Written by: Edwin Pintor

 

October 18, 2021 (Boyds, MD) – The Maryland Bobcats had a very successful Saturday night as the team reconciled with goals and a win. An early goal gave the Bobcats the momentum they needed to control the game and play their game, a massive victory for the Bobcats as they aim to climb the table. 

 

Two goals by Molley Karpeh Jr. saw the team earn its first three points in over a month and saw the team score more than a goal in a match since August 28. 

 

A batch of poor results had the Maryland Bobcats come to this game as the underdogs and the House as the favorites. However, once the referee blew his whistle to start the game, the story was highly different. Great fight was shown by the Bobcats and an offensive and risk-taking team showed that this team has what it takes to continue winning and scoring goals.

 

It took the Bobcats eight minutes to find the back of the net. Before the goal, Akinlosotu had an opportunity to get on the scoresheet, but his shot went just wide of the net. A mistake by the House defense and Karpeh Jr. was alert to intercept the pass, which was going back to the goalkeeper; Karpeh did not hesitate to angle the ball into the left bottom corner. The remaining half was entirely dominated by the Bobcats, with Banjo, Pato, and Akinlosotu all having dangerous opportunities to score. The House also had two opportunities, with Ian Cerro being the most dangerous player for Chicago, having two shots on goal, but Isyaq had his net under control. A key piece to the first half was the Bobcat domination of the midfield with Pato, Alvarado, and Kao not allowing the House to play their game. The high press was also a significant factor for Karpeh’s first goal. As the first half was coming to an end, the Bobcats tried to get another goal but could not capitalize.

 

Chicago came into the second half with a more aggressive mentality. Two offensive subs were made that saw Huffman and Morris come into the game to replace Bartman and Kidd. Ten minutes into the second half, the Bobcats had their first attempt when Pato found himself in a one-on-one situation against the keeper. However, the keeper was ready to deal with the danger. Chicago was finding danger on the left side of the pitch, and coach Sam knew it. Mason returned to action after an injury, coming in for Moussi in the 59th minute. Suddenly, the Bobcats shifted the momentum Chicago had the first 15 minutes, Maryland became more offensive in search of the second goal.

 

After a winning header by Davey Mason, the ball found Kao open. Meanwhile, Akinlosotu was open to receive the ball and quickly passed it to Karpeh Jr., who hit the ball to the bottom right corner, impossible to save for the goalkeeper. 2-0 the home side was up for the first by more than a goal in over a month. 2 minutes later, Chicago found a goal with a screamer scored by Leonardo Acosta, who without a doubt scored NISA’s goal of the week.

 

Now, 3-3-7, the Bobcats will visit SeatGeek Stadium for the first time this Saturday to face Chicago House AC in back-to-back fixtures. The Bobcats have a timeline to meet - with five games left, the only acceptable results are five wins.

 

Maryland Bobcats FC: Isyaq (GK); Forka, Dengler, Fane, Moussi (Mason 59’); Pato, Kao, Alvarado, Banjo (C); Akinlosotu (Gray 81’), Karpeh Jr. (Balogun 81’)

Subs: Caulker (GK); Ogletree, Dawkins, Mason, Yingling, Balogun, Gray

Goals: Karpeh Jr. (8’,80’)

Bookings: Forka (69’), Pato (66’), Mason (85’), Gray (90’)

 

Chicago House AC: Novotny (GK); Abidor, Sulia, Bowie; Kozielek, Kofori, Bennett (Kim 88’), Bartman (Huffman 45’), Cerro; Kidd (Morris 45’), Wojcik (C)

Subs: Huffman, Morris, Acosta, Kim, Ribeiro, Requejo, Barnes

Goals: Acosta (80’)

Bookings: Kozielek (90’)