Tag: Press Release

AFC Mobile Captain Guillermo Lumbreras, Jr. Joins AFC Mobile Board

Former AFC Mobile player and captain Guillermo Lumbreras, Jr. is joining the board as the player relations officer.

Lumbreras captained the Azaleas for their first three seasons and has been a leader on and off the pitch. He was awarded the club’s first-ever Spirit of AFC Mobile award last season.

“I have dreamed of this moment since the day I joined the club as a player. My excitement, commitment, and dedication will not change in this new stage as a board member,” Lumbreras said. “I am honored to be able to continue to work with such an amazing group of people and stay close to the amazing fans we have. I cannot wait to hit the ground running to help the club continue to grow.”

“Memo has been everything we’ve wanted out of an AFC Mobile player and captain, and we’re thrilled to add him to our ownership,” said AFC Mobile CFO Sean Landry. “He has always represented us in a first-class way, and his intelligence, community ties, passion, and heart will make him an invaluable asset to this club as we work to solidify our position in the NPSL and build for the future.”

Lumbreras is replacing AFC Mobile co-founder Zach Taylor. Taylor played a vital role in the formation of AFC Mobile, becoming the club’s first player relations officer, aiding in the club’s recruitment of local players, and ensuring the team’s on-field and training needs were provided for. Taylor became a permanent presence on the team’s bench during the club’s inaugural season, handling pre-match and in-match logistics.

“I am proud to have been a part of this club. It was a life-changing experience that I will cherish for as long as I live,” said Taylor. “To see what we built together come this far is a sight to see. I’m saddened to make the decision to step away from the club, but with the distance, my career has put between Mobile and myself, the time has come for the club to move forward.”

Taylor was instrumental in bringing Lumbreras to the AFC Mobile family.

“Guillermo is a close personal friend of mind as well as a leader in the soccer community, and I cannot think of a better individual to take my place. I know he has a vision for how he can contribute, and I know he will be a great addition to AFC Mobile,” Taylor said.

Lumbreras joins the AFC Mobile board with eight other members: president Abram Chamberlain, vice president Jeff Garl, chief financial officer Sean Landry, general counsel Patrick Dungan, director of marketing and game-day operations JT Clark, director of communications Mitchell Kahalley, director of digital communications Dan McMillan, and supporter liaison Michael Lynch.

AFC Mobile Moves Into Playoff Spot With 2-1 Win over Hattiesburg FC

AFC Mobile pulled into second place in the Eastern Conference with a win over Hattiesburg FC on Saturday.  The Azaleas were able to overcome a rough start, collect three points, and move into a playoff position despite missing two key players in Iba Ndaw and Tilman Schober. 

The Azaleas fell behind early in the 8th minute. Following a free-kick from just outside the penalty area that goalkeeper Domenic Nascimben dove to the ground to save, Hattiesburg FC’s Tim Tuomikowki collected the rebound and chipped it into the net give the visitors a 1-0 lead. 

“We definitely did respond very well tonight. To recover the game after what might be a slowish start, but the reality is I think we well and truly deserved to win tonight regardless of conceding at the start,” said AFC Mobile head coach Steve Wieczorek. 

Mobile attempted to pull one back with chances from the club’s leading all-time leading goalscorer Chisom Ogbonna in the 16th and 19th minutes, but neither shot truly threatened Hattiesburg.

In the 28th minute, Ogbonna was brought down leading to a free-kick just outside the box. The birthday boy, Arad Lev-Ari, stepped up and hit a rocket of a free-kick to equalize for the Azaleas. Usually a force in the midfield for Mobile, Lev-Ari played in the forward position filling in for the injured Ndaw. 

“It’s a new position for me. It’s kind of difficult to adjust to it. I didn’t get the ball as much as I usually get it,” said Lev-Ari, “but I think it worked well for the team. When I got the ball it was in good positions so I could either shoot or pass, so it worked out.”  

“How we tried to penetrate them was a little bit different than how we’ve approached games in the past,” Wieczorek said. “Obviously, Arad certainly delivered with his mobility and his finishing.”

The Azaleas took the lead shortly after the start of the second half when Sam Blackburn slotted home the game-winner from a tight angle. Lev-Ari was involved with his second goal of the night after providing the assist. 

“We made a bit of a change at halftime. Coach Steve was brave and made the decision to move me into an attacking right back position. He gave me a bit of a license to go forward and attack. I managed to find a little bit of space there. Arad, as he’s done so many times this season, managed to play a great pass and then I managed to do the rest,” said Blackburn. 

The Azaleas created a few more chances throughout the second half but couldn’t find the back of the net. In the 72nd minute, Ogbonna played a great ball that nearly found the feet of Lev-Ari, but it was cleared by the visiting team. Despite not scoring, Ogbonna shined for the Azaleas putting in one of his best performances of the season on both sides of the ball. 

The last 15 minutes of the game saw yellow cards shown to Mobile’s Eddie Dakwa and Ogbonna, as well as a chance for Hattiesburg hit the post, but the Azaleas managed to hang on and come away with a 2-1 victory.

The result leaves Mobile tied on points with conference-leaders Tallahassee SC at the top of the table, with the Battle Lions holding the second tie-breaker of goal differential by 2 goals.  Gulf Coast Rangers, who were also tied on points with Mobile and Tallahassee going into Week 7, dropped to third place following a 2-0 loss to Tallahassee.

AFC Mobile will return to action this Saturday, June 29th, as they head to Gulfport to take on Port City FC in the second leg of the Forgotten Coast Cup. The Azaleas beat the reigning GCPL champions earlier this season at the Lip 3-1. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Herbert Wilson Stadium in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

AFC Mobile Partners With Youth Soccer Club Mobile United FC

Mobile, Alabama – March 7, 2018 – AFC Mobile is pleased to announce a partnership with Mobile United Futbol Club, the Alabama Gulf Coast’s oldest and most successful competitive youth soccer organization. After continued success, including six 2017 state championships, Mobile United FC will now serve as the youth academy for AFC Mobile.

“We are thrilled to partner with such an accomplished and well-known organization as Mobile United,” said Jeff Garl, AFC Mobile Vice President. “AFC Mobile has always been focused on providing opportunities for the young players in Mobile, and giving them a visible outlet for soccer at a high-level. With this partnership, our team will be able to work directly with Mobile United teams, giving them the chance to work side-by-side with the players they get to watch on Saturday nights.”

While Mobile United FC and AFC Mobile remain separate entities, together they share a common vision: to grow the sport of soccer in the city of Mobile. This partnership will result in  the formation of two new teams. The AFC Mobile United U23 squad, managed by Ruben Risco, will wear the MUFC crest on their AFC Mobile uniform sleeves. Going forward, the Mobile United U19 State League team will be renamed AFC Mobile United U19. The U19s will continue to wear their traditional MUFC uniforms, but will proudly sport the AFC Mobile crest on their sleeves.  These teams will conduct joint training sessions, public events, and benefits.

“This partnership gives us the potential to become one of the premier clubs not just on the Gulf Coast, but in the entire Southeastern U.S, and to give Mobile the stature of club it deserves,” said Wayne Etheridge, Mobile United FC President.

Founded in 2010, Mobile United FC is the area’s leader in youth soccer, offering programs from ages three to adult. With more than 20 players from Fall 2016 alone playing collegiate soccer, MUFC concentrates on player development and competitive play.  Tryout times and dates for Fall 2018 will be released soon. For more information on MUFC go to mobileunitedfc.com.

AFC Mobile is Mobile’s minor league soccer team, competing in the Gulf Coast Premier League. The 2018 season begins in May and runs through July. All home games will be played at the Archbishop Oscar H. Lipscomb Complex – “The Lip.”  Tickets begin at just $5, and children 12 and under are free with adult admission. A full schedule and information about season tickets will be available soon. Select merchandise is available now at afcmobile.net and The Trading Post at 7985 Tanner Williams Road.  Follow AFC Mobile on all your favorite social media platforms to keep up-to-date on additional information about the 2018 season!

 

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

AFC MOBILE TO JOIN THE GULF COAST PREMIER LEAGUE IN 2017

GCPL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AFC MOBILE TO JOIN THE GULF COAST PREMIER LEAGUE IN 2017

Mobile, Alabama, January 3, 2017 – AFC Mobile is proud to announce that it will join the Gulf Coast Premier League for the 2017 Summer season. This will be the first time Mobile has played host to a United States Soccer Federation sanctioned soccer team since 1997.

“There has been a lot of excitement since we first came up with this idea,” said AFC Mobile board member Abram Chamberlain. “Since we launched the club in 2015, we have spent a lot of time trying to figure out where Mobile fits best into the interesting dynamic that is America’s soccer pyramid. When it came down to all aspects considered, the Gulf Coast Premier League felt like the best, most exciting fit for us. We are thrilled to be entering an accredited USASA elite league that gives us fantastic local competition and a shot at playing in the [Lamar Hunt U.S.] Open Cup.”

The Gulf Coast Premier League was founded in 2016 to foster high level competitive soccer and grow the burgeoning soccer community along the Gulf Coast. The GCPL is one of 12 leagues sanctioned as an Elite Amateur Premier League by the United States Adult Soccer Association. Each year, the GCPL’s champion is awarded a place in the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup, the second oldest soccer tournament in the world which every amateur and professional team in the country is eligible to compete in. The league currently features teams in New Orleans, Biloxi and Lafayette. 

ABOUT AFC Mobile

AFC Mobile was formed in 2015 to strengthen the soccer community in Mobile by bringing a high level soccer team to the largest municipality along the Gulf Coast between St. Petersburg and New Orleans. AFC Mobile aims to give local players an opportunity to continue to play the game at a competitive level, as well as giving the soccer community and city of Mobile a team to call their own. Like AFC Mobile and the Gulf Coast Premier League on Facebook and follow @AFC_Mobile and @GCPLsoccer on Twitter for further updates and announcements.

 

CONTACT:

Mitchell Kahalley

afcmobilewanderers@gmail.com

(251) 272-9507

 

Coming Soon

comingsoon

MOBILE, AL – The Association Football Club Mobile is on the verge of a major announcement about its future. Stay tuned on Twitter, Facebook, and here at our official site for this story to develop.

Additionally, AFC Mobile is continually looking for local sponsors to help push this movement for soccer in Mobile. Sponsorship information can be found here by clicking on the hyperlink.

News of AFC Mobile will continue to come in the next few weeks. These announcements from AFC Mobile follow a study from Deloitte that encourages promotion and relegation in leagues across the United States Soccer Federation.