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Match Preview: Maryland Bobcats FC vs. New Amsterdam FC - 10.9.2021

The Bobcats face New Amsterdam in Matchday 12 of NISA Fall 2021 season
Published Oct 8, 2021

Written by: Edwin Pintor

 

October 8, 2021 (Boyds, MD) – The Bobcats continue their journey this Saturday as they visit New Amsterdam FC in NISA’s Match of the Week, brought to you live nationwide by BEIN Sports Xtra. The first of two nationally televised games the Bobcats feature on this fall season, the Bobcats seek a positive result under the spotlight and reverse the ship. A win is the only outcome the Bobcats are looking for after falling at home against the Michigan Stars last Wednesday. 

 

New Amsterdam, a team that previously had the league’s worst record, has recovered positively after beating the Bobcats away, 1-2 in Matchday 8 of the NISA Fall 2021 season. A 1-4 win at Michigan Stars have them looking to continue with their winning streak against the Bobcats. 

 

Little by little seems to be the plan for Coach Sam Okpodu and his Maryland Bobcats. The Bobcats can now focus on scoring goals, with the defensive errors ending in the past two matches. The match against the Stars on Wednesday has improved as their shot attempts were far superior to the Stars. Some might call the result unjust for the Bobcats - 2 shots hit the post, and the Stars keeper made two fantastic saves to keep the Bobcats out. Although a loss at home was not the result anyone wanted, the Bobcats know the season is starting to end, and if they want to finish high, they must find themselves finishing their opportunities and being able to win. 

 

After Wednesday’s match, the team had little to no time to flip the switch. A big match against New Amsterdam was their number one focus. Midfielder Pilawe Pato commented, “The result on Wednesday was not the result we wanted. We cannot be mad at anyone but ourselves, no matter if the decisions made were right. We had to work and score goals to get the three points at home, but we did not do enough. We have an opportunity to get ourselves back on track as we go to New Amsterdam, they beat us at home, and we will not let that happen again. The team knows what it is like to win at their home, we have done it before, and we will do it again on Saturday. The game will be televised nationwide, and we must leave a good impression for our fans and those who will see us for the first time. The matches against new Amsterdam are always special because it is a match between east coast rivals. We need to prove that we are the best team in the east; what better way to make a statement than on national TV?” 

 

Three previous encounters have occurred between New Amsterdam and the Bobcats; their first encounter was in the 2020 Independent Cup, the game ending in a 7-1 away victory for the Bobcats. Their second encounter was in New York where the game ended in a 0-0 draw. The third encounter was a 1-2 win in Maryland, where the visitors took the victory. Saturday will be an exciting game for both teams as the Bobcats are looking to get back in the winning books, and New Amsterdam wants to build on their win last Saturday. 

 

A positive result would help the Bobcats move up in the league standings and will help them build confidence ahead of their home game against Chicago AC next Saturday, the 16th, at 7:30 pm. 

 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST/4:00 pm PT. The match can be streamed via BeIN Sports XTRA or follow the minute-by-minute action live on Twitter via @MDBobcatsFC.

 

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 their 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.