Georgia FC 1-1 Club de Lyon: CDL look good in Atlanta but fail to snatch all three points
Honors even at Silverbacks Park in NISA opener
Photos and graphics courtesy of Club de Lyon
Club de Lyon kicked off its 2024 NISA Season three weeks late (through no fault of the club’s by the way) on Friday night at Silverbacks Park in Atlanta ( a facility I spent plenty of time at during my NASL days).
Facing a new constituted Georgia Lions side, I was shocked to see the home side fielding several familiar names and faces to me. Ian Cerro who for me was a pretty high-level USL Championship player a year ago started in Georgia’s midfield behind Patrick Okonkwo the former Charleston and Atlanta United player - and someone who did standout in the USL Championship in 2018 and 2019.
Those were just two of the many Georgia FC players with significant experience in USL - something I did not expect. But then again no area in the United States in my opinion as much high-level, ready-made pro talent kicking around as Atlanta (this includes Southern California btw).
For Club de Lyon, after a rocky 2023, the club is now operating at a high-level. Readers may be shocked given how hard we were on the club last year, but first year’s after moving from amateur to pro are always tough. Club de Lyon has not only survived to year two but look at least from the presentation and marketing side of things to be among the most professionally-presented outfits in NISA.
Matias Pourrain who was suspended from US Open Cup made his 2024 debut for CDL and as usual was critical to everything the side did going forward. Linking the play with Malik Thom and and Tolunimi Ibikunle, CDL looked the better side going forward on the clunky turf of Silverbacks Park.
Former Club de Lyon Goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson started for Georgia FC and he was called into action multiple times in the first half. Keeping a clean sheet, was fortunate and Georgia FC converted a penalty before halftime.
In the second half, Club de Lyon took full control of the match and Georgia FC resorted to frequent and cynical tactical fouling.
Finally in minute 75, CDL got the breakthrough through Ibikunle. CDL had controlled possession at least in terms of good possession with attacking intent throughout the second half and the goal was a just reward for the level of play exhibited.
In minute 80, Lamin Jawneh another of those former USL Championship players that popped up on Georgia FC’s roster was sent off for a second yellow.
In the end the match concluded at 1-1.
A note: as we get more into the NISA season, our Club de Lyon coverage will be more detailed and robust.
As we get a feel for this year’s team as well as the opposition, we will be able to bring you much more about this exciting club, which continues to feel a number of local products from central Florida.
I think it's one more example of quality players, just sitting around out there without a club. If NISA had the means, and could get venues lined up, there could easily be 5-6 more teams in the league. Without a drop-off in talent.
Here's some interesting background on the Georgia Lions, courtesy of FrontRowSoccer. It's the first pro club to be owned by an Indian-Am woman!
"Georgia Lions FC will be based in Conyers, Ga. and will be the first Indian-woman-owned professional soccer club in the United States...
“NISA is an evolving league that has been blessed with some amazing organizations,” Prutch said. “Co-founders Patrick Vierhout and Sunita Patel – along with the entire Georgia Lions organization – allow us to continue to build with established organizations that are well-led, well-run, and well-connected in the community. Expanding into Atlanta also is a strong step for our eastern profile.
“Sunita also brings a unique perspective to our leadership group.”
Patel, from a small town outside of Surat, India, brings a history of success with a diverse business portfolio and a deep-seated love for sports.
“As we embark on our journey in NISA, we’re not just starting a soccer club; we’re bringing to life a vision that transcends the pitch,” she said in a statement. “It’s a platform that resonates with our goals – to showcase top-tier soccer and foster a competitive spirit.”
Also the owner of the Sportif apparel company, Vierhout, with a rich legacy in soccer, brings knowledge, experience, and strategic alliances to the organization."