Tag: Man of the Match

AFC Mobile – Man of the Match vs Northshore United FC (4/28)

AFC Mobile struck twice in the first half in order to hold off Northshore United for their first win at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex. On a night with several notable debuts for Mobile, here are the nominees for the Man of the Match.

22 – Ibrahima Ndaw – FWD

Ibrahima Ndaw (photo courtesy of Michael Shartava)

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and what an impression Iba Ndaw made for the home fans in Mobile. Ndaw combined well throughout the game with Chisom Ogbonna before a brilliant free kick gave him his first goal in Mobile colors in the 17th minute. He struck for the game-winning goal in the 28th minute with his left foot. It was a spectacular debut for the 6’5” Spring Hill College alumnus.

16 – Markos Mallis – DF

Markos Mallis (photo courtesy of Michael Shartava)

Shifting from left back to centerback, Mallis found himself involved less in the attack than he had been last year, but defensively he was strong dealing with a quick NUFC attack.

11 – Martin Fiemawhle – MF

Martin Fiemawhle (photo courtesy of Michael Shartava)

Fiemawhle’s contributions cannot be measured on the stats sheet. While he did have a fantastic set piece in the second half, the calmness that he brought to the pitch was immeasurable. The team just looked better in both the attack and defense when he set foot on the field.

9 – Erik Aispuro Vidaña –  MF

Erik Aispuro Vindaña (photo courtesy of Seth Laubinger)

Speaking of debut performances, the Robertsdale High School product proved to be crafty on the right side of the midfield. Combining well with Ogbonna and Sherman Winchester in the attack, Aispuro truly made his mark.

Who is your Man of the Match? Vote in the poll below or write your own nominee in the comment section.

AFC Mobile’s last preseason friendly at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex is on Saturday, May 5th against the National Premier Soccer League’s New Orleans Jesters. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. All tickets are only $5.00 and, as always, kids 12 and under are admitted with no charge. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.

AFC Mobile – Man of the Match vs Gaffa FC (7/1)

AFC Mobile gave up some difficult goals on minimal chances to the league leaders. Gaffa FC was more than up for the occasion against a home team that gave 100% from whistle-to-whistle. Here are the four players who stood out most. Who’s got your vote for Man of the Match?

22 – Brian Singler – FWD

Singler’s creativity lead to some of the best attacks of the match (photo credit: Michael Shartava)

Singler came on late in the first half and almost tied the game up with a slick pass to Amos Ndikumana. Later in the game, a nice run from Singler lead to a booming shot just over the top of the crossbar. Singler’s strength made for a difficult matchup in a tough game.

12 – Guillermo Lumbreras Jr. – MF 

Lumbreras did not back down, playing 85 minutes and earning a yellow card (photo credit: Seth Laubinger)

Lumbreras was moved from center back into the midfield due to injuries and suspensions. He was dangerous on set pieces, almost scoring off a header early in the first half. Throughout the match, he was hard tackling – even earning a yellow card that stopped a counter attack. Lumbreras showed his intelligence and never backed down from a fantastically physical matchup with the much bigger Gaffa side.

20 – Nate Gillespie – CB

Gillespie was effective both in the attack and on defense (photo credit: Seth Laubinger)

Starting the match at center back, Gillespie and Austin Hilyer worked to hold the backline together as the constant threats poured on. He also played more than a few long balls out to Clairy Kengeye on the wing providing a spark in a struggling offense. Moved into the attack for the end of the match, Gillespie took charge leading a rejuvenated group struggling to pull one back.

7 – Greg Hosford – MF 

Hosford was all over the pitch once more. The linking force from a besieged defense and the offense, Hosford continued his mode as a playmaker, while also getting some time at forward. Unfortunately, Hosford picked up his third yellow of the season; therefore, he will not be on the pitch Friday against Motagua of New Orleans.

AFC Mobile’s final regular season home game at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex on Friday, July 7th against US Open Cup qualifier and Region III champions CD Motagua of New Orleans. Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m, and we will be thanking the city of Mobile for their fantastic support in our debut season. Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs will be admitted free. All other tickets are only $5.00 and, as always, kids 12 and under are admitted with no charge. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.

AFC Mobile Man of the Match: Gulf Coast Texans (6/17)

As the second half of the season began, AFC Mobile claimed a point on the road against Pensacola’s Gulf Coast Texans. AFC Mobile fought from behind twice to pull even. Here are the four players who stood out most. Who’s your vote for Man of the Match?

4 – Chisom Ogbonna – FWD

Chisom Ogbonna celebrates after scoring the first equalizer against the Gulf Coast Texans.

Ogbonna found himself on the score sheet once more with a powerful header to equalize the game, but it was his overall leadership keeping the team in the game with levelheaded thinking and good hold up play that really allowed them to earn a point on the road.

1 – Elijah Gibson – GK 

Elijah Gibson prepares in net for the Texans’ attack.

Gibson stood on his head late in the game making three big saves as time wound down to help AFC Mobile withstand the pressure of GCPL Golden Boot leader Dillon Gallet and the Pensacola attack.

6 – Nate Gillespie – CB 

Finding himself playing at center back due to injuries, Gillespie kept placing himself in the right position to make huge game-saving tackles and pinpoint passes into the attacking third against a strong Texans side.

18 – Clairy Kengeye – CAM 

Clairy Kengeye defends against the Texans’ counter attack.

Kengeye, who has played most of his minutes for AFC Mobile on the wing, was moved into a central role due to a depleted roster. It worked out well. His hard tackling and determination led to the Fiemawhle free kick that resulted in Greg Hosford’s equalizer. Kenegeye also had a shot from about 40 yards out that may have turned into the winner had it been an inch to the left.

AFC Mobile will now host a three game home stand at the Archbishop Lipscomb Athletic Complex, the first of which will be against the Louisiana Fire this Saturday, June 24th. Kickoff is at 7 p.m, and we will be honoring the educators of our community with Teacher Appreciation Night. Any school employee with a valid school ID will be admitted free of charge. As always, kids 12 and under are admitted free.

Man of the Match vs. LAFSC

AFC Mobile Man of the Match vs. Louisiana Fire

AFC Mobile’s supporters traveled strong to Kenner, Louisiana, where the visiting fans may have outnumbered the home crowd. Despite some tough tackles, and late game disappointments, these four men stood out among the crowd.  Who would you choose as the Week 2 AFC Mobile Man of the Match?

1 – Brent Grube, GK 

Grube held the Fire scoreless for 88 minutes, including a saved penalty. He kept the AFC Mobile back line well-organized throughout the match.

Goalkeeper Brent Grube came off his line often to stop many Fire attacks in his first game in goal. (Photo credit – John Clark)

9 – Moses Muhubao, FW

Muhubao converted on a beautiful strike in the 76th minute to give AFC Mobile its first lead of the season.

14 – Sherman Winchester, RB/RMF

Winchester completely closed down the right side of the field in the first half. In the second half, Coach Nicholas moved him into the midfield where he was able to head on the assist for Muhubao’s strike.

Winchester was non-stop over 90 minutes of play in both the attacking, middle, and defensive third of the pitch. (Photo credit – John Clark)

19 – Dawson Jellenc, CB

Added to the roster just this week, the Bayside Academy product played 90 minutes without a mistake. Hard tackling, smart positioning, and a goal-saving clearance off the line are proof that this young man belongs.

Vote for the player of your choice below!  Think another player should be considered? Tweet us @AFCMobile!