Gold Star vs Michigan Stars

“Due to the poor air quality in Michigan and in an abundance of caution for players, referees, staff and spectators, the match between Gold Star FC Detroit and Michigan Stars FC will be postponed and rescheduled for a later date.” Damnit, Canada.

Maryland Bobcats 0 - 1 Club De Lyon

Another match that was influenced by the weather, as the match kick off was delayed. Both sides had chances in the first half, with Bobcats looking the better side. However, nothing made it to the back of the net for the home side. In the second half, Club De Lyon managed to find the winner in the 59th minute. It was an errant Maryland pass, slowed by the wet grass that was intercepted by Rojas. He calmly split the scrambling defenders with a beautiful pass that found a streaking Matias Pourrain, who put it to the left of the keeper and into the net for the winner.

What if I told you this is the only photo I could find from this match? Sigh.

It was a tough loss for Maryland, who have dropped three in a row now. They head into this off week needing to find their legs. For Club De Lyon, the win jumped the team into the fifth spot on the table. The Florida expansion side has gotten points in its last four matches and is building some positive momentum.

Chattanooga FC 3 - 0 LA Force

More of the same from the best team in NISA. Chattanooga got 3 first half goals from Aydan Bowers, Markus Naglestad, and Beto Alvarenga to quickly dispatch visiting LA Force and earn its eighth win of the season. Bowers, who was also celebrating his birthday, would score off a corner kick. Alex McGrath struck a spectacular cross that would find a rising Bowers near the far post, who headed it in in the 31st minute. Naglestad would add to the scoring seven minutes later with a shot from the top of the box that beat the keeper. It was Markus’ 50th goal for CFC, an impressive milestone for the best striker in NISA. Then in first-half stoppage, Alex McGrath would pick up his second assist of the match, when he found Beto Alvarenga, who scored to put the home side up 3-0.

Two of CFC’s best: Richard Dixon and Markus Naglestad.

It was a dominant win for CFC, who continue to roll through this season’s NISA competition. For the visiting side, their 2-match win streak is snapped and they’ll look to bounce back this weekend against ALBION.

This Week’s Matchups

Savannah vs Michigan Stars

Savannah hosts the defending champions, not good. Savannah has a single win this season and is looking every bit the expansion side. Stars have continued their undefeated streak this season and I expect them to roll in this one.

Flower City Union vs Club De Lyon

This is a fun matchup! Flower City Union is coming off a great win over Savannah and Diakhate is on a two-match scoring streak. Club De Lyon just beat Maryland on the road and hasn’t lost in four matches. I think CDL is is on a roll and will win on the road.

Chattanooga FC vs Michigan Stars

The Big One. The two undefeated teams meeting up in Finley, say less! CFC has looked unstoppable this season, but the Stars have always played them tough. I think this is a draw, like three of the four regular season matchups last season.

ALBION San Diego vs LA Force

ALBION is building momentum this season and is currently third in the standings. LA is fourth currently, coming off a loss to CFC. I think ALBION holds serve at home and gets the win.

- Dan Vaughn