Written by: Edwin Pintor

October 5, 2021 (Boyds, MD) – The Maryland Bobcats head home after back-to-back away trips against Cal United and Detroit City FC, the current league leaders. Although a 0-0 draw against Detroit City last Saturday left a positive reaction within the coaching staff, everyone is hoping to build on the result. The team hopes to reconcile with its winning ways this Wednesday. 

Michigan Stars FC are coming from a 1-4 loss against New Amsterdam FC at home. Before this loss, the Stars had the longest unbeaten streak in NISA, with five games unbeaten, but the streak ended last Sunday. The Stars currently sit in 5th place, tied with New Amsterdam on 13 points and are looking to get back on track after last week’s loss. 

This Wednesday, the Bobcats know how vital a win can be as they look to escalate quickly in the table. The players understand that the result earned last Saturday is the result they needed to get over the three-game losing streak. Samuel Kahsai commented, “I think earning a point against Detroit helped us realize that the season is still not over. We had bad luck previously as we were unable to finish our plays, but against Detroit, we did not play how we wanted to, but we were happy with the point.” The first point obtained against Detroit came at the best time for the Bobcats as they traveled to Keyworth with six first-team absences, but the players who traveled got the job done. Kahsai also mentioned internal competition, “That is the beauty of the sport. Players who usually do not get playtime want the coach to look at them to receive another opportunity. There is no pressure between anyone on the team. Rather everyone welcomes it; it makes the first team players aware that no one’s place on the team is secure, so we have to perform to the best of our level.” 

The Bobcats want to continue building momentum and confidence ahead of their busy October schedule. The coaching staff was not pleased with the mistakes made in September that cost the team several points. However, last Saturday, the team improved drastically, no crucial errors were made, and the team finally collected a point. Nevertheless, there are still things to improve, as only three goals have been scored since the start of September. Coach Sam Okpodu commented, “We know where we are, and we know where we want to be. Goals will come if we complete our opportunities, I know we have been working hard, and we will continue to work until we can be dangerous every play we can be.” 

Two previous encounters have been played between both clubs. The first came in a Legends Cup fixture which ended up in a 1-1 draw. The Maryland Bobcats traveled to Michigan during the Spring 2021 season, and on Matchday 7, the Bobcats won 1-3 against the Stars, capped off with a stunning freekick by Bryan Argueta. The fixture this Wednesday will be the first time the Stars will visit the SoccerPlex. Maryland wants the three points; Kahsai mentioned, “It is a must-win for us; we know our opponents are dangerous, but we know it is crunch time for us if we want a shot at the title. So, we are all in.”

A positive result would help the Bobcats move up in the league standings and will help them build confidence ahead of their away game as they visit New Amsterdam FC on Saturday.  Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST/4:00 PM PST. The match can be streamed via Eleven Sports or follow the minute-by-minute action live on Twitter via @MDBobcatsFC. Additionally, fans can buy tickets via SoccerStub and by visiting our website at marylandbobcatsfc.com/tickets.

About Maryland Bobcats FC

The Maryland Bobcats Football Club was founded in 2009. Based in Montgomery County in Maryland, it is a fully minority-owned club and Maryland’s only outdoor professional soccer team. MBFC has a “one family” mentality. From the youngest player to the most experienced youth teams to First Team, players support, push and encourage each other to play the right way. Beyond soccer, Bobcats FC helps, inspires, gives back, and supports the local community, comes to games and cheers them on. For more information about Maryland Bobcats FC, visit marylandbobcatsfc.com or contact at evan@marylandbobcatsfc.com. Follow MBFC on Twitter @MDBobcatsFC and Instagram @mdbobcatsfc.

 About NISA

The National Independent Soccer Association was founded in 2017 to bring professional soccer to every city in the United States. A pro league member of U.S. Soccer, NISA focuses on a model based on meritocracy, independent clubs controlling their league, clubs owning them intellectual property, all without the barrier of territorial rights. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, NISA also runs the mid-summer Independent Cup, open to independent professional and amateur clubs. For more information about NISA, visit NISAOfficial.com or contact info@nisasoccer.com. Follow NISA on Twitter @NISALeague and Instagram @nisasoccer.