News

Match Recap: MBFC 1 - 2 Flower City Union - 5.14.2022

Maryland Bobcats FC Fall Short in Rochester
Published May 16, 2022

Written by: Kalin Hicks

Rochester, NY - The Maryland Bobcats suffered a devastating loss on the road to Flower City Union making this their second loss of the season. 

The home side started early with an onslaught of shots on goal. Arion Sobers-Assue and Alex Ainscough both saw good shots on target that were unable to get to the back of the net. The Maryland defense proved solid to start and were able to snuff out the early threats. Goalkeeper Felix Annan made a highlight save early in the game. 

While the defense started out well, a passing error saw FCU capitalize and Sobers-Assue scored Union’s first goal to take the lead in the 32nd minute. After, the Bobcats were able to gather composure and close out the first half without conceding additional goals. 

As the squads returned for the second half, Coach Rastello maked two substitutions: Midfielder Andy Alvarado came on for Bernardo Majano and Midfielder Drew Wivell came on for James “Pele” Sesay. The substitutions proved beneficial as it allowed for fresh legs to help dominate the midfield battle. 

The Bobcats struck shortly after the start of the second half in the 49th minute. Joseph Boone received the ball towards the side line and dribbled towards the FCU box and curled the ball right into far side of the net scoring his first professional goal. 

The game also proved to be a nail biter as Maryland used their physicality to help regain possession and get in behind the Flower City defense. The home team defense made appeals to the ref for stray elbows to the head that would go unaddressed. 

In the 78th minute, Giancarlo Canas-Jarquin received a pass from the midfield and took advantage of a closing out Annan and popped the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net to put FCU ahead. 

MBFC continued to search for another equalizing goal with shots from Christian Schneider and Yaya Fane just missing the goal. As the final minutes came, the Maryland defense was able to prevent any further scoring from FCU. The final whistle blew and that settled the result. 

Flower City Union secured their second win of the season and see them in fourth place in the east, just one point above trailing Chattanooga FC. 

Maryland Bobcats FC have now suffered two back-to-back defeats however, they still remain on top of the East division. They will look to turn the tide in their next game as they play host to their first west division opponent of the season. 

The Bobcats next match will be home at the Maryland Soccer Plex on Saturday May 21, 2022 against Bay Cities FC. 

Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm EST and gates will open at 6:00pm EST. Tickets can be purchased online at marylandbobcatsfc.seatedly.com.

 

Match Details  

Maryland Bobcats FC: Annan (GK), Forka, Clegg, Fane; Alewine, Sesay (Wivell 46’), Possian, Majano (Alvarado 46’), Schneider, Gonzalez; Boone

Substitutions: Hollinger (GK), Akinkoye, Alvarado, Wivell, Quintanilla, Arbelaez, Solomon

Goals: Boone (49’)

Bookings: Gonzalez (82’)

Flower City Union:  Ortega Campos (GK), Ainscough, De Point (Demydiv 54’), Sierra, Brickman, Michelettil; Saling (Lee 72’), Canas-Jarquin, Veerakone, Kranick; Sobers-Assue (Carey 87’)

Substitutions: Ruiz (GK), Curtis, Rigby, Carey, Muller, Lee, Pregoni, Demydiv, Watson

Goals: Sobers-Assue (32’), Canas-Jarquin (78’)

Bookings: Brickman (69’), Ortega Campos (89’), Kranick (90’), Demydiv (90’)