An epic comeback vs Tulsa Athletic sends FC Motown back to NJ to host the NPSL National Championship
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Changing work shifts and schedules, multiple flights, and booking rental cars are all part of NPSL post-season play. Motown’s GM Greg Irwin successfully masterminded a way to get 17 players plus staff along with kit and gear to Tulsa Oklahoma, from New Jersey for this weekend's NPSL National semi-final. Tulsa Athletic v FC Motown kicked off at 8:30pm (EST) in Broken Arrow Oklahoma, Union High School Varsity Complex.
The away club FC Motown’s lineup was led by captain Danny Cordeiro, followed by Greczek, Pompe, Achterkamp, Voltaire, Perez, Cordeiro, Peterson, Holland, Catania, Diene, Assane. A humid night on the pitch had an effect on the energy of the game early. Both teams rolled into the half tied at 0-0. Both coaches knew the game was there to be won with the teams evenly matched.
Head Coach of Motown Gideon Baah, was forced into a half time change when ever-present and consistent center back Huib (Herm) Achterkamp had to go off due to injury. Brian Paredes replaced him at the half. Early in the 2nd half (47th minute) Tulsa took the lead. Forward Reed Berry pulled down a precision pass in Motown’s 18 and slotted home in front of a large Tulsa Athletic crowd. Motown pushed but could not get one back, so coach Baah went to the bench for reinforcements as he has done all season. Over a 15-20 minute period, Delve, Criollo, Hackett and Rodriguez entered the game.
The experienced Hackett slipped into the back line and nullified a very dangerous Reed Berry. Delve started getting wide players involved in plays with his passing. Criollo and Hernandez began chipping away at Tulsa's back line allowing Motown to press for a goal of their own. That goal would come in the 84th minute. Winger Coby Handy Jean Rodriguez picked up a loose ball, cut in and fired one onto the bottom corner to tie the game at 1-1.
Motown had momentum and found an extra spark pushing for the game-winner.
Four minutes after goal 1, Delve sprung Catania on a counter-attack. His cross was blocked but picked up by Joe Holland, who took one touch into the box and buried the ball into the back of the net with his left foot to give Motown a 2-1 lead late in the game. The opposing club battled through added time to clinch a place in the NPSL National final for the first time since their memorable final match-up at home, versus Miami in 2018.
Co-owner Dan Karosen had this to say after Motown stunned Tulas Athletic late in the match “It was an incredible comeback where the guys dug deep. It would have been easy to pack it in on tired legs playing in stifling heat, but this group is special and didn’t want their season to end. Coach Baah and his staff made brilliant subs who changed the game and have us playing for glory at home next week”.
Dan could not make the trip due to work commitments, but like many others tuned in on the Eleven Sports stream (the game recorded over 3,000 views).
Early in the season the team and ownership dedicated the NPSL season to the memory of team-mate Sainclair Tueno. #ST23 - fight the fight.
FC Motown will host the National Final next weekend Saturday August 6th in NJ against Crossfire Redmond from Seattle. Tickets, time, location and all information will be available soon. Follow our social media for updates and opportunities to be a part of this National Final. The guys need your support and we want to have the stands full! Please come out next Saturday and cheer on FC Motown in the NPSL National Championship!