Cal United Strikers FC v Chattanooga FC

Cal United made its initial argument for finishing top of the table and getting into the 2020-21 season playoff with a 1-0 win over Chattanooga FC this past Sunday night. It was also a coming out party for Alejandro “Chile” Araneda, as the 18-year-old attacking midfielder made his presence known. In the 18th minute, Arenada would take a pass inside the top of the 18, push right, find a little space and get off a low shot that would beat the keeper to give the home side an early lead. Chattanooga would see things go from bad to worse when defender Richard Dixon came off with an injury a few minutes before halftime. The second half would see a number of substitutions for CFC, and while play improved they still ceded too much possession to Cal United who never really looked threatened in this match. Interesting to note that Juan Hernandez was subbed out of the game in the 65th minute – the second straight game with Hernandez taking a relatively early shower.

Detroit City v Maryland Bobcats

Coming off the impressive run during the Legends Cup, DCFC was expected by some to destroy Bobcats, given their own showing in the tournament. The match itself was fairly even throughout, though the bulk of the threatening attacks came from Detroit. Multiple chances were saved by standout keeper Joel Isyaq. Though on the losing side of the match, he could have easily been the man of the match. On the other side, Nate Steinwascher was mostly unchallenged as he notched the fifth consecutive shutout for La Rouge in 2021. The match looked to be headed to a 0-0 finish, but in the final minutes Detroit began pushing numbers forward. While the Bobcats defended well, it felt inevitable that a goal would be scored. In the 92nd minute, Anthony Manning headed in a cross to win the match for Detroit City. Top quality match.

Michigan Stars v. New Amsterdam

The least star-studded of the matches this weekend was certainly done no favors competing in the same time slot with the DCFC/MDB match. For both clubs, this match was more of the same. Michigan Stars played aggressively and, when given the opportunity, scored on the counter. The scoring moment, which came in the early part of the second half, was triggered by team captain Kyle Nuel springing Steven Juncaj up the middle for one of the prettiest goals you’ll see all season. On the other side of the ball, New Amsterdam continued to struggle in the final third, even with the addition of multiple options in the offseason. The match ended 1-0 for the Stars.