Category: GCPL 2017 Summer Season

Know Your Enemy: The Louisiana Fire

AFC Mobile will take on the Louisiana Fire at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex this Saturday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. This will be the second meeting between the two clubs this season. Two goals in the final minutes of the first match saw the Fire snatch three points from AFC Mobile on May 20th at Lions Field in Kenner, Louisiana.

The Fire are sitting on six points in the league table, which puts them at 5th place in the Gulf Coast Premier League Eastern Conference. The Fire opened the season with a 3-2 loss to Gaffa FC, then notched their first win of the season against AFC Mobile in the second week of the season. The Fire grabbed three more points the following weekend with a 1-0 win against Biloxi City FC.

Two late goals saw AFC Mobile come up just short against the Louisiana Fire on 5/20. (Photo – John Clark)

Heading into this weekend’s contest, the Fire are on a three-game losing streak. After a thrilling 4-3 loss to the Gulf Coast Texans, a 4-2 loss to CD Motagua of New Orleans, and another 3-2 loss to Gaffa FC, the Fire are coming into Mobile hungry for another win.

AFC Mobile is coming off a tightly contested 2-2 draw with the Gulf Coast Texans. The Azaleas will be looking to avenge their 2-1 loss to the Fire early in the season and get the club’s first ever win.

This Saturday’s game is also Teacher Appreciation Night! All school employees with a valid school ID will be admitted free of charge. As always, kids 12 and under are admitted free. General admission tickets are only $5. Kickoff against the Louisiana Fire will be Saturday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex off Michael Boulevard near Airport and I-65. Come support your local grassroots soccer team and join us in honoring our educators!

(Photo: Michael Shartava/AFC Mobile)

AFC Mobile’s Man of the Match: Biloxi City FC’s Fred Riley

Biloxi City FC’s Fred Riley (24) after stopping a first half challenge by AFC Mobile’s Chisom Ogbonna (4). (Photo: Carissa Harrison/Facebook)

We’re doing something a little different for this week’s Man of the Match award. Instead of letting the fans decide which one of our players had the best game on Saturday, we’re giving the award to Biloxi City’s Fred Riley.

Riley suffered a broken leg after a nasty collision with his own goalkeeper.  He underwent surgery in Mobile Monday morning and is doing well.

Riley was born in Gulfport. He comes from a military family and spent much of his childhood traveling. He joined the Marine Corps and played soccer for the All-Marine team while enlisted. After leaving the Marines, Riley moved to Biloxi. Riley said Biloxi has a fantastic soccer scene with great youth clubs and a feisty adult league.

Despite the injury, Riley praised the Mobile fans for the support they have shown him and the atmosphere they created.

“Mobile was complete pandemonium,” Riley said. “Your fans make it impossible to hear yourself think! Great soccer atmosphere. I’ll make it a point to be at the return fixture!”

Riley also wanted to give a special shout-out to Roman Carnley, the Mobile United player he walked out onto the pitch with before the match. Thanks for being a fan!

AFC Mobile will take on Biloxi City FC on July 15th, the last match day of the regular season. We can’t wait to see you there, Fred!

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AFC Mobile will travel to Pensacola to take on the Gulf Coast Texans next Saturday, June 17th. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Ashton Brosnaham Park. AFC Mobile fans are encouraged to make the short journey to the Pelican City to support the visiting team.  AFC Mobile will return home to the Lip for three consecutive weekends beginning Saturday, June 24th, against the Louisiana Fire. Tickets are only $5 and kids 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Follow us on Facebook for more information.

Late Goal Sinks AFC Mobile In 2-1 Loss to Biloxi City FC

MOBILE, ALABAMA – Another record-breaking crowd filled the west stands of The Lip Saturday night, but AFC Mobile was sunk by a screamer of a goal late into stoppage time, falling 2-1 to Biloxi City FC in the first edition of the Forgotten Coast Cup. The official attendance was 924.

“I believe fully the guys did everything they could to try and win the game, to make the fans happy,” said AFC Mobile captain Martin Fiemawhle. “We just have to work on defending… stay positive. We have next week. We’ll bounce back.”

The first half was a fairly even affair with both sides unable to capitalize on their chances. Six minutes into the game, Amos Ndikumana sent a shot across the face of the goal that was easily collected by Biloxi City keeper Brian Hammons. A minute later, Nate Gillespie slotted a ball through to Chisom Ogbonna, whose shot dragged just to the left of goal.

A record-breaking crowd of 924 was on hand to see AFC Mobile fall 2-1 to Biloxi City FC on Saturday night. (AFC Mobile/Seth Laubinger)

Biloxi struck back in the 14th minute with a shot by Romar Smith. Smith’s effort was parried into the air then collected by AFC Mobile goalkeeper Brent Grube. AFC Mobile came close to scoring when Sherman Winchester rocketed a long range effort from outside the box that ultimately floated outside the right post.

In the 34th minute, Biloxi’s Atem Kuot was shown a red card for violent conduct after pushing Mobile’s Nathan Gillespie off the ball, and Biloxi was down to 10 men. Ogbonna had another effort saved in the 39th minute. Late into first half stoppage time, Greg Hosford laid off a beautiful ball for Winchester whose shot was saved.

The game was stalled six minutes into the second half after Biloxi City’s Fred Riley collided with his own keeper and AFC Mobile’s Jackson Barber. Unfortunately, Riley was stretchered off the field after a long stoppage. We wish him a speedy recovery.

“We come out in the second half, we almost score a goal on the play, and then stop for 35 minutes. Our prayers go out to the guy, but it really kinda kills the momentum…But his health is most important,” AFC Mobile manager Nate Nicholas said.

Biloxi took the lead in the 54th minute after Patrick Harrison sent a low rolling shot into the far right corner.

Mobile was awarded a penalty after Biloxi’s Orazio Digesu brought down Ogbonna in the box. Fiemawhle, one of AFC Mobile’s two captains, stepped up and coolly fired the PK into the back of the net.

“For me, I just stay calm the whole game. When I have a chance like that, stay calm and just put it in the back of the net,” Fiemawhle said.

AFC Mobile captain Martin Fiemawhle after slotting home a penalty to level the score. AFC Mobile would ultimately lose to Biloxi City FC 2-1. (AFC Mobile/Seth Laubinger)

In the 70th minute, Biloxi City’s manager Sinisa Vukadin was ejected from the match. Tempers flared throughout the venue, and both sides continued to push forward to break the deadlock. In the 76th minute, Biloxi’s Iba Ndaw brought down Ogbonna and was shown yellow.

Ndaw was shown a second yellow in the 89th minute, giving Mobile a two-man advantage as the game headed into stoppage time.  The home side, however, could not capitalize on the advantage. In the 94th minute, Biloxi’s Itz Trevor scored a screamer from outside of the box to give Biloxi a 2-1 lead and seal the match.

“I don’t know if that guy will hit another shot like that ever again in his life,” Nicholas said.

AFC Mobile will travel to Pensacola to take on the GCPL leaders, the Gulf Coast Texans, next Saturday, June 17th. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Ashton Brosnaham Park. AFC Mobile fans are encouraged to make the short journey to the Pelican City to support the visiting team.

AFC Mobile’s Brian Singler: Sergeant, Sheriff, Soccer Player

Forward Brian Singler was wearing a uniform long before he suited up to play for AFC Mobile.

Not only is Singler a deputy sheriff in Baldwin County, he is also a sergeant in the Army National Guard, a veteran of the War on Terror, and a military police officer.

This military has always been a part of Singler’s life. His father was a career Navy man and provided the inspiration for Singler to join the the armed forces, though he didn’t join the National Guard until he was 33.

“I’ve always had that desire,” Singler said. “It’s always been back there, a feeling of wanting to do it.”

Singler said that the most rewarding thing about being a part of the National Guard is being able to do something to serve more than just the Mobile Bay area and Alabama.

“I love this nation,” Singler said. “I went overseas in 2015 to 2016 and now I feel when people say ‘thank you for your service’ I can say ‘no problem’ or I can have something for them to be thankful for. Just to be able to serve this country is the most fulfilling to me.”

Soccer has been a part of Singler’s life as long as the military has. Both of his parents played, and he’s been playing since he was four years old. He moved to Baldwin County 20 years ago and takes pride in representing the Mobile area on the pitch.

“To represent this city, there’s no words that can express that. The team that we have, the brothers; we have a good bond. It’s almost like Christmas morning every time you put that jersey on.”

Balancing his day job as a deputy sheriff, his military duties, and his commitments to AFC Mobile has been a challenge, but Singler said he’s found the secret.

“Well, I have understanding bosses and an understanding wife as well,” he said. “They know how much I love this sport and how much of a part of my life it is and the passion I have for the sport.”

This Saturday, June 10th, AFC Mobile will be honoring the men and women in the armed forces by holding its first ever Military Appreciation Night. Kickoff against Biloxi City FC at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex is at 7 p.m. All veterans and active duty personnel are admitted free with their military ID. As always, kids 12 and under are also admitted free. All other tickets are just $5.

Man of the Match vs. CD Motagua of New Orleans 6/4

AFC Mobile claimed its first point of the season against the current GCPL champions CD Motagua of New Orleans this weekend. The draw was a hard fought team effort, but these four individuals stood out. Who’s your vote for Man of the Match?

4 – Chisom Ogbonna – FWD

Ogbonna scored two goals this weekend for AFC Mobile, giving him three goals on the season and making him the club’s leading goalscorer this season.

1 – Brent Grube – GK 

Grube withstood attack after attack from Motagua in the second half to help AFC Mobile come away with its first point of the season.

15 – KC Espoir – RB 

Espoir locked down the Motagua attack after head coach Nate Nicholas moved him to right-back for the first time this season.

19 – Dawson Jellenc – CB 

Jellenc provided the assist on the second goal with a booming 45 yard pass over Motagua’s defense.

AFC Mobile returns home to take on Biloxi City FC this Saturday, June 10, at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. AFC Mobile will be honoring our servicemen and women with a Military Appreciation Night. All veterans and active-duty personnel get in free with their military ID. As always, kids 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets are only $5. Get your tickets today! 

 

AFC Mobile Earns First Point Against Reigning Champions

NEW ORLEANS—AFC Mobile earned its first point of the season after a 2-2 draw with reigning Gulf Coast Premier League champions CD Motagua of New Orleans. The Azaleas nearly ended their three-game road trip with a win, but Motagua headed in an equalizer deep into six minutes of stoppage time.

“We’ve got to do a better job clearing the ball, just winning headers and getting it out. It literally was the last second they scored a goal,” said AFC Mobile head coach Nate Nicholas. “I think we were playing into overtime even though we were winning. But, you’ve got to play as long as the referees are telling them to play on.”

 

 

It was a bright start for Mobile and for Chisom Ogbonna in particular. The forward had a chance early in the match after some fancy footwork in the box, but couldn’t get a shot off. Minutes later, Clairy Kengeye chipped the ball into the box to find Ogbonna, but his shot dragged just wide. In the 19th minute, Ogbonna was able to to find the back of the net after picking up a loose ball in the box and smashing it home to give AFC Mobile a 1-0 lead.

Motagua equalized just minutes before halftime. A Motagua player sent a floating header into the back of the net after a wild scramble in front of the goal to level the match 1-1.

The equalizer appeared to give Motagua a renewed sense of energy in the second half. AFC Mobile goalkeeper Brent Grube opened the second half with two big saves to keep the score tied 1-1. Motagua continued attacking, having the better of the run of play through most of the final half. The home team had another chance to take the lead, but AFC Mobile defender Markos Mallis cleared the ball off the line.

Despite a sustained attack from Motagua, Ogbonna artfully settled a 45 yard bomb sent by defender Dawson Jellenc and buried his second goal of the night, giving Mobile a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute. Ogbonna’s brace marked his third goal in two games, making him AFC Mobile’s leading scorer on the 2017 Summer campaign.

“Chisom Ogbonna scored two great goals… had another great game. He’s built two games in a row playing really really well,” Nicholas said.

Late in the match, Ogbonna attempted to get behind the Motagua defense but was taken down by Motagua’s Anthony Peters. The traveling fans urged the official to show Peters red, but he was only received a yellow card. The center referee also showed Ogbonna his second yellow card of the season, citing embellishment.

As time elapsed, Motagua continued to push for a second equalizer. The referee allowed over six minutes of added time to the dismay of the traveling fans from Mobile. In a last-ditch effort to equalize, Motagua sent its entire squad, including its goalkeeper, into the box for a throw-in near the corner.  Motagua was able to convert on what would become the very last touch of the game, bringing the final score to 2-2.

AFC Mobile will look to build on its first ever point in the GCPL Eastern Conference table on Saturday, June 10th with a return home to the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex where AFC Mobile will take on Biloxi City FC.

“We’re excited about coming home playing at the Lip. It feels like it’s been a year since we played our first home game.” Nicholas said. “We need everybody to come out ’cause, I tell you what, it’s gonna be a show. We’re gonna get a win that night and it’s gonna be because the fans have got our back.”

Kickoff against Biloxi City FC is set for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10th at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex off Michael Boulevard. It is also Military Appreciation Night. All veterans and active duty military personnel will be admitted free of charge with their military ID. As always, kids 12 and under get in free, and all other tickets are only $5. Click here to purchase your tickets today!

 

 

 

Man of the Match vs. LAFSC

AFC Mobile Man of the Match vs. Louisiana Fire

AFC Mobile’s supporters traveled strong to Kenner, Louisiana, where the visiting fans may have outnumbered the home crowd. Despite some tough tackles, and late game disappointments, these four men stood out among the crowd.  Who would you choose as the Week 2 AFC Mobile Man of the Match?

1 – Brent Grube, GK 

Grube held the Fire scoreless for 88 minutes, including a saved penalty. He kept the AFC Mobile back line well-organized throughout the match.

Goalkeeper Brent Grube came off his line often to stop many Fire attacks in his first game in goal. (Photo credit – John Clark)

9 – Moses Muhubao, FW

Muhubao converted on a beautiful strike in the 76th minute to give AFC Mobile its first lead of the season.

14 – Sherman Winchester, RB/RMF

Winchester completely closed down the right side of the field in the first half. In the second half, Coach Nicholas moved him into the midfield where he was able to head on the assist for Muhubao’s strike.

Winchester was non-stop over 90 minutes of play in both the attacking, middle, and defensive third of the pitch. (Photo credit – John Clark)

19 – Dawson Jellenc, CB

Added to the roster just this week, the Bayside Academy product played 90 minutes without a mistake. Hard tackling, smart positioning, and a goal-saving clearance off the line are proof that this young man belongs.

Vote for the player of your choice below!  Think another player should be considered? Tweet us @AFCMobile!

AFC Mobile Loses 2-1 to Louisiana Fire

AFC Mobile gave up a one goal lead late in the game after the Louisiana Fire’s Dante Oliver scored two goals in the final minutes to seal a comeback victory.

“We just didn’t have enough moxie to see it through. Gave up two questionable goals, might have been offsides, but regardless we’ve got to to do a little bit better job defending those,” AFC Mobile coach Nate Nicholas said. “I think from the top by me as a coach to the players we’ve gotta find a better way to finish it out and come out with a victory. But the boys fought hard, it was a well fought game for us, we just didn’t capitalize on the chances we were given.”

Mobile started the match strong. In the opening minutes of the match, Matt Merrill sent a free kick over the crossbar. Minutes later, Chisom Ogbonna cut in from the left hand side of the pitch to test the Fire keeper, Pepe Serrano.

Nine minutes into a frantic first half, AFC Mobile goalkeeper Brent Grube saved a penalty from the Fire’s Igor Siscov to keep the score level.

Minutes after, Ogbonna was taken down in the box, but neither a yellow card nor a penalty was awarded.

Ogbonna left the field, but returned shortly thereafter. In the 26th minute, Ogbanna gave Mobile its best chance of the match when he bicycle-kicked a shot from the middle of the box that sailed just wide of the far post.

The game was deadlocked at zero to start the second half. Mobile was tested early when a shot from the Fire bounced out of Grube’s hands. The ball fell to a Fire player whose shot at the open goal was cleared off the line by newcomer Dawson Jellenc.

“Dawson played centerback the whole 90 minutes, and we needed him out there—especially with Memo [Lumbreras] taking a knock there at the end of the game.” Nicholas said. “Overall he did pretty well, but you could also see he’s a young kid who’s still learning some stuff. But for a debut with a semi-pro team, being with the guys for only two practices, I thought he played really, really well.”

In the 67th minute,  Ogbonna played a ball across the face of the goal to Amos Ndikumana, whose shot went just over the crossbar.

Minutes later, Sherman Winchester headed the ball to Moses Muhubao, who slotted it home to break the deadlock and give AFC Mobile the lead. The go-ahead goal was Muhubao’s second of the season.

In the 77th minute, AFC Mobile nearly doubled its lead when Batevya Mediateur found Ogbonna on the right hand side, but he couldn’t convert.

The Fire’s Dante Oliver managed to get past the Mobile back line in the 89th minute to equalize. Minutes later in stoppage time, Oliver scored the game winner for the Fire, in spite of impassioned cries from the crowd that he was offside.

The loss gives AFC Mobile an 0-0-2 record on the season. The Fire move to 1-0-1 after falling to Jackson, Mississippi’s Gaffa FC last week. Next Saturday, AFC Mobile will head to Jackson to take on Gaffa FC, who beat the reigning GCPL champions, CD Motagua of New Orleans, 4-2 on Saturday night.

AFC Mobile will play its next home game on June 10th at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex against Biloxi City FC. Tickets are only $5.00, and kids 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. RSVP today and invite your friends!  Be sure to follow AFC Mobile on all your favorite social media platforms: Facebook: AFC Mobile; Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat: @AFCMobile.

AFC Mobile home crowd

AFC Mobile breaks GCPL attendance record, falls to Texans 2-1

A record breaking crowd of 807 was on hand in Mobile, Alabama at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex to see AFC Mobile fall in its inaugural match by a score of 2-1 to the Gulf Coast Texans of Pensacola, Florida. 

The Texans opened the scoring early when Dillon Gallet raced down the left-hand side of the pitch and sent a shot soaring inside the far post from a tight angle. The Texans continued to control possession until the 32nd minute, when  Moses Muhubao netted AFC Mobile’s first ever goal after receiving a beautiful ball over the Texans’ back line, smashing it past Texans goalkeeper Rudy Seelmann.#9 Moses Muhubao

“It was great to see the large crowd. The boys fed off their energy and it was an unbelievable home atmosphere,” said head coach Nate Nicholas. “When we scored, the crowd was electric.”

The Texans nearly regained the lead when Felipe Lawall’s shot ricocheted off the upright. Minutes later, the Texans went back up after Gallet scored his second goal of the night. Soon after, Mobile failed to convert a free kick after the Texans’ Stephen Munoz was shown a yellow card. KC Espoir nearly leveled the score for Mobile in stoppage time of the first half, but his shot from outside the box was easily saved.

Mobile started the second half with a renewed sense of energy. Chisom Ogbonna took a shot from a tight angle on the left-hand side but it was saved. The second half was full of back-and-forth play in the midfield, with both teams struggling to find their pace.

In the 81st minute, Mobile’s Chris Rumsey came into the game and made his presence known immediately as he sent a shot just over the crossbar on his first touch of the game.  In stoppage time, the Texans’ Chris Searcy was show two yellow cards for time wasting and dissent.  Mobile had a chance to equalize late in the game when Espoir played the ball to Batevya Mediateur, but in the attacking third, but the ball was cleared.

The 807 fans in attendance represented the largest crowd ever for a Gulf Coast Premier League game.

“It’s surreal to have that many people for a soccer game in Mobile.” said AFC Mobile president Abram Chamberlain. “It’s an experience for our team to build on; it’s an experience for us to build on, but this is only the beginning for AFC Mobile.

AFC Mobile will head to Kenner, Louisiana for its first away game on Saturday, May 20th to take on the Louisiana Fire, who lost to Gaffa FC 3-2 on Saturday. Kickoff for next week’s game is set for 5:00 p.m.

 

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AFC Mobile Season Preview: Gulf Coast Texans

AFC Mobile – Mobile, Alabama’s soccer team – plays Pensacola’s Gulf Coast Texans twice (5/14  in Mobile and 6/17 in Pensacola). Here’s what we know about the Texans and what we expect from them this season:

CLUB: Gulf Coast Texans

NICKNAME: Texans

HOME: Pensacola, Florida

FALL RECORD: The Gulf Coast Texans will be playing their inaugural GCPL season this summer.

HISTORY: The Gulf Coast Texans played in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) during the 2013 season, when they finished 2nd in the Southeastern Conference.  They are the last team to beat Chattanooga FC during the regular season in Chattanooga. Since 2014 they have played in the United Soccer League’s (USL) Super 20 and continued to have the most dominant youth academy in the Florida Panhandle. Additionally, the Texans’ women’s team has won the WPSL championship and produced several players who have received call-ups to the US Women’s National Team’s senior and U23 rosters.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Dillon Gallett, Forward (Lafayette, LA)

MANAGER: Nic Cardosa

WHAT THE GULF COAST TEXANS SAYS ABOUT AFC MOBILE: “It is hard to know what to expect of anyone right now,” said Texan’s head coach Nolan Intermoia. “[AFC Mobile] seems to be doing big things in Mobile. I hope to build a great rivalry that will create inspiring football matches. Having played at the University of West Florida I know the talent from the universities of Mobile and know they provide good players. It should be a lot of fun.”

BOTTOM LINE: The Gulf Coast Texans have a slightly older squad, but it consists of players who were absolute studs for the University of West Florida and younger guys who have played in the Texans’ system for multiple years. In addition to Gallett, Felipe Lawal and Miguel Santos have NPSL experience in addition to high level college experience. This will be a solid test for AFC Mobile in the debut game of the season.

VITAL INFORMATION

HOME PITCH: Ashton Brosnaham Stadium, 10370 Ashton Brosnaham Dr., Pensacola, FL 32534 (2,500 seat capacity)

TWITTER: http://twitter.com/GulfCoastTexans

FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/Gulf-Coast-Texans-260223287326498/

HASHTAGS: #gctexans

AFC MOBILE GAMES AGAINST GULF COAST TEXANS:

  • May 14th at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex – 7:00 p.m. CDT
  • June 17th at Ashton Brosnaham Stadium – 7:00 p.m. CDT

Very few AFC Mobile season passes are now available for purchase. Buy your season passes online today!

The 2017 AFC Mobile season includes five home games at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex. Games will be played May 14th against the Gulf Coast Texans (of Pensacola), June 10th against Biloxi City FC, June 24th against Louisiana Fire SC, July 1st against Gaffa FC (of Jackson), and July 7th against CD Motagua (of New Orleans). All home games kick off at 7:00 PM.