Fall 2020
FC Cardinals
Before getting into this week’s games we first want to updated everyone on the situation unfolding regarding the Cardinals. On the evening of Tuesday October 19th, Andy Salandy resigned as the Mid-Atlantic North Conference Manager. Along with this move he withdrew his team, FC Cardinals, from the competition. Contacts throughout the conference have confided that the email did not go into specifics for the sudden resignation and withdrawal. However many expressed that there have been mounting frustrations with the league.
As of publication there has not been an official statement by the league or Andy that we can find. Nor has there been any changes to remaining schedule.
Game 1 — Sosa FC vs Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC
Sosa FC
Sosa put both of us in our places by travelling down to Sanford and putting four goals through against San Lee. They now sit on three points at the midpoint of the season and could start playing upset if they maintain this form. This week Sosa hosts their first home game in Wendell against the Strike Eagles. We will be keeping a close eye on this match to see if that home field advantage will help build on that first win feeling.
Record: 1–0–3
Next Match: @ Raleigh International FC — 10/31
Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC
The Strike Eagles will be happy to have walked away with all three points this past weekend against the Cardinals on the road. A rousing five goals will have their strikers feeling good about themselves and their chances this week against a Sosa side that has let in fifteen goal over four matches. The tricky part for this match will be playing on the field at Wendell Parks and Rec. No games have been played there yet this season, so only Sosa are aware of the fields feel.
Record: 2–0–3
Next Match: vs Moros FC — 10/31
Zac's Prediction: GSE 3–2
Zack's Prediction: Draw 2–2
Side Note: Be sure to check on NonLeagueAmerica’s documentary on Goldsboro Strike Eagles, now available on YouTube.
Game 2 — Raleigh International FC vs San Lee FC
Raleigh International FC
A disappointing loss for Raleigh this past week against division leader Moros puts and halt to their three game winning streak. Raleigh had a good showing, but after going down they had tremendous trouble breaking back into the final third. They will have to lick their wounds and regroup this week as they host San Lee FC. This will be the second time these sides have faced off this season. The opening match was a walloping lopsided victory for San Lee, but Raleigh seemingly has found their stride this season. Can they return the favor?
Record: 3–0–2
Next Match: vs Sosa FC — 10/31
San Lee FC
It is never fun losing to a side that hadn’t scored in any matches previous matches. Luckily for San Lee it was only a one goal difference, keeping them floating around the zero GD mark. Also lucky for San Lee that they have preformed well on the road with two wins and loses. That serves them well as they head to Raleigh this weekend to try and replicate their dominating score line from week one.
Record: 3–0–2
Next Match: ?
Zac's Prediction: RIFC 2–1
Zack's Prediction: RIFC 3–1
Moros FC
Moros stretch their winning streak to five matches with a win over Raleigh last week. This team is running away with the division with no signs of slowing down. The most impressive part of last week’s win was the way they shut Raleigh down in the second half. They have proven in previous week’s that they knew how to attack well, but this week was the first time they showed that they were disciplined enough to control possession and sit on a lead.
This week their match sits in limbo as FC Cardinals have withdrawn from the league.
Record: 5–0–0
Next Match: @ Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC — 10/31
