Written by: Edwin Pintor

 

November 4, 2021 (Boyds, MD) – The Bobcats were unable to continue their win streak as they fell short against second place LA Force. In an intense match from the start, both teams were able to get their chances in a competitive back and forth, where no team wanted to lose. LA, undefeated in seven games, came to Maryland determined to win and be second in the league. Maryland knew a win would be the dream scenario as they head to Michigan this Saturday to face the Michigan Stars. 

 

Both teams had many opportunities, but the keepers put out a showing for the fans at the SoccerPlex. The only goal of the night for the Bobcats was scored by Molley Karpeh Jr. five minutes into the first half. Diego Barrera scored the equalizer for the Force in the 24th minute, while Christian Chaney scored the winner in the 78th minute. 

 

After three consecutive wins for Maryland, the stakes had never been higher. However, Wednesday’s match proved that there is still work needed to be done if the Bobcats want to compete for the championship next season. LA continues their unbeaten streak against Maryland in three fixtures. LA has beaten the Bobcats twice and drew in Los Angeles earlier in the season. 

 

Maryland started the game pressing high and recovering the ball. The Bobcats got off to a quick start. In the fifth minute of the game, Karpeh Jr. recovered the ball and went right through the defense to put the ball in the back of the net. Maryland did not stop searching for the second goal. Another shot from Akinlosotu went wide of the net. The offense continued to press and step to cover the absence of Kay Banjo out due to injury. 

 

LA Force had its first shot of the match in the 17th minute when Christian Chaney took a shot on goal but was safely handled by Joel Isyaq. After that, the Force gained momentum and possession of the ball and started to seek Isyaq’s net; In a confusing moment, Diego Barrera capitalizes on a mistake by the bobcat defenders and puts the ball into the net equalize the game. 

 

Both teams’ back and forth shots were the rhythm the final 15 minutes of the first half were played too. Chaney took a final shot by LA, but Isyaq completed the save successfully. 

 

LA subbed Madrigal-Zavala off to start the second half, and in his place, Christian came in. An even first 20 minutes of the second half saw Karpeh Jr. take on the Force defenders and was one on one against the keeper, but Karpeh Jr. put the ball just wide of the right post. 

 

Two subs for the Bobcats occurred in the 70th minute, Karpeh Jr. and Forka left the match, and in their place, Dawkins and Yingling entered the match to achieve a winning goal. 

 

Eight minutes later, LA Force striker Chaney found a pass from Casillas from the corner line, and the Force was in control of the game. 

 

Pele Sesay took one last shot from the Maryland Bobcats, but the ball went directly to the keeper. The referee blew her whistle to signify the end of the game, with LA coming out victorious. 

 

Now 5-3-8, the Bobcats will visit the Michigan Stars in Washington, MI, this Saturday, November 6.

 

 

Maryland Bobcats FC: Isyaq (GK); Forka (Dawkins 70’), Dengler, Fane, Moussi (Blystone 90’); Alvarado (Galo Osorio 90’) Pato, Kao (C); Sesay, Akinlosotu, Karpeh Jr. (Yingling 70’)

Subs: Caulker (GK), Balogun, Osorio, Yingling, Dawkins, Ogletree, Blystone

Goals: Karpeh Jr (3’)

Bookings: Karpeh Jr. (16’)

 

LA Force: Gomez (GK); Kashani, Perez (Klemm 67’), Ocegueda, Padilla (Casillas 73’), Villon, Alvarado (Alewine 90’), Barrera, Villaba, Chaney (Hale 90’), Madrigal-Zavala (Christian 45’)

Subs: Cabrera (GK), Mclaughlin, Hale, Casillas, Alewine, Klemm, Christian

Goals: Barrera (24’), Chaney (78’)

Bookings: NA