Mid-Atlantic North — Week 2
Week 1 of the UPSL’s Mid-Atlantic North went mostly as expected. My first and second place predictions, San Lee FC and Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC, started off the season with big wins and clean sheets at home. The big story, however, was the comeback by Moros FC. Scoring five goals is impressive, scoring four of those unanswered after being down at the half is a statement. I’d like to hear what the coach said to them at the half.
Game 1 — Sosa FC vs Raleigh International FC
Sosa FC
Sosa FC had a tough opponent the first week of the season and they’ll be looking to take a bounce back this week when they travel to Wakemed Soccer Park to face off against RIFC. This will be an interesting match-up of two new sides so expect the result to be high as the two sides feel each other out.
Record: 0–0–1
Next Week: @ FC Cardinals — 10/3
Raleigh International FC
A rough outing down in Sanford for RIFC puts them at a -4 goal differential, but looking past the headline there was a lot to be proud of. The Raleigh boys had a strong attack and broke SLFC on the counter several times. If it was not for the SLFC keeper having a MVP night the score would have been a lot closer. Clean up the mistakes, work on communication, and this could be an interesting team.
Record: 0–0–1
Next Week: vs Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC — 10/3
Zac’s Prediction: RIFC 4–3
Zack’s Prediction: RIFC 2–1
Game 2 — FC Cardinals vs San Lee FC
FC Cardinals
Not and ideal start for the Cardinals. In my preview article I mentioned that a key to FCC making a run for the title is to make their nest a fortress. Giving up a significant lead in the second half is demoralizing, and they’ll have to sharpen back up to make a stand against SLFC this week. Have to make the most out of these early home games.
Record: 0–0–1
Next Week: vs Sosa FC — 10/3
San Lee FC
A strong win for the Sanford side puts them in a good position to start the season. It can’t be overstated how important their keeper is to their system. Without his vision their first week could a much tighter game. While this team presses really well, they’ll have to address how teams catch them on the break if the want to maintain at the top of the table.
Record: 1–0–0
Next Week: @ Moros FC — 10/3
Zac’s ranking: SLFC 2–1
Zack’s ranking: Draw 3–3
Game 3 — Moros FC vs Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC
Moros FC
OKAY. Wow. What a game. MFC made their presence known in this division with a massive 5–3 win over FCC. This team showed true grit coming back to earn the win after being down 1–3 going into the half. They have a tough matchup against GSE, one of our picks as a contender for the title, this week and we will be on location to catch all the action!
Record: 1–0–0
Next Week: vs San Lee FC — 10/3
Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC
The Strike Eagles handled their business at home against SOSA and have to be feeling pretty good about themselves. Walking away with a clean sheet two games in a row will be a big task away at MFC, but that might need to happen if they want to pick up points on the road.
Record: 1–0–0
Next Week: @ Raleigh International FC — 10/3
Zac’s Prediction: Draw 2–2
Zack’s Prediction: GSE 2–1
On Location
TriSocPod will be on location for various games throughout the season. While we currently feel comfortable attending matches with proper physical distancing and mask wearing we will continue our policy of no in person interviews. If at any time we feel unsafe at a game we will exit and reassess our decision to cover games in person.
That being said if you see either of us at a game, do swing by and say hi!
