The first week of the 2018 Gulf Coast Premier League season did not disappoint. Some newbies showed they belonged. Some of the old guard rolled along. Some struggles remain as teams continue to gel. Lots of goals, lots of action, and yet another barn burner in Mobile where the home team kept it close but fell short again.
Eastern Conference Recap
Both Alabama teams showed a lot of quality, but neither one could close out their matches with a result. While newcomers Gulf Coast Rangers showed their creative caliber often, it was not until late in their match against Port City FC that they were able to finally score their debut GCPL goal as Daniel Whelan put away a 90+ minute penalty. Though Port City ended up with all 3 points behind an outstanding performance from Kieran Robins, the Rangers showed an impressive amount of prowess that should have the Eastern Conference on notice despite their 2-1 loss.
Meanwhile, AFC Mobile pulled in over 800 fans to see a goal-fest. Ibrahima Ndaw had 2 goals and an assist for the home side, but it was Isaiah Lopez with a goal and assist and some stellar defensive work from Christopher Zeller that had the Eastern Conference favorites Pensacola FC exit The Lip with a 4-3 victory. Once more, the fans of the Azaleas were left waiting for their first home GCPL win, but the traveling support of the 59ers undoubtedly have an exciting, high pressing team to follow this year.
The biggest result for an Eastern Conference team, however, happened in a cross-divisional match where Real United FC pulled off a 2-0 win against CABOSA Shreveport United in Shreveport and now find themselves atop the table. Denver Bankston and Rainer Araujo had a goal each and Todd Langilaus got his first clean sheet of the season. Now the Moss Point side, thanks to goal differential, sits atop the Eastern Conference and should feel confident as they head down to Foley, Alabama this week where a hungry Rangers side will attempt to earn their first GCPL points.
Central Conference Recap
In the only Central Conference match this weekend, Northshore United was able to please their supporters in the regular season christening of Wolverine Stadium after finishing their pre-season 1-1-1. That training seemed to pay off as they rolled over Baton Rouge in a decisive 4-1 home win. United’s Rolando Sanchez had a dominant performance, notching a goal and 2 assists while causing havoc for the Baton Rouge defense throughout the match.
Western Conference Recap
Traveling almost 400 miles is a rough road for anyone, but the Central Texas Lobos made the trip out to Alexandria, Louisiana to take on the Pool Boys and rode back to Kyle, Texas with 3 points in hand. Leroy Mahagayu’s wide play was almost enough to pull out points for the Alexandria-based club, but Edgar Reyes’ game-winning goal showed that the Lobos may be a dark horse in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, Boca Knights FC and Cajun Soccer Club held out for a point each at LUS Fiber Stadium in Lafayette, Louisiana. Both teams clearly hoped for more but will have to settle for a draw heading into week 2. This week, Boca will travel to Alexandria to face Pool Boys, with both teams looking for their first win of the season. Cajun Soccer Club will host AFC Mobile in a cross-conference match and look to continue the winning woes of the boys from Mobile.
Did Not Play
Reigning champions Gaffa FC take on newcomers Mississippi Blues Monday, May 14th in Jackson.
CD Motagua of New Orleans begins their GCPL season on Saturday, May 19th against the Mississippi Blues as well.
GCPL Team of the Week
Brandon Briscoe (Cajun Soccer Club)
Denis Canales-Mejia (Central Texas Lobos)
Zach Clear (Pool Boys)
Todd Langilaus (Real United FC)
Eric Medina (Cajun Soccer Club)
Kieran Robins (Port City FC)
Rolando Sanchez (Northshore United)
David Valverde (AFC Mobile)
Jorge Vazquez (Boca Knights)
Daniel Whelan (Gulf Coast Rangers)
Christopher Zeller (Pensacola FC)
Honorable Mentions: Gerardo Flores (Gulf Coast Rangers), Joe Guinchard (Port City FC), Isaiah Lopez (Pensacola FC), Luis Peña (Boca Knights), Edgar Reyes (Central Texas Lobos), Pat Rye (Northshore United), Pablo Sanjuán Delgado (AFC Mobile), Claudy St. Louis (Pool Boys)
