AFC Ann Arbor's second regular season match of the season did not turn out the way they had hoped as they were eliminated in the first round of the U.S. Open by the Ocean City Nor'Easters by a score of 3-0. However, the exciting night (AFC's first home Open match) still had several positives to be taken away from.
What Happened:
An early goal greatly helped the Ocean City cause as in the tenth minute, on a dead-ball scenario, former Manchester City youth player Deri Corfe sent a ball in that found Williams N'Dah's head. At the ten minute mark, Ocean City snagged their first goal and set them up for the rest of the evening. They found a second in the 27th as Matteo Bennati made a phenomenal run down the right flank getting past the high line of AFC and played a centering pass to Simone Raioli to make in 2-0 within the first half hour. Kyle Breitmeyer had an excellent chance too this half, getting a low pass from Marc Ybarra but hitting it just over the bar. Regardless, the Mighty Oak had found a good bit of play in the final ten to fifteen minutes or so of the first half.
The second half saw a third goal as Deri Corfe set up another goal, this time sliding through Fredinho who'd done well to slip between the Ann Arbor center-backs to make it 3-0. Ocean City, however, had multiple close-calls. Just two minutes later, in the 54th, there was a miscommunication between the Ocean City keeper and defense and Kyle Breitmeyer's pressure resulted in a forced goal-line clearance that was a tight call for the sideline referee. Later in the game, AFC also had a penalty shout when Marc Ybarra was brought down in the box that was waved off by the referee. There were also a pair of well-positioned free kicks just outside the box, however ultimately Ann Arbor were held off the scoreboard and the Nor'Easters saw off the game with the final score of 3-0.
How Did This Happen:
Ann Arbor were truly unlucky to be held off the scoresheet. They had multiple chances, including two (no goal and penalty shout) that came down to the referee's judgment. This, however, cannot be used as an excuse. The squad showed good talent but need some additional time to get on the same page. Bennati played extremely well for Ocean City and the winger's pace highlighted the Ann Arbor need to recognize and deal with a man of that pace. Joseph Okumu had his hands full with him and while strong and quick for his size, Bennati was just half a step quicker on the perfect long ball that led to the second goal. This is no fault of his, but rather a highlight of the attacking quality Ocean City had as well. Bennati was consistently impressive and Corfe's delivery was stellar at times. Ann Arbor will likely not face too many better attacks, so dealing with a team of their caliber as they head into a weekend NPSL match is an outstanding tune-up.
In the attack, no one will argue with the quality of Ann Arbor. Okumu recognized great awareness in finding JP Rylah free on the left flank multiple times and Rylah exploited this room given to him with a very nice shot in the 58th that had to be parried away. Additionally, Yuri Farkas and Kyle Breitmeyer on the pitch at the same time provides two more creative outlets. Farkas played a more central role but you can also swap he and Breitmeyer a bit interchangeably if you are manager Eric Rudland. This is an important game for tactics, it's key to figure out what works and what doesn't before you get into the meat of the NPSL season. Also, it's important to highlight how Marc Ybarra has played outstandingly in these first two regular season matches. Ybarra has the quality to blend into the attack but also help back in defense. If we're making comparisons, I see a Gini Wijnaldum sort of player in the University of Michigan midfielder.
Final Thoughts:
The result is disappointing, but perspective is of course important as well. The additional game and strong competition early in the season will be key if AFC Ann Arbor is to make another run in the NPSL playoffs or win their division. The potential and quality is there and I think with a bit more luck and fine-tuning and concentration, you will see a very high-quality team all throughout the season. On-deck for the Mighty Oak is a match on this Sunday on (American) Mother's Day against Detroit City F.C. This is the NPSL home opener and what should be a great test for both teams, especially this early on in the season.
Follow me on Twitter: @RMABTweets. I would love to interact with you about any of the sports I cover and blog about!
What Happened:
An early goal greatly helped the Ocean City cause as in the tenth minute, on a dead-ball scenario, former Manchester City youth player Deri Corfe sent a ball in that found Williams N'Dah's head. At the ten minute mark, Ocean City snagged their first goal and set them up for the rest of the evening. They found a second in the 27th as Matteo Bennati made a phenomenal run down the right flank getting past the high line of AFC and played a centering pass to Simone Raioli to make in 2-0 within the first half hour. Kyle Breitmeyer had an excellent chance too this half, getting a low pass from Marc Ybarra but hitting it just over the bar. Regardless, the Mighty Oak had found a good bit of play in the final ten to fifteen minutes or so of the first half.
The second half saw a third goal as Deri Corfe set up another goal, this time sliding through Fredinho who'd done well to slip between the Ann Arbor center-backs to make it 3-0. Ocean City, however, had multiple close-calls. Just two minutes later, in the 54th, there was a miscommunication between the Ocean City keeper and defense and Kyle Breitmeyer's pressure resulted in a forced goal-line clearance that was a tight call for the sideline referee. Later in the game, AFC also had a penalty shout when Marc Ybarra was brought down in the box that was waved off by the referee. There were also a pair of well-positioned free kicks just outside the box, however ultimately Ann Arbor were held off the scoreboard and the Nor'Easters saw off the game with the final score of 3-0.
How Did This Happen:
Ann Arbor were truly unlucky to be held off the scoresheet. They had multiple chances, including two (no goal and penalty shout) that came down to the referee's judgment. This, however, cannot be used as an excuse. The squad showed good talent but need some additional time to get on the same page. Bennati played extremely well for Ocean City and the winger's pace highlighted the Ann Arbor need to recognize and deal with a man of that pace. Joseph Okumu had his hands full with him and while strong and quick for his size, Bennati was just half a step quicker on the perfect long ball that led to the second goal. This is no fault of his, but rather a highlight of the attacking quality Ocean City had as well. Bennati was consistently impressive and Corfe's delivery was stellar at times. Ann Arbor will likely not face too many better attacks, so dealing with a team of their caliber as they head into a weekend NPSL match is an outstanding tune-up.
In the attack, no one will argue with the quality of Ann Arbor. Okumu recognized great awareness in finding JP Rylah free on the left flank multiple times and Rylah exploited this room given to him with a very nice shot in the 58th that had to be parried away. Additionally, Yuri Farkas and Kyle Breitmeyer on the pitch at the same time provides two more creative outlets. Farkas played a more central role but you can also swap he and Breitmeyer a bit interchangeably if you are manager Eric Rudland. This is an important game for tactics, it's key to figure out what works and what doesn't before you get into the meat of the NPSL season. Also, it's important to highlight how Marc Ybarra has played outstandingly in these first two regular season matches. Ybarra has the quality to blend into the attack but also help back in defense. If we're making comparisons, I see a Gini Wijnaldum sort of player in the University of Michigan midfielder.
Final Thoughts:
The result is disappointing, but perspective is of course important as well. The additional game and strong competition early in the season will be key if AFC Ann Arbor is to make another run in the NPSL playoffs or win their division. The potential and quality is there and I think with a bit more luck and fine-tuning and concentration, you will see a very high-quality team all throughout the season. On-deck for the Mighty Oak is a match on this Sunday on (American) Mother's Day against Detroit City F.C. This is the NPSL home opener and what should be a great test for both teams, especially this early on in the season.
Follow me on Twitter: @RMABTweets. I would love to interact with you about any of the sports I cover and blog about!
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