USL2: FC Motown STA drops home opener, 2-0 vs Manhattan SC
USL2: FC Motown earns a point on the road, with 1-1 draw vs Cedar Stars
May 23, 2022
USL2: FC Motown STA wins first USL2 match vs Hudson Valley, 2-1
May 31, 2022
Summer weather, a few hundred fans in the stands, a near perfect evening for a season home opener.
Motown/STA faced Manhattan SC in front of a lively home crowd consisting of families from STA’s many youth teams. Over 60 youth players were dotted around the stadium acting as ball players and fans watching their senior team along with the many talented players on both squads.
The action started quickly, two minutes into the game a shot on frame was blocked by Motown/STA defender Jack Kelesoglu, and the referee quickly adjudged it to be a deliberate handball and a PK to Manhattan. Unfortunately, there is no VAR at Ranger Stadium on the beautiful campus of Drew University. Manhattans Diego Batista took the penalty kick and scored in the ‘3, to take an early 1-0 lead
Motown/STA were rattled for a few minutes after the early goal but quickly settled into the game led by composed captain Dom De Almedia. Motown’s possession started to take effect, creating some chances of their own. Josiah Crawford’s cross was met at the back post by a late arriving Will Stroud, who's effort heroically kept out of the net by a flying Alexander Sutton to keep Manhattan in the lead. Motown/STA made two changes at the half; one of those subs, Zach Riviere made an instant impact connecting out of the midfield with Peter Stroud and Ben Assane Fall to get some looks on the Manhattan goal .In the ‘52 minute, Eric Lagos headed in a beautiful cross from the right side and snuck it right past FC Motown/STA goalie, Konstantin Weis. This put Manhattan up 2-0.
The home team introduced some attacking reinforcements to try and mount a comeback. In came Rene White, Micah Garnette, Lucas Ross and Aidan Dunphy. It was half time sub Zach Riviere who then danced past 4 players before firing a low shot toward the bottom corner, but once again Sutton flew across his goal to make the save. Motown/STA played well for large parts of the game with some good possession in key areas, but on the night, the Manhattan GK had an outstanding game. Alexander Sutton kept the Motown offense off the scoreboard, by recording 10 saves, three of which were fantastic.
Head Coach Tom Shields commented, saying this after the game “Tonight’s game was a special occasion for our STA family. Having the chance to be part of USL2 is something that we are incredibly proud of, and we are grateful to our partners FC Motown for providing this opportunity for our membership. You look at the smiles on the faces of the young boys at the end of tonight, hunting for autographs and having pictures with our guys, that’s exactly what we hoped to build. Something that can inspire them and help strengthen their love of the game. Sadly, the result was obviously not what we wanted and I’m gutted that we couldn’t give our home fans a goal let alone a W to thank them for their incredible support. Sometimes, you have to acknowledge the quality of the opposition, I thought that Manhattan were a very good outfit, and that their goalkeeper was the standout guy on the field tonight, so credit to them. We will regroup and go again on Saturday and believe we will earn the result some of our recent attacking play deserves and look forward to seeing some of these faces back in the stands again”.
Our next USL2 home game is this Saturday, May 28th. We had a regular season high attendance for last night's game. The players and coaches appreciate the support! Come out to Drew University’s Ranger Stadium at 7:30pm to watch Hudson Valley take on FC Motown STA. We hope to see you there! Children under 16 are free, $10 for all others. Tickets are on sale at the gate but recommended to purchase in advance https://tickets.uslleaguetwo.com/users/62377705/events