Photo courtesy of CASA Soccer League

Primera

FC Tigre 0 – Icarus FC 2

The early kickoff on a beautiful morning in South Philadelphia saw FC Tigre (1-3-0) met Icarus FC (3-0-1) in a hard-fought game. Icarus captain Kyle Smith praised Tigre for resolute defending in the first half, in which they showed good discipline to maintain their shape as Icarus tried to turn their possession into an advantage. With both sides keeping the ball well yet struggling to find an opening, the first half ended scoreless. 

During the break, neutrals will have felt that the first goal was likely to come from an error or a counterattack, and, in the second half, Icarus managed to score each type of goal. Tigre captain Connor Weiderman lamented that his side gave up an unfortunate goal, having defended well for seventy minutes. Although Smith acknowledged that Tigre were threatening on the break, Icarus’ Simon Laugsand put away a sweeping counterattack to seal the game and to grab himself a brace.

The result takes Icarus FC to the top of the table, one point ahead of fierce rivals FC Misconduct and out of reach of the teams below with games in hand. FC Tigre remain one spot above the relegation zone with three points and will need more to show for their toils than a solitary win against SMK if they are to find themselves in a safe, solid position by the end of the season.

FC Tigre: CARDS – Bond (Y)

Icarus FC: GOALS – Laugsand (2)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Laugsand: Icarus FC

Smitty Werben Jager Man Jensen FC 2 – Philadelphia Corinthians 4

Saturday morning’s other early game kicked off in West Philadelphia at the newly refurbished Bartram’s Supersite. Philadelphia Corinthians entered the game with a solitary win and in search of points to climb the table. Smitty Werben Jager Man Jensen FC (2-1-0) had the opposite record and were enjoying a promising start to their first season in Primera, having won promotion via the Segunda playoffs. 

Corinthians began the game strongly when Emmanuel Adeleye scored in the seventeenth minute. After a cagey first half, Corinthians entered the half-time break with the advantage, aware that a single goal lead might not be enough to seal the victory. Seven minutes after the restart, Toots made it seem like Smitty might turn the game around. Their optimism was short lived, however, as Calder Street scored minutes later to restore his side’s advantage. In a back-and-forth period of play, Mark Abbonizio soon equalized for Smitty. With more than twenty-five minutes left on the clock as play restarted and the game tied at 2-2, both sides would have felt that the three points were still up for grabs. Corinthians showed the initiative though, with Irwin scoring the winner and Street getting a brace to confirm the result. During their postmatch interview, Corinthian’s captain John Underwood expressed pleasure with his side’s teamwork and strong play, while Smitty’s Carson McBain hoped his side would improve their focus and return to winning ways. 

Smitty Werben Jager Man Jensen FC: GOALS – Toots, Abbonizio

Philadelphia Corinthians: GOALS – Adeleye, Street (2), Irwin

MAN OF THE MATCH – Street: Philadelphia Corinthians

Rose Tree Gunners FC 6 – SMK 2

SMK (0-3-1) knew they were in for a tough afternoon against a Rose Tree side in good form (3-1-0) and looking to tighten their grip on the Kelly Cup places at the top of the table. SMK will have rued starting the game without some of their key players, as Rose Tree dominated the game and had run up a 5-0 lead by the time the half time whistle blew. SMK’s captain Matt Muench admitted in his post-match interview that it had been a tough season for the club, but he will take heart from his team’s response after the break. Buoyed by the arrival of their reinforcements, SMK were able get some pride back by outscoring the Gunners in the second half. 

Ultimately, this was a commanding performance from Rose Tree, who cement their place in the top three with this result. It’s a good start to a tricky week for the Gunners, who face second-placed FC Misconduct on Thursday and current leaders Icarus FC on Saturday. With those top three sides separated by just a point and some of the teams below having games in hand, the reigning Segunda champions will need to navigate these difficult matchups if they want to maintain their impressive position during their first season in Primera. SMK, by contrast, find themselves in the relegation zone and will be desperate to take points from Corinthians next weekend as they try to claw their way to safety.

Stoney United 2 – FC Misconduct 4

FC Misconduct (3-1-0) prevailed against Stoney United (0-3-1) in a battle of perennial Primera powerhouses. Although both former Kelly Cup winners, these teams’ current fortunes could not be more different: Misconduct entered this game in the top three, amongst the league leaders, while Stoney find themselves uncharacteristically at the bottom of the table, even on points with fellow strugglers SMK. 

Misconduct made a fast start to the match when Stephen Macurdy put them ahead after five minutes and Blake Fink added to their tally four minutes later. The first half belonged to Misconduct, who added a third through Padraig McCullough on the half hour mark. Page looked to get Stoney back in the game after the restart, but rising winds and heavy rain made it increasingly difficult to create good opportunities. Connor Hurff did, however, manage to find the net mid-way through the second half to kill off hopes of a United revival, before one of the brothers Casaletto scored a consolation goal for Stoney right at the death.

Despite the loss and rough start to the season, Stoney captain Evan Carabelli was pleased with the improved performance against a tough team and bullish about his side’s future matchups. With a midweek fixture against Tigre and a weekend matchup against Smitty, we won’t have to wait long to see if his prediction that the team will soon begin to string together some wins comes true. Misconduct face Rose Tree midweek but can then look forward to a weekend off before also facing Smitty the Saturday after next. Second in the table, Misconduct will be pleased that they were able to get a result here with a shorthanded team as they prepare themselves for another run at the Kelly Cup.

Stoney United: GOALS – Page, Cassalette 

FC Misconduct: GOALS – Macurdy, Fink, McCullaugh, Hurff

MAN OF THE MATCH – Macurdy: FC Misconduct

Segunda

Hunting Park United 3 – Vidas FC 4

Looking at the scoreline, one could be forgiven for thinking this match was a game of high drama that came right down to the wire. To Vidas’ (4-1-0) credit, that was not quite the case. With the weather in New Jersey perfect for soccer, both teams set out to take the initiative: Vidas tried to work the ball and turn possession into shots on goal, while Hunting Park (3-1-1) sought to turn the screws with a high press. Vidas got the breakthrough though, when a shot deflected off Osse Vilsaint found the back of the net. After a few good saves by the Vidas ‘keeper to deny Hunting Park some early chances, the majority of the first half was a cagey affair.

Much of the action occurred in the second period. Vidas managed to score three goals before Hunting Park were able to reply. Looking for a response from his team after a midweek cup loss, Vidas captain Nolan Bair was pleased that his showed up for this one and were able to piece together a strong period of play that saw goals from Connor Ott, Bradley Bair, and Tushaar Godbole. Captain Bair was even more pleased with the performance of the two goalkeepers who made rare appearances in the field, with one providing an assist and the other scoring a thunderbolt from twenty-five yards that proved to be the winner. The final twenty minutes of the game, however, will not have impressed Bair, as his side let a three-goal lead slip to a brace from Djibril Drame and a strike from Fadil Abella. With Hunting Park having clawed the score back to 4-3, the final twenty minutes were nervy for Vidas, but they showed their mettle to walk away with the three points. The blast of the final whistle disappointed Hunting Park captain Andy Harpur, who felt like his team we constantly on the verge of finding the equalizer but eventually just ran out of time.

Recently demoted Vidas are putting together a good season and are staking an early claim for promotion. Seeing off one of their playoff rivals here does their case no harm. They will need to see off another team in the playoff berths, Cunningham Squires, this weekend to maintain their challenge. On paper, Hunting Park go on to an easier against bottom-half Philly Heritage SC, but, with Heritage underperforming to preseason expectations, Hunting Park will be aware that they opponents are desperate for a win and more than capable of an upset.

Hunting Park United: GOALS – Drame (2), Abdella – CARDS Drame (Y)

VIDAS FC: GOALS – Vilsaint, Ott, B. Bair, T Godbole – CARDS Ott (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Godbole: Vidas FC

FC Bobert Munich 3 – Sunbears FC 0

Forfeit by Sunbears.

Cunningham Squires FC 1 – Renob FC 0

Cunningham Squires (3-0-1) walked away from a bright morning in Bristol Township with three points against Renob FC (0-1-1) on Saturday morning. Having played few games yet this season, Renob entered the match as somewhat of an unknown quantity, although Segunda stalwarts will recall their defensive solidity, which has often provided the platform for a relentless three-man attack in past seasons. Squires are quite the opposite and have gained a reputation as gritty opponents capable of taking the chances the game presents.

Squires stayed true to their form in the opening fifteen minutes, controlling the play and creating chances through Carlos Ceron, a new signing this season. Renob, however, were not without chances of their own, their strike causing problems for a Squires backline more suited to defending mobile forwards than a large target man. The game changed with the introduction of Man of the Match Juan Elenter, who recently moved from Uruguay and is a new signing for the club. Squires captain Alex Robey praised his link up play after the match, marveling at the one-two passes that helped Squires advance up the field and create chances in the opponents’ third. Soon enough, that possession in advanced areas paid off when a bouncing ball fell to Elenter in the box, and he made no mistake by hammering it into the bottom right corner. At the close of the half, the advantage and the momentum belonged to the Squires.

The second half was tight and well contested. Both sides will have known that the next goal could prove crucial and came out of the gates with a renewed sense of purpose. Sadly, a potentially serious arm injury to Squires’ William Foster sapped the game of some of that energy. Two Squires players took him to the hospital for evaluation, which left the side without their all-time leading goalscorer, their goalkeeper, and a midfielder. Up for the challenge and keen to fill the void, towering center back Mike Murphy donned the gloves and kept a resurgent Renob at bay for the remainer of the game to hang for a 1-0 victory.

Having only played three games, it’s too early to say definitively that Renob are in trouble, even though they currently sit in the relegation spots. In a midweek game against Loose Cannons FC and a weekend matchup with Sunbears FC, they’ll look to get over a stuttering start to the season. Cunningham Squires, on the other hand, find themselves in the playoff spots and finally look like they could live up to the promise of the past couple of seasons. Four points behind their opponents but with a game in hand, they’ll hope to trouble the league leaders this weekend when they meet for possibly the first time in CASA history. 

Cunningham Squires FC: GOALS – Elenter – CARDS D’Agati (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Elenter: Cunningham Squires FC

Loose Cannons FC 0 – Statesmen FC 1

Loose Cannons FC (3-1) will walk away from this game frustrated that they were unable to turn their possession into goals and points against Statesmen FC (1-3). While the result may not have followed the form book, early patterns of play augured well for the Cannons, who controlled possession. They soon paid the price, however, for not turning that possession into shots on goal. Connor Eby’s vicious strike was parried by the Cannons goalkeeper into the path of Andrew Bull, who was able to put away the rebound with about twenty-five minutes on the clock. 

Cannons battled back after that and enjoyed most of the possession but just couldn’t get the breakthrough. Captain Ben Smith graciously praised the Statesmen goalkeeper after the game for pulling off some top-drawer saves against his team. In a performance that saw him labelled as one of the best in the division by Smith, Statesmen’s keeper will be grateful to his defenders for clearing a shot off the line. Cannons were also aggrieved to have two penalty shouts turned down by the referee, but Smith admitted that his side should have created more so as not to have to rely on calls going their way. After a nervy period, Statesmen captain Jackson Dunlap was pleased with how his side ended the game, holding possession and threatening the goal as Cannons played more high-risk passes in search of an equalizer. 

The result leaves both teams roughly in the top half of the table, with Loose Cannons currently occupying the final playoff spot. With a midweek game against Renob and a Saturday matchup with Sunbears, Cannons will be confident of holding onto that spot and perhaps rising higher. Statesmen will also harbor hopes of rising up the standings, but have tricky games against Bobert Munich and Santos FC in the next ten days. 

Loose Cannons FC: CARDS – Root (Y), Devero (Y), Au (Y)

Statesmen FC: GOALS – Bull – CARDS Gray-Cornelius (Y), Moncan (Y), Kelly (Y)MAN OF THE MATCH – Kelly: Statesmen FC

Bluestars FC 4 – Santos FC 1

As Bluestars FC (3-1-1) huddled in the middle of the field for a pre-match team talk, they couldn’t help but notice that the Santos (1-3-0) bench was empty aside from the coach and two players. With the match itself in question, Santos managed to get seven players onto the field in time for kick off. Given the disparity in numbers, the neutral would have expected Bluestars to take control of this game, but the boys in blue struggled in the opening exchanges against a team that sought to park the bus until reinforcements arrived. Bluestars’ case was not helped by some lethargic passing and looked guilty of complacency against their shorthanded opponents. After a slow start, however, Bluestars finally took the lead after ten minutes when Mo Cisse calmly turned in Anthony Khan’s cross at the back post. The intensity of the match increased as more Santos players arrived. Bluestars were nearly caught off guard by the attacks that Santos were suddenly able to mount, and the Blues have stand-in keeper Alex Demars to thank for keeping them in the game during these early exchanges. By the time Erikson Tuazama scored a second, Santos had eleven players on the field, but Bluestars entered the break with the commanding lead that one would expect of their numerical superiority. 

The second half began with a swift goal from Bluestars’ Julian Crowther, who lashed in a rebound after a clever ball through the lines by Anthony Khan had sent Mo Cisse through on goal. Santos soon replied when they won a free kick in a dangerous area in front of Bluestars’ box. Marvin Wright took advantage of a misplaced wall to strike the ball sweetly into the bottom right-hand corner and give Santos hope of the comeback. The rest of the game was shrouded in controversy, however, as Santos’ goalscorer went too far in appealing a decision by the referee and saw red for dissent. Santos were again aggrieved shortly after when a close offside call didn’t go their way, which allowed Bluestars’ Alan Bekima to unselfishly square the ball for Giorge Dalaperas to confirm a resounding win.

After a strong showing last season, in which they made the playoff final, Santos FC find themselves at the wrong end of the table and will need a full team from the start of the game if they are to turn things around against Loose Cannons this coming weekend. Bluestars face newly-promoted Football Club Burlington in the first matchup’s of the clubs’ history, as they seek to chase down Vidas for the automatic promotion spot and hold off the challenge of a Squires side with a game in hand.

Bluestars FC: GOALS – Cisse, Tuazama, Crowther, Dalaperas – CARDS Lander (Y)

Santos FC: GOALS – Wright – CARDS Benjamin (Y), Wight (R)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Cisse: Bluestars FC

Phila Heritage SC 1 – Football Club Burlington 1

It’s been a strange start to the season for Phila Heritage SC (2-2), who had to rearrange many early fixtures due to Unity Cup commitments and now face the challenge of integrating many new players in a short period of time. Football Club Burlington (1-3-0) have had their own struggles to start the season as the newly promoted side try get up to speed with the Segunda division.

In the late kickoff in Germantown, Heritage held the lead for seventy-five minutes only to see the points shared. No one can doubt that Heritage plays good possession football and their quality showed here in the early exchanges, as they moved the ball around well and had a few chances without creating anything definitive. Their goal came from a corner: Ryan Myers taking advantage of a windy day to find the net from a corner after sending send a ball to the back post. Was it deliberate? If he’s able to do it again next week, then we’ll know for sure! In the meantime, Heritage will look back on the promising performance of their defense, who restricted an athletic and relentless FCB side to few chances. In the end, however, that defense couldn’t help but give away a penalty in the seventy-fifth minute as FCB’s attacking pressure finally told. Nester duly converted the spot kick despite Heritage’s keeper Carlos Meinhard best efforts, having dived the right way and come very close to denying the taker. Both sides had late chances to win the game down the stretch, but poor finishing saw this one end as a draw.

Hertiage will have the chance midweek to pile on the misery for Santos FC before they take on Hunting Park in a tricky matchup at the weekend. Meanwhile, Burlington head to Gratz to take on Bluestars FC.

Phila Heritage SC: GOALS – Myers 

Football Club Burlington: GOALS – Nester – CARDS Marshall (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Myers: Phila Heritage SC

TERCERA

Cracovia 2 – Oaklyn United 3

Cracovia was looking to turn their season round after getting their first win in their last game but had a tough challenge ahead against Oaklyn United. United opened the scoring rally early with #7 Moore bagging his 4th goal of the season. Cracovia’s #10 Tylek tied the action from a corner kick midway through the first half, but United would go ahead again after a shot saved by Cracovia’s keeper fell to #3 Bucher who tapped it home. In the second half, it was Cracovia who managed a very early goal through #22 Koka, tying the game again and jumping onto the front foot. Oaklyn eventually found the lead after a long throw-in fell to the back post for #12 Hickman to score and give his team the three points. The win allows Oaklyn to remain second only one point behind leaders SJ Gentleman, a difference they will try to cut next week when they face Barenjager SC. As for Cracovia, the team remains in the relegation zone after the loss and will face Roy Kent FC in their next game, one that may be vital for them to win if they want to stay in Tercera. 

Cracovia: GOALS – Tylek, Koka – CARDS Blackburn (Y+Y=R) 

Oaklyn United: GOALS – Moore, Bücher, Hickman 

Brothers of the Gourd 0 – Bluestar Legends 4 

It was a one sided affair as Bluestars Legends put four past Brothers of the Gourd at the Marcus Foster Stadium. Bluestars got an early start and so did eventual man of the match Jaraad Hines, who opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the game and had his brace by the seventeenth minute mark. The Legends added two more in the second half, with Hines finishing off his hat-trick just after the second half started, while #20 Ebai joined him in the scoring in the eighty-sixth minute to put the icing on the cake. The result leaves Brothers of the Gourd still searching for their first win, which they hope to get against Liberty City next week to turn their season around after a tough schedule to start with. For Bluestars Legends, a mix of this victory and other results sees them jump into playoff spot, currently tied for third place with a number of other teams, one of them being Fishtown FC who they will place next week. 

Bluestars: GOALS – Hines (3), Ebai 

MAN OF THE MATCH – Hines: Bluestars Legends

SJ Gentlemen 1 – Berber United 0 

In what was probably the game of day, Berber United was looking to put some pressure to leaders SJ Gentleman—and possibly even leapfrog them with a win—while the Gentlemen were looking to remain at the top. It was a rough game with both teams aggressive in their attacking approach and, in the case of Berber, their defensive approach as well. SJ Gentleman opened the scoring in the thirty-seventh minute with a goal from #4 Michalec that would end up being the only goal of the game. Berber tried to push its lines forward, looking to get in behind the Gentlemen’s defense without much success, while the Gentleman looked to hold on to both their lead and their top spot in the league, which they did successfully for another week. The Gentlemen remain at the top with this win and now prepare to face Kensington SC Blue Bells. The loss sees Berber United fall to sixth although tied for fourth, a tie they will try to break next week when they face Washed Up United. 

SJ Gentlemen: GOALS – Michalec 

Berber United: CARDS — #7 (Y), #15 (Y), #16 (Y), #5 (Y), #6 (Y) 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Michalec: SJ Gentlemen

Washed Up United 3 – Barenjager SC 1

After three games without a win, Barenjager SC were looking to get one against a Washed Up United squad that is fighting among the top teams in the division. Washed Up United looked as fresh as they come, scoring right off the bat in the fifth minute with #5 Marino scoring for the second weekend in a row. The game went into the half with just one goal, which Washed Up United changed midway through the second half with two back-to-goals by #5 Marino and #15 Thomas. Barenjager SC got a consolation goal in the eighty-ninth minute, but it proved to be too little too late for them. The win sees Washed Up United remain tied in the second spot of the table and they prepare to face Berber United next week. As for Barenjager, this result has them closer to relation than to playoff and with three tough opponents coming up, starting with Berber United. 

Washed Up United: GOALS – Marino (2), Thomas

Barenjeger: GOALS – Prinz — CARDS Sumter (Y) 

MAN OF THE MATCH – Valdaner: Barenjeger SC

Fishtown FC 3 – Kensington SC Blue Bells 2

After three straight losses in a row Kensington SC Blue Bells came into this game looking to catch Fishtown FC sleeping, which they did when #5 Breslin opened the scoring just eight minutes into the game. It took a little bit of time but Fishtown grew into the game and showed why they were a playoff contender, scoring an equalizer through #11 Gulama and then jumping ahead with a goal from #2 Towers. During the second half #2 Towers completed his brace to give his team a comfortable lead. That second goal proved key when a mistake in Fishtown defense led to an own goal that could have cost them the win. Fishtown remains tied for fourth with a couple of other teams, among them their next rival, Bluestars Legends. As for Kensington SC, they will look to get point against league leaders SJ Gentleman. 

Fishtown FC: GOALS – Gualama, Towers (2) 

Kensington SC Blue Bells: GOALS – Breslin, OG 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Towers: Fishtown FC 

Roy Kent 2 – Liberty City FC 2

Two teams in the bottom of the standings were looking for a win after both suffered two straight losses against tough opposition. Liberty City took the lead around the thirtieth minute mark with a goal from Fabio Worrel. Roy Kent equalized on a set piece not long after and with not much time to go before halftime. The second half was very similar to the first as Liberty City jumped ahead one more time with a goal from Dalton Tanney around the sixtieth minute, but once more Roy Kent came back into it with a goal on a set piece with not much time to go before the end of the game, which would end up in a tie. Both teams are looking now to matches against competition in the bottom of the table in a couple of games that may be instrumental to deciding who is relegated this season. Roy Kent FC will face Cracovia, while Liberty City faces Brothers of the Gourd.

Quarto

FC Delta 2 – Dead Ball SC 2 

Two of the best offenses in the league met at Abraham Lincoln High School and the game would not disappoint. Both teams came out trying to play good offensive soccer as has been their patterns thus far but it was Dead Ball that got the party started with #2 Dawoad finding the back of the net in the twentieth minute. Delta responded through Panlon just before the end of the first half to tie the action. The second half was no different, both teams played a clean game while trying to go forward. This time it was Delta who scored first with #18 Nguyen in the sixty-second minute. It was time for Dead Ball to respond and respond they did with a goal from #17 Bar with twenty minutes to go. Neither team was able to find the back of the net again and the game ended in a tie that does not help either team in the standings. Dead Ball will look to gain some separation in the race for the playoffs in their next match against Club Sandwich, who are currently last place of the standings. The tie leaves Delta closer to relegation than playoff, which they will look to reverse when they face Sporting Philladelphia FC in their next match.

FC Delta: GOALS – Panlon, Nguyen 

Dead Ball SC: GOALS – Dawoad, Bar 

MAN OF THE MATCH – Nas Issabre: FC Delta

Leaders FC 2 – FC Sköge 3 

FC Sköge was looking to continue their chase of the first place in the standings, this time facing a Leaders FC team that had not lost in their last three games. The first half was of complete dominance for FC Sköge, they took the lead in the fifth minute of the game with a goal from a guest player, then extended it a few minute later through #8 Molina, who got his brace before the half to send his team into halftime with a three goal lead. The second half was a completely different story as Leaders FC pushed forward and FC Sköge seemed to take their foot of the gas. Leaders got a goal early through #15 Sandeojo and then midway through the second were able to get within one with a goal, after a strike from #13 Elhassan. Sköge tightened up their defense from there and were able to hold off to the score to secure the three points. The result halts Leaders good run, but they will look to get back into it when they face Box to Box FC next week. As for FC Sköge they remain second but have two very tough games coming up when they face Vidas FC and then leaders FC Neman. 

Leaders FC: GOALS – Sandeojo, Elhassan 

FC Sköge: GOALS — Guest Player, Molina (2) 

MAN OF THE MATCH: Molina: FC Sköge

Rebels 0 – Club Sandwich 0 

Both teams came into this game in need of points although for different reasons. Club Sandwich needed to get out of the bottom of the standings, while Rebels was looking to keep up with the cluster of teams currently fighting for a playoff spot. It was a well contested game and clean game, as both teams looked to get the much-needed win. The teams were very even all around and went into halftime without goals. The second half was very similar as neither team was able to establish their dominance and in the end two solid defenses did not commit any mistakes and left the in a goalless draw. The tie does not help either team as Club Sandwich remains last in the standings, while Rebels is currently outside of playoff spots. Rebels will face Philly Falcons in their next match and will hope to cut the distance between them, while Club Sandwich will have a tough outing when they face Dead Ball SC. 

Vidas FC 1 – Philly Falcons 2

In our rivalry match of the week in support of Red Card Cancer we had two teams looking to bounce back after negative results to stay in the heart of the playoff race. Philly Falcons looked like the better team to start the game, and they made it count around the twenty-first minute with a goal from #9 Murray. After the first goal the Falcons would not let go of control of the game and added a second goal before the half, this time through #27 Cunningham. The second half was more contested as Vidas FC tightened up their game and started to have better spells, one of which paid off around the sixty-ninth minute mark and saw them find a goal through #13 Kapkanov to put them back in the game. The last twenty minutes were hard fought but very even, which allowed the Falcons to hold up to their lead and get the three points. The result is great for the Falcons as it keeps them in a playoff spot while still having a game in hand. For Vidas FC, it’s the second loss in a row and now they have to prepare to face a tough FC Sköge that sits currently at 2nd on the table. 

Vidas FC: GOALS – Kapkanov  

Philly Falcons: GOALS – Murray, Cunningham

FC Neman 1 – Box to Box FC 0

These two teams were in very different form: still undefeated FC Neman came as first in the standings to face Box to Box FC who are second to last. The game was more contested than the standings might have suggest, but FC Neman still managed to look like the slightly better team. FC Neman opened the scoring in the twenty-eighth minute with a goal from #8 Fabrika. FC Neman had control of the game from there on and enjoyed a couple more chances but could not capitalize, which allowed Box to Box FC to give them a few scares in the second half. Box to Box will face Leaders FC in a game that may have direct implications for the relegation battle. FC Neman meanwhile remain undefeated in first place, but with face tough challenges in their next three games, starting off with the undefeated Philly Skyliners. 

FC Neman: GOALS – Fabrika 

MAN OF THE MATCH – Fabrika: FC Neman 

Sporting Philly FC 3 – Philly Skyliners FC 3

After getting their first win of the season, Sporting Philadelphia FC was looking to add some more points as they face one of the two undefeated teams in the division, Philly Skyliners. The Skyliners got on the scoreboard first with a goal from #8 Hennessey, but Sporting Philly responded rather quickly to tie the game up through #7 Saad. Roles were reversed later in the half as it was Sporting Philly who jumped ahead just to see their lead vanish right before the halftime whistle. Both teams tried to look for a tie-braker in the second half, and Sporting Philly seemed to have it int he seventy-eigth minute when #17 Yahya got his brace. But in a very even game, it took only one minute for #19 Sullivan to get his brace for Skyliners and give his team a point while keeping them undefeated. Despite losing the lead late in the game, it’s not a bad result for Sporting Philly, who have got four points in their last two games despite starting the season with four straight losses. They will try to keep this form next week when they face FC Delta. As for Skyliners, they keep their undefeated status—at least until they meet the other undefeated team of the division FC Neman in their next match, on what may be the game to look out for next week. 

Sporting Philly FC: GOALS – Saad, Yahya (2) – CARDS Muhamad (Y), Jamir (Y)

Philly Skyliners FC: GOALS – Hennessey, Sullivan (2) – CARDS McIntrye (Y), Amoako (Y)

QUINTO

Mark Wahlberg’s Cousins – FC 1 Devon SC 1 

After a trio of wins to start their season, Mark Wahlbergs Cousins FC battled it out with Devon SC, who already have a trio of losses to their record. The game was shaping up to a 0-0 draw, as the teams held each other scoreless heading into the final 10 minutes, when #7 Berg from MWC finally find the back of the net with what he believed was a game winner and celebrated as such. With another loss creeping up, Devon SC pressed hard for the final five minutes and found the equalizer in extra time with a Man of the Match worthy goal from #6 S. Switch. The draw keeps MWC locked in third place in the standings, but a win would have put them ahead of the Mighty Ducks and into second place. The draw thus seems more like a loss for MWC and more like a win for Devon SC, who got to play spoiler to MWC. Devon SC shouldn’t celebrate too much, though, because the result still keeps them dangerously close to the relegation zone. When pressed about his team’s inability to close out the game and get the win, team captain Abel Flores said “if God wanted games to end in a tie, she wouldn’t have invented numbers.” Wise words from the captain of MWC who really left it all out there today, including two points. 

Mark Wahlberg’s Cousins: GOALS – Berg – CARDS Buckettz (Y)

Devon SC: GOALS – Switch — CARDS Switch (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH: Switch: Devon SC

Grapes FC 3 – Washington Square SC 2 

It was a blustery and chilly start of the day for both Grapes FC and Washington Square SC, who took turns playing with the wind to their backs. Grapes would jump out to a 2-0 lead with goals coming from #7 K. Doorley. Kyle would be calm and collected at the PK spot to convert his first goal and his overall performance earned in Man of the Match as WSSC found it nearly impossible to mark him. WSSC would earn a PK of their own in the seoncd half and would get the tying goal when a lofted pass flew over the center backs of Grapes FC, for #99 Reyton to win his one-on-one battle with Grapes’ keeper. Redemption for Grapes FC was not far away as they would counter WSSC in the midfield and, even while having to contend with dribbling into the wind, managed to disrupt the backline of WSSC to earn a free kick. That ball would find its way into the net after a great put back by #12 Pokrywka, who never gave up on the play and sealed the victory for his team after a great initial save from WSSC’s keeper.

Grapes FC: #GOALS – Doorley (2), Pokrywka – CARDS Guerin (Y)

Washington Square SC: GOALS – Savege, Reyton – CARDS Carroll (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Doorley: Grapes FC

Oaklyn United Pride 2 – Honey Badgers FC 1 

With their eyes on the promotional playoffs, both Honey Badgers FC and Oaklyn United Pride looked to get a result in their week six match up. With Oaklyn just ahead of Honey Badgers in the standings and with a game in hand, they looked to finish off the Badgers who were playing without one of their most productive offensive starters, #17 Hunter Martinez due to a recent red card. With Honey Badgers unable to produce any real chances, Oaklyn took advantage of theirs and put two away at the start of the second half. The badgers to spoil the clean sheet for Oaklyn with a late consolation goal, but it wasn’t enough to overcome #99 Amari’s goal and his Man of the Match performance that would result in his teams 2-1 victory. The slumping Badgers hope to turn it around next week. 

Oaklyn United Pride: GOALS – Feldman (2), Amari 

Honey Badgers FC: McCullough 

MAN OF THE MATCH – Amari: Oaklyn United Pride

Inter Phila 3 – Mighty Ducks 2 

Winless in their past two matches, Inter Phila knew that had to either take a lot of shots to score a lot of goals or hope to their goalie was ready to make a lot of saves to have a chance against the unbeated Ducks. Both teams would trade goals early on, with Inter taking a 2-1 lead into the end of the first half. Ducks’ forwards and midfielders would test the keeper of Inter with shots from within the 18’ and as far out as 35 yards. Yet, long range screamers and short range grass cutters were unable to make it past Inter goalie and Man of the Match #0 Formanuyk. The Ducks would sneak one by though near the end of the second half to bring the game level at two a piece, but Inter were determined to get the result for their keeper who had double digit saves for them. They were able to fight back the constant press from the Ducks and score a beauty of a game winner with less than five minutes to spare. The result gives Inter a much-needed boost in their confidence and is a gut check to the Ducks, who have only one win against a team with a winning record so far this season. 

Inter Phila: GOALS – Toma, Dreilich, Pollock – CARDS Toma (Y)

Mighty Ducks: GOALS – Pristash, Dooley – CARDS Harry (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Formanuyk: Inter Phila

La juve 4 – Still Processing FC 0 

La juve came into their match against Still Processing FC still reeling from last week’s surprise draw against the Mighty Ducks. Having played so well against one the Quinto’s best teams, La juve played their week six match with a confidence that was lacking in the early part of the season. With another outstanding performance from #5 Javier, La juve played a dominant game against Still Processing, a team that has yet to find their footing. Relying solely on individual performances, Still Processing failed to find a game plan to stop a Le juve team who now feel like they can beat any team on any given day. Neither of these two teams have a record to brag about but La juve still have a chance to make a late playoff push.

La juve: GOALS – Padilla, Javier (2), Estrada

MAN OF THE MATCH: Javier: La juve

Aston Phila FC 5 – Rapid Daybreak 0 

Another week brings another win to the undefeated Aston Phila FC, who had no problem in their week six match against a struggling Rapid Daybreak FC, who have yet to find the back of the net. Aston Phila has allowed only four goals this season so far, so it was to no one’ss surprise that Rapid Daybreak would struggle to find that elusive first goal against a team playing as well as Aston Phila is at the moment. Aston kept the pressure on Rapid on their way to their sixth straight win of the season. Rapid Daybreak FC appear to be in a rebuilding phase and are doing their best with what they have and will continue to work towards getting their first goal of the season. 

Aston Phila FC: GOALS – Dempsey, Reber, Blair, Evans, Bryson – CARDS Evans (Y), Blair (Y), Reber (Y)

Rapid Daybreak: CARDS – Arroyo (Y), #29 (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Dempsey: Aston Phila FC

SEXTO

Dyslexia Untied 1 – UCFC 5 

After being held to a 0-0 draw last week, UCFC had a more offensive game plan in mind for their match against Dyslexia Untied. Given the fact that Dyslexia has a tendency to give up a lot of goal, especially in the first half, UCFC came out aggressive and really dominated the first fifteen minutes of the match. Having to play on their heels almost right away, Dyslexia looked confused and didn’t handle the press of UCFC, which accounted for a lot of lost possession and quality chances for UCFC. Clearly overwhelmed, Dyslexia fell back to a more defensive formation but could do very little to stop the offense of UCFC, who have now scored thirteen goals in the past three weeks while the defense has only allowed two goals in that span. The win for UCFC keeps them ahead of Boys Do Cry in the standings to occupy the last playoff spot mid-way through the season, and within three points of second place overall in a tightly contested Sexto division.

Dyslexia Untied: GOALS – Shepard (2), Farley (2), Norris 

UCFC: GOALS – Sheppard

MAN OF THE MATCH: Farley: Dyslexia Untied 

Philadelphia Strikers 1 – Boys Do Cry FC 5 

Hoping to bounce back after suffering a loss in the final moments of their match last week, Boys Do Cry were tear free against the still winless Philadelphia Strikers, who, with the exception of spoiling the Boys chances of a shutout, had little to no impact in their against a much stronger team. Clinical finishing and great passing from Man of the Match #12 Roche allowed his teammates to run into space and create multiple chances. Had it not been for a stellar outing from their goalie, the Strikers could have seen a score line closer to 8-1 or 9-1. The Boys get a much-needed win as they try to gain ground in the standings to make a midseason push for the promotional playoffs. 

Philadelphia Strikers: GOALS – Muldoon  

Boys Do Cry FC: Roche, M. Allam, A. Allam, Dugan, Dgibrile

MAN OF THE MATCH – Roche: Boys Do Cry FC

Rapid Nightfall 2 – FC BTC 2 

Both Rapid and FC BTC have had their share of success this season. Rapid was unbeaten heading into the match and FC BTC only had one loss and just came off a significant 4-3 win last week. FC BTC were caught ball watching a a restart found #10 wide open for the opening goal, just minutes into the first half. FC BTC would respond with a goal of their own just before the half hour mark as the first half ended 1-1. A battle for midfield possession would unfold in the second half with both teams creating chances but coming up just short. A couple of poor giveaways would lead to a go ahead goal for Rapid, only to have their lead nullified just minutes later as FC BTC spoiled Rapids chance for their first win in nearly month. With the majority of FC BTC’s chances ruined by the impressive play of Rapid Nightfall midfielder #25 Schwartz, Rapid walked away with another draw and remain unbeaten. But a record full of draws won’t get you promoted, so they will need to work on putting the game away and not allow as many come backs as they have this season.

Rapid Nightfall: GOALS – Baxevane, Zabula

FC BTC: GOALS – Schultz , Fitzgerald 

MAN OF THE MATCH – Schwartz: Rapid Nightfall

Green Street Hooligans 1 – Philly Athletic Club 1 

A battle of 1st and 2nd place teams saw very little in the terms of goals but a lot in the terms of on-field action. Current division leading Philly Athletic Club played fast with a lot of quick one-two passes that caused fits for the Hooligans defense in the first half. Veteran center back #31 P. Egleston got this back line under control after allowing a first half goal off a well-placed corner and saw his defense play much better with his adjustments. With Philly unable to run through the midfield, Philly AC played more compact which led to a lot of 50/50 balls and a lot of fouls. With four yellows handed out, all against Philly AC, due to their overly aggressive tactics, the Hooligans controlled most the game and possession in the second half. Althought the Hooligans’ ability to slow the game down allowed for a lot of chances in the final third, it would take until the very end to put one in the back of the net. Also scoring by way of a corner with just minutes to spare, Green Street avoid suffering their second loss of the season. Philly AC remain unbeaten on the season albeit this result feels more like a loss to Philly then a draw. 

Green Street Hooligans: GOALS – Hunter – CARDS 

Philly Athletic Club: GOALS – Rubin – CARDS Moussa (Y), Bryan (Y), Jamie (Y), Baccallo (Y)

MAN OF THE MATCH – Hunter: Green Street Hooligans

Kensington SC BIG C.A.T.S 0 – Telle Bouche FC 1 

Winless since week two, Telle Bouche FC needed a little help from mother nature as they played the winless Kensington SC in periods of heavy rain, which made both teams struggle with the basics. Telle Bouche FC did manage to get one in just before the heavy rain started. With the rain causing the game to be played at snail pace, Telle Bouche FC did their best to defend against a Kensington team who only seemed to want to play long balls from their half, which made for easy defending for Telle Bouche FC. A solid team effort from Telle Bouche FC and another poor performance from Kensington locks up a much-needed win Telle Bouche FC, a team looking to move back up to Quinto after flaming out after just one season. Kensington SC will need Jim Breslin to work his magic and get a formation together to at least snag them their first goal of the season. 

Telle Bouche FC: GOALS – Kotarsk

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kotarsk: Telle Bouche FC

Bench Mob FC 2 – SoB Athletic 2 

Having only one goal scored so far this season, S.O.B Athletic fell behind early in their match against Bench Mob FCm who have only averaged one goal per game this season. The fighting S.O.B’s would get an equalizer that would keep the game level at 1-1, until Bench Mob put together an impressive string of passes that started in their half to put them up 2-1 late in the second half. Winless so far this season, S.O.B Athletic fought hard and played spoiler to Bench Mobs’ hope for a victory as their #11 Greghead grabbed the game-tying goal for the S.O.B’s to walk away with their first points on the season. 

Bench Mob FC: GOALS – K. Willmont, S. WIllmont

SoB Athletic: GOALS – Stillwell, Greghead

MAN OF THE MATCH – Stillwell: SoB Athletic