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Match Recap: MBFC 1 - 1 Michigan Stars FC

Maryland Bobcats FC Share a Point with Michigan Stars FC in Physical Home Game
Published May 2, 2022

Written by: Kalin Hicks

May 2, 2022 (Boyds, MD) - Maryland Bobcats FC came away with a point in Matchweek Six at home against Michigan Stars FC. The Bobcats came in looking to secure another three points in their first match against Michigan Stars. What turned out to be a grueling, physical match resulted in each team walking away with one point. 

The Bobcats starting XI changed slightly with Sam Solomon getting the start in place of Elijah Amo or Joseph Boone as the latter was listed as a substitute. Felix Annan started in net once again after a great showing in the team’s previous match on the road.

Adversity struck early as midfielder Darwin Espinal came off in the sixth minute with an apparent groin injury. Jorge Quintanilla came on to replace him as the team looked to get their offense started early. 

Both sides proved to be defensively stout as the early minutes saw very limited action. Maryland’s backline was solid to start and the visiting side struggled to get any shots on goal. Sam Solomon seemed to begin to gel in his starting role as he was able to get in behind the Star’s defense multiple times in the first half. The forward wasn’t the only ones to join in as MBFC had shots on goal from defender Yaya Fane and midfielder Bernardo Majano. 

The first goal of the game came in the 38th minute as the Bobcats capitalized on a Michigan Stars error and were able to regain possession in the opposition half. Josselin Possian passed to Sam Solomon who put the ball towards the far post and into the net for a MBFC goal. 

The game continued with Michigan desperately looking for an equalizer. While they were able to get into prime position to score, many shots didn’t pose any serious threat. This was until extra time in the first half when a cross is sent into the Bobcats box and striker Leon Maric got his head onto the ball and scored for the visitors. 

The physicality also showed itself in true form as Davey Mason was taken off after a collision during the goal.

As the second half began, the lone substitution for the Bobcats saw Noah Wright come on for Davey Mason who would not return after the first half collision. 

From the start, both Maryland Bobcats and Michigan Stars looked to gain the lead with promising shots on goal from Solomon and Gonzalez. 

In the 62nd minute Bryan Argueta made his long-awaited return to the pitch after being out of action since September of 2021. The midfielder made an immediate impact and added much needed speed and flair in hope of putting the home side ahead. 

The final substitution for the Bobcats would come in the 81st minute with Joseph Boone coming off for Sam Solomon to add some fresh legs in the final third. 

Despite giving up a goal right before halftime, Maryland’s defense stayed solid to close out the game. Felix Annan made a great save from a Michigan corner kick in the dying minutes to help secure a draw for the Bobcats. 

In what proved to be a tough matchup, the Bobcats walked away with one point and remain on top of the table in the East Division. The result also kept MBFC’s undefeated home streak alive. 

Their next challenge will be another home game against Chattanooga FC on May 7th. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm EST and gates will open at 6:00pm EST. Tickets can be purchased online at marylandbobcatsfc.seatedly.com.

 

Match Details

Maryland Bobcats FC: Annan (GK), Forka, Fane, Clegg, Mason (Wright 46’); Majano, Espinal (Quintanilla 6’, Argueta 67’), Possian, Alvarado, Gonzalez; Solomon (Boone 81’)

Substitutions: Caulker (GK), Argueta, Wivell, Arbelaez, Wright, Boone, Quintanilla, Schneider, Akinkoye

Goals: Solomon (38’)

Bookings: Fane (27’), Alvarado (90’)

Michigan Stars FC: Mkuruva (GK), Firmino, Zhongo, Shmelev, Bowie; Juncaj (Tait 72’), Cornish (Rios72’, Gvozdic 78’), Nogueira, Constant; Maric (Ding 78’)

Substitutes: Lewis, Mujan, Ding, Campbell, Gvozdic, Chalbaud, Muchaels, McCloud, Tait

Goals: Maric (45’)

Bookings: Bowie (89’)