Last Weekend: 0-2 Loss vs Michigan Stars
The Bobcats traveled to Eastern Michigan to take on the Eastern Conference leading Stars on Saturday, May 4th at Romeo High School.
Michigan Stars FC appear to be the team to beat so far here in the East. They’ve reeled off a 3-2 win against Savannah, a 2-0 win against Georgia FC, a 3-2 win against Club De Lyon, and a 2-0 win against the Bobcats. Additionally, they knocked Steel City FC (NPSL) and MNU FC 2 (MLSNP) out of the Open Cup before bowing out to Detroit City (USL-C) in the third round on a cold, smoky night at Keyworth.
All four of the Stars wins have come at home in Romeo so the East could open up when Steven, George, and the lads travel out of Michigan as the Season progresses.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the season is relative short this year. Each team is scheduled to play 22 league games. With only 2 teams making the playoffs from each Conference, each league game is important as teams fight for a spot in the postseason.
As of today (5/8), here’s the current table for NISA:
As for the Michigan Stars and Bobcats game on May 4th, the Bobcats lined up in their traditional 4-3-3 (see the image below). Moving forward up the field, the left back was often making overlapping runs and helping in the attack and Aka, Almeida, and Forka stayed back to defend. It was up this left side where Michigan had success in scoring their two goals on the night.
The Bobcats started the first half with much of the ball but weren’t able to create any clear cut chances with the possession. The Stars were comfortable absorbing the pressure and hitting back on the counter.
In the 20th minute, Michigan was able to capitalize on one of these counters with a long ball up the right side, a quick ball played in right in front of goal, and some sloppy clearance attempts by the Bobcats backline before Leon Maric knocked it in for 1-0 lead.
Just 3 minutes later, the Bobcats committed foul on their left side again and the Stars capitalized on a set piece to go up 2-0.
As fans of teams in NISA now, the Stars are traditionally very tough to break down when they have the lead. The Bobcats did well controlling the possession but couldn’t get the breakthrough. Bobcats’ Coach Alex Kao used all several subs in the second half to try to get the goal as Drew Wivell, Gavin Shiels, Elijah Amo, Davey Mason, Dominique Kossehasse, and Travis Ward all came on. The fresh legs brought a little more action into the game but it was never meant to be.
Maryland will be on the road again against Club De Lyon in Florida on Sunday, May 12 as they play their 3rd game of the season. Following that, they play a Community Shield game against Annapolis mid-week (May 15) before their home opener against Savannah Clovers on Saturday, May 18th.
Looking forward to your coverage of the Bobcats especially when they play at home! If you are attending in person, we would love to have commentary on the fans, e.g. crowd size, supporters' section, any sponsors' logos, etc.
Last but not least, we forgot to ask, who is the Villain in "The Rooster and the Villain"?? (We imagine the Rooster refers to the creature in theTottenham Spurs logo.....)