East Coast Bias – January 8, 2021

Didn’t we wish so hard for 2021 to arrive?

On the plus side, we do have some regional soccer already happening this early into the new year. This week we look at the mens’ side of things – and there’s one big matchup right out of the gate.

NESL Super League

The game I have been waiting for has suddenly arrived.

Christos FC.

West Chester United.

This Saturday at 3:50PM at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

The two best amateur clubs right now in the region face off for bragging rights in the NESL Super League. Both clubs got through the fall season unblemished, and now it’s time to see which club can keep it going in 2021.

To help get you ready for the big matchup, I reached out to a couple of people who will be following the action closely: Lawrence Sancomb from Christos FC, and Christian Taylor, the man who is the NESL Super League play-by-play voice on mycujoo.com.

Even with all the scheduling issues in the fall, there has been excitement generated by the play in the NESL. “The talent level is top notch,“ says Taylor, “and I’d honestly say it’s better than a handful of professional clubs.” Sancomb doesn’t think there’s an easy league game on the schedule. “The quality of each team in the league is amazing and the different styles of play that you have to prepare for each game is so challenging. Some teams are high pressure teams, others are physical teams and so on.”

Looking at the opponent, Sancomb has nothing but respect for West Chester. “They run a class organization that is one of the most underrated organizations in the country. I would have them in the top 10 best amateur clubs in the country. They want the best competition and go after it hard every single game.”

Some players to look out for on Saturday? For Christos, both men identified midfielder Malcolm Harris as one to watch. “He plays a good holding midfield and really controls the game,“ says Taylor. “He distributes well, communicates well, and puts his heart into every single moment.” “He’s our general,” according to Sancomb. “Great vision and a quality passer of the ball. Malcom is the heart of the team. He does a tremendous job in the middle for us and is like a second coach.” Sancomb also highlighted two players with higher-level experience: defender Alex Lee (over 100 games with Richmond Kickers and Guam national player), and center back Jake Dengler – “a guy who should be playing pro.” “He is the best center back passer of the ball I have ever been around,” according to Sancomb. “I love how much he cares about the team and soccer in Baltimore.”

For West Chester, Taylor says to look for forward/attacking midfielder Troy Amspacher. “During most, if not all attacks, Troy is a part of them; either on the scoring end, finding one of his teammates, or

starting up the move.” Brothers Conor and Shane Bradley will be key on defense for West Chester. According to Taylor, “these are both guys with good soccer smarts who can change the game if necessary.”

Friendlies

While most leagues have not restarted, clubs are in training and playing competitive friendlies. A notable game happening this Sunday is Amigos FC from the LISFL taking on Queens Meadows FC. If you don’t know Queens Meadows FC, you might know them by their previous name Santa Fe NY. The club has had a rebrand highlighting its home base. Game time is 5:30PM ET