustments will most certainly be a topic of conversation for Philadelphia Strikers going forward.

Goals: FC BTC: #12 Kravitz 6′, #7 Fitzgerald 15′, #4 White 25′, #0 Psaltakis 35′, #12 Kravitz 88′ Philly Strikers: #36 McKenna 8′, #36 McKenna 54′

Yellow Cards: Philly Strikers: #14 E. Cox 76′ (Foul Play – UB) (Man of Match):

FC BTC – #12 Kravitz

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Honey Badgers FC took on Birdeuax FC in a match of predator vs prey as HB FC dominated their opponent but never landed a fatal blow ending the first half tied at 0-0. The second half would see much of the same in regards to Birdeuax being overwhelmed by the surging midfield press of the Honey Badgers. Birdeuax fly into their first loss of the season suffering a 5-0 thrashing with the help of a brace from Honey Badgers’ Miguel Martins.

Goals: Honey Badgers: #13 Rosario #1 Martinez #5 Own goal #9 Johnson #21 Martin’s

Man of the Match Honey Badgers FC #13 Rosero

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Casa’s Sexto division kicked off their season with a match up between Coyotes FC and Dyslexia Untied (no that is not a spelling error). Just past the half hour mark, #16 Meenan scores the opener for Dyslexia but his efforts are wiped away when #7 Valdez responds with his own goal for Coyotes just 4 mins later. Valdez would put away another 2 goals to end with a hat trick in just under 65 minutes of play, leading his team to the 4-3 victory. Dyslexia kept the game close getting a late goal in the 88th minute to make the last few moments of the game tense for the wily Coyotes FC but they still got the result they aimed for and Dyslexia look to rebound and reverse course.

Goals: Coyotes #7 Valdez 40′ #7 49′ #7 65′ #6 Miguel 82′

Dyslexia#16 Meenan 37′ #14 Martinez 77′ #16 Meenan 88′

Man of the Match – Coyotes #7 Valdez

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After a poor showing in the back half of last season, Boys Do Cry looked to rebound and avoid any tears as they faced Hamilton FC. Continuing his goal scoring ways, #19 Tice put BDC ahead in the 20th minute. However, Hamilton FC found their groove and started to string together passes. Eventually, #4 Tocci kicked the door in with real venemous strike that notched the game up 1-1 heading into the 2nd half. BDC held off their opposition shakily until the 83rd minute when #12 McMillan added “game winning goal” to the list of reasons he was given Man of the Match honors in Hamilton FC’s 2-1 victory.

GOALS – Boys Do Cry – #19 -S. Tice 20′

Hamilton F C – #4 – G Tocci 38′ – #12 – M McMillan 83′

Man of the Match – Hamilton – #12 – Mark McMillan