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Match Recap: MBFC 2 - 2 Michigan Stars FC

Late Balogun goal gets Bobcats a point in last road trip of year
Published Nov 9, 2021

Written By: Kalin Hicks

November 8, 2021 (Washington, MI) – Just three days after their midweek home game against the second place Los Angeles Force, the Bobcats grind out a draw against Michigan Stars FC in a high scoring thriller. 

After gaining a lead early in the match, the Bobcats quickly had to overcome adversity as Michigan Stars equalized shortly after then proceeded to hold the lead until the final minutes of the match. 

The Bobcats went on the road after suffering a loss at home snapping a three-game win streak that saw the side take down Chicago House twice and Chattanooga FC. A positive result was necessary in order to keep the momentum going as the club looks to finish in the top half of the table.

Travelling with only 15 players saw the Bobcats field an XI that looked notably different than their last home game with Alex Kao and Kay Banjo not traveling with the team. Adam Yingling got the start in midfield with Christian Caulker making a return in net. 

MBFC Target man Molley Karpeh Jr. added to his goal tally by getting one past the Stars keeper in the 9th minute, making that 7 goals on the season. Michigan answer back quickly as Leon Maric got his head on the ball in the 13th minute. Later, the Stars took the lead in the 32nd minute with a goal from Joseph Aidoo from a free kick that landed right as his feet and enabled him to get the go ahead goal. Maryland did not lack on offensive opportunity as the squad had numerous attempts on goal. Towards the end of the first half, Pilawe Pato took on a pass from Richard Forka that looked good enough to tie the game back up but was deflected by Michigan.   

The only half time substitution came from the Bobcats as Dylan Ogletree came on for Mourian Moussi to provide some fresh legs on defense. After conceding two goals in the first half the Bobcats came out for the second half and looked much better defensively.  The defensive change resulted in Michigan struggling to convert any opportunity they got in the second half. Yaya Fane notably stopped a great opportunity by the Stars as he went to ground to prevent any chance at a third goal for Michigan. 

The offensive opportunities also grew for Maryland as well, a series of passes put Richard Froka in a great position to have a chance at a goal. However like the Bobcats, Michigan Stars were also sound defensively and Forka’s shot was deflected, resulting in a throw in. 

This theme continued on for both sides as there were multiple chances to change the lead that ended up as near misses or solid stops and deflections. Maryland made another substitution in the 67th minute that saw Adam Yingling come off for Khalid Balogun. 

Maryland continued to be aggressive as they hunted for the equalizing goal in order to prevent back to back losses. Late into regulation time Michigan committed a foul in their own half and granted the Bobcats a free kick. Pilawe Pato stepped up to take it and sent it into the 18 yard box. The Stars won the arial battle but the ball landed back at the feet of Pato. As the midfielder sent it back into the box, Khalid Balogun settled the ball with his chest and extended his leg up firing it past the keeper to tie the game up. 

The Bobcats were able to hold the score and will return home with one point. This result prevents the side from dropping too many points as they look to finish in the top half of the table. A mere two points behind 4th place means the Bobcats will look to end the season with a victory against 3rd place California United Strikers FC in the clubs last home game of the season.  

 

Maryland Bobcats FC: Caulker (GK); Forka, Dengler, Fane, Moussi (Ogletree 46’); Yingling (Balogun 67’) , Pato, Alvarado, Sesay; Akinlosotu, Karpeh Jr.

Subs: Caulker (GK), Ogletree, Balogun, Olofinsua, Gray

Goals: Karpeh Jr. (9’), Balogun (88’)

Bookings: Fane (45’)

Michigan Stars FC: Mkuruva (GK); Schneider, Amoo-Mensah, Espinoza, Chalbaud (Campbell 62’); Mujan, Aidoo, Nuel, Satrustegui (Lobsiger 74’), Tran; Maric (Juncaj 82’)

Subs: Rojas-Goodbold, Lobsiger, Juncaj, Santel, Campbell, Ivezaj

Goals: Maric (13’), Aidoo (32’)

Bookings: Aidoo (70’), Espinoza (80’)