Category: Man of the Match

AFC Mobile – Man of the Match vs Northshore United FC (4/28)

AFC Mobile struck twice in the first half in order to hold off Northshore United for their first win at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex. On a night with several notable debuts for Mobile, here are the nominees for the Man of the Match.

22 – Ibrahima Ndaw – FWD

Ibrahima Ndaw (photo courtesy of Michael Shartava)

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and what an impression Iba Ndaw made for the home fans in Mobile. Ndaw combined well throughout the game with Chisom Ogbonna before a brilliant free kick gave him his first goal in Mobile colors in the 17th minute. He struck for the game-winning goal in the 28th minute with his left foot. It was a spectacular debut for the 6’5” Spring Hill College alumnus.

16 – Markos Mallis – DF

Markos Mallis (photo courtesy of Michael Shartava)

Shifting from left back to centerback, Mallis found himself involved less in the attack than he had been last year, but defensively he was strong dealing with a quick NUFC attack.

11 – Martin Fiemawhle – MF

Martin Fiemawhle (photo courtesy of Michael Shartava)

Fiemawhle’s contributions cannot be measured on the stats sheet. While he did have a fantastic set piece in the second half, the calmness that he brought to the pitch was immeasurable. The team just looked better in both the attack and defense when he set foot on the field.

9 – Erik Aispuro Vidaña –  MF

Erik Aispuro Vindaña (photo courtesy of Seth Laubinger)

Speaking of debut performances, the Robertsdale High School product proved to be crafty on the right side of the midfield. Combining well with Ogbonna and Sherman Winchester in the attack, Aispuro truly made his mark.

Who is your Man of the Match? Vote in the poll below or write your own nominee in the comment section.

AFC Mobile’s last preseason friendly at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex is on Saturday, May 5th against the National Premier Soccer League’s New Orleans Jesters. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. All tickets are only $5.00 and, as always, kids 12 and under are admitted with no charge. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.

AFC Mobile – Man of the Match vs Gaffa FC (7/1)

AFC Mobile gave up some difficult goals on minimal chances to the league leaders. Gaffa FC was more than up for the occasion against a home team that gave 100% from whistle-to-whistle. Here are the four players who stood out most. Who’s got your vote for Man of the Match?

22 – Brian Singler – FWD

Singler’s creativity lead to some of the best attacks of the match (photo credit: Michael Shartava)

Singler came on late in the first half and almost tied the game up with a slick pass to Amos Ndikumana. Later in the game, a nice run from Singler lead to a booming shot just over the top of the crossbar. Singler’s strength made for a difficult matchup in a tough game.

12 – Guillermo Lumbreras Jr. – MF 

Lumbreras did not back down, playing 85 minutes and earning a yellow card (photo credit: Seth Laubinger)

Lumbreras was moved from center back into the midfield due to injuries and suspensions. He was dangerous on set pieces, almost scoring off a header early in the first half. Throughout the match, he was hard tackling – even earning a yellow card that stopped a counter attack. Lumbreras showed his intelligence and never backed down from a fantastically physical matchup with the much bigger Gaffa side.

20 – Nate Gillespie – CB

Gillespie was effective both in the attack and on defense (photo credit: Seth Laubinger)

Starting the match at center back, Gillespie and Austin Hilyer worked to hold the backline together as the constant threats poured on. He also played more than a few long balls out to Clairy Kengeye on the wing providing a spark in a struggling offense. Moved into the attack for the end of the match, Gillespie took charge leading a rejuvenated group struggling to pull one back.

7 – Greg Hosford – MF 

Hosford was all over the pitch once more. The linking force from a besieged defense and the offense, Hosford continued his mode as a playmaker, while also getting some time at forward. Unfortunately, Hosford picked up his third yellow of the season; therefore, he will not be on the pitch Friday against Motagua of New Orleans.

AFC Mobile’s final regular season home game at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex on Friday, July 7th against US Open Cup qualifier and Region III champions CD Motagua of New Orleans. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m, and we will be thanking the city of Mobile for their fantastic support in our debut season. Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs will be admitted free. All other tickets are only $5.00 and, as always, kids 12 and under are admitted with no charge. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.

Fire

AFC Mobile – Man of the Match vs Louisiana Fire SC (6/24)

AFC Mobile found themselves down 2-0, but overcame that deficit to claw out a 2-2 draw against the Louisiana Fire SC. Here are the four players who stood out most. Who’s your vote for Man of the Match?

4 – Chisom Ogbonna – FWD

Chisom Ogbonna celebrates with fans after scoring the equalizing goal. (AFC Mobile/Seth Laubinger)

Ogbonna does what he does. Drawing and finishing his penalty and then getting on the end of a set piece to score the equalizer in the 89th minute.

24 – Jackson Barber – MF 

Jackson Barber goes in for a tackle on a Fire player. (AFC Mobile/Seth Laubinger)

Barber tore apart the left side of the Fire defense. It wasn’t just the step-overs, feints, and nutmegs, however; Barber was a gnat on the defensive side of the ball forcing the Fire to change fields repeatedly in order to avoid him in the defensive third.

14 – Sherman Winchester – MF

Winchester provided an offensive spark when switched into an attacking role. (AFC Mobile/Seth Laubinger)

Starting the game at right back, it was ultimately the move to right midfield that broke the game open for AFC Mobile. Winchester won the preceding foul and served the ball that led to the equalizing goal. Winchester almost scored the equalizer himself off a header that ricocheted off the cross bar.

7 – Greg Hosford – MF 

After scoring the equalizer against the Gulf Coast Texans last week, it was Hosford’s defensive coverage and a brilliant tactical foul that stopped what otherwise could’ve been another goal for the Fire. Additionally, Hosford provided service from all over the pitch leading to several chances for Mobile.

AFC Mobile has two upcoming back-to-back home games at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex. The next match is against league leaders Gaffa FC of Jackson, Mississippi on July 1st. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m, and we will be honoring the history of soccer in Mobile as we throwback to the 1990s when the Mobile Revelers ruled the pitch. Tickets are only $5.00 and, as always, kids 12 and under are admitted free. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.

AFC Mobile Man of the Match: Gulf Coast Texans (6/17)

As the second half of the season began, AFC Mobile claimed a point on the road against Pensacola’s Gulf Coast Texans. AFC Mobile fought from behind twice to pull even. Here are the four players who stood out most. Who’s your vote for Man of the Match?

4 – Chisom Ogbonna – FWD

Chisom Ogbonna celebrates after scoring the first equalizer against the Gulf Coast Texans.

Ogbonna found himself on the score sheet once more with a powerful header to equalize the game, but it was his overall leadership keeping the team in the game with levelheaded thinking and good hold up play that really allowed them to earn a point on the road.

1 – Elijah Gibson – GK 

Elijah Gibson prepares in net for the Texans’ attack.

Gibson stood on his head late in the game making three big saves as time wound down to help AFC Mobile withstand the pressure of GCPL Golden Boot leader Dillon Gallet and the Pensacola attack.

6 – Nate Gillespie – CB 

Finding himself playing at center back due to injuries, Gillespie kept placing himself in the right position to make huge game-saving tackles and pinpoint passes into the attacking third against a strong Texans side.

18 – Clairy Kengeye – CAM 

Clairy Kengeye defends against the Texans’ counter attack.

Kengeye, who has played most of his minutes for AFC Mobile on the wing, was moved into a central role due to a depleted roster. It worked out well. His hard tackling and determination led to the Fiemawhle free kick that resulted in Greg Hosford’s equalizer. Kenegeye also had a shot from about 40 yards out that may have turned into the winner had it been an inch to the left.

AFC Mobile will now host a three game home stand at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex, the first of which will be against the Louisiana Fire this Saturday, June 24th. Kickoff is at 7 p.m, and we will be honoring the educators of our community with Teacher Appreciation Night. Any school employee with a valid school ID will be admitted free of charge. As always, kids 12 and under are admitted free.

(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.

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! 

 

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!

Man of the Match

AFC Mobile Man of the Match vs. Gulf Coast Texans

The Mobile soccer community came out in full force to watch the inaugural match of AFC Mobile. The hometown team went down early, but an equalizer from Moses Muhubao, strong midfield play from Mat Dazet and Matt Merrill, and a rock solid defensive performance from Guillermo Lumbreras, Jr. gave AFC Mobile a fantastic home debut.

Who would you pick as the first ever AFC Mobile Man of the Match?

8 – Mathieu Dazet, CM 

Dazet played the vast majority of the game creating a few chances in the attacking third while constantly breaking up play in the middle.

Mat Dazet of AFC Mobile breaks up play in the second half of the May 14, 2017, game against the Gulf Coast Texans. (photo: Michael Shartava)

9 – Moses Muhubao, FW

No one will ever forget the 32nd minute when Muhubao scored the club’s first ever goal.

Moses Muhubao scores AFC Mobile’s first ever goal in a 2-1 loss to the Gulf Coast Texans. (photo: Seth Laubinger)

12 – Guillermo Lumbreras Jr., CB

Lumbreras held his own against the Texans’ attack  he stopped several dangerous balls that threatened in the defensive third.

Guillermo Lumbreras, Jr. fights with Pensacola player (Mallory R. Tew @Photography by Mal found on Facebook)

21 – Matt Merrill, CM

Merrill was a calm force in the middle of the pitch and played all 90 minutes – not bad for an 18-year-old.

Matt Merrill calmly patrolling the pitch. (photo: Michael Shartava)

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