BOYDS, MD. — The Maryland Bobcats Football Club have agreed to part ways with members of the inaugural professional year coaching staff.

Head Coach Sam Okpodu, Assistant Coaches Phil Nana and Ben Aryeetey, and Fitness/Performance Coach Leslie Unumma will all not have their contracts renewed heading into 2022.

“We cannot thank Coach Sam enough for helping us through our first year as a professional club. His experience and knowledge helped bridge the gap during our transition to a professional club,” said MBFC Vice President Evan Raimist. “Coach Sam is a legend in so many ways, and now his name will be firmly planted in MBFC history as the first Head Coach in our professional era.”

Okpodu joined Maryland Bobcats FC as Head Coach earlier this year in February as the club kicked off in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) this Spring. 

Okpodu previously served on coaching staffs at NC State (where he also had a fantastic playing career setting the ACC points record), was head coach of the Virginia Tech Women’s program, and coached the Nigerian Women’s National Team at the 2003 World Cup.

"We can’t thank Phil, Ben, and Leslie enough for the work they’ve put in for the club, especially during our build up to our first professional season. All three were integral in our UPSL National Championship run and helped develop the club, on and off the field, to be ready for the professional game. They’ll always be a part of the Bobcats family and we know they’ll all do great things going forward,” Raimist said. 

MBFC concluded the 2021 Season last Wednesday with a record of 5-5-8 this Fall and 8-8-13  in all NISA professional matches this year.

About Maryland Bobcats FC

The Maryland Bobcats Football Club was founded in 2009. Based in Montgomery County in Maryland, it is a fully minority-owned club and Maryland’s only outdoor professional soccer team. MBFC has a “one family” mentality. From the youngest player to the most experienced youth teams to First Team, players support, push and encourage each other to play the right way. Beyond soccer, Bobcats FC helps, inspires, gives back, and supports the local community, comes to games, and cheers them on. For more information about Maryland Bobcats FC, visit marylandbobcatsfc.com or contact at info@marylandbobcatsfc.com. Follow MBFC on Twitter @MDBobcatsFC and Instagram @mdbobcatsfc.