The highly anticipated GCPL Game of the Week is a big one as the 2017 champs, Gaffa FC, look to take down the undefeated league leaders FC New Orleans. Winning both of their last two games by 3 goals, the boys from NOLA are on a run and are determined to keep their winning streak going in their home opener on Thursday night. This will mark the first meeting between these two Central Conference clubs.
“We are excited to host Gaffa FC, but (it is) difficult to prepare for a team we’ve never encountered before,” FC New Orleans Head Coach Wilmer Peralta commented. “They are the 2017 champions, so rival respect is going to be paramount in our preparation for this match. What I tell our players is that we have to face every match as if it were a championship game, especially when it’s our home opener for the season.”
This is the first year that the Louisiana club has been apart of the GCPL, but they have proved to be a tough team to beat and have become very popular among the community, drawing in over one thousand fans and supporters in their first home friendly back in March.
“We were definitely impressed with the supporter turnout, but not surprised,” FC New Orleans Director of Operations Pepe Serrano added. “It is satisfying to give the city a team they can be excited about. We want to carry this momentum into our home opener, and our marketing team is working diligently to spread the word about this game.
Jesus Rivera leads FC New Orleans with 2 goals in 2019. Photo credit: Marshall Roy
Some FC New Orleans top players to look out for during Thursday night’s matchup are goalkeeper Eduardo Salazar and Forward Jesus Manuel Rivera. Standing at an intimidating 6’5”, Eduardo is known for his remarkable footwork and ability to dive from post to post with one step. He has two clean sheets in two GCPL appearances so you could say that he’s a serious force to be reckoned with. Rivera, on the other hand, is an elite forward with a strong center of gravity. Look for him near the goal because he has a hot foot coming into this game with two goals in the first two games of the regular season.
Gaffa FC Head Coach Ousmane Coulibaly is also excited about the upcoming match and has been training his squad for the competitive clash between these two Central Conference teams. “Our main focus in training has been to get fit, stay sharp mentally and improve our technical ability and tactical awareness in order to compete in this tough conference,” Coach Peralta commented. “We expect a great battle versus FC New Orleans as we do and always will against any other opponents in our conference. It should be a great game to watch for anyone who loves soccer.”
The Jackson squad has been a strong addition to the GCPL since joining the league in 2017. In their debut season they were crowned GCPL Cup champions. In 2018 another strong season saw them advance to the playoffs but fell short losing to Cajun SC, 1-0. A tough loss for Jack Town crew, but they have high hopes for this season as they seek to make their way back to the title game.
Over the offseason, Gaffa FC Owner Brian Strong worked tirelessly to help prepare his players for another shot at the title. He made some noticeable differences within his organization since last season to increase his team’s chances at winning another Championship.
“Narrowing our clubs’ focus down to three key management personnel, incorporating an intern and hiring a Head Coach is the functional difference,” Brian commented. “Increased player pool by adding a U-23 squad. The increase in player pool also demands players to reaffirm their commitment to the club. Youth and potential being able to receive playing time depending on circumstances. A title for both squads is our initial goal. Further down the road playing in the US Open Cup and advancing is another goal we are eyeing.”
Gaffa FC veteran, Cillian Thompson, has lead the Jackson club midfield since 2017. Photo credit: Lagniappe Photografx
Gaffa FC Center Back Tom Cosgrave is one of the players to watch for during this Game of the Week matchup. Cosgrave is the Captain and anchor of the Gaffa FC defense. He provides leadership, stability, and composure to his teammates as he controls the Gaffa backfield. Another player to keep an eye on is Center Midfielder Cillian Thompson. Thompson is a box to box midfielder who can provide options for any type of situation. He is strong to win the ball, but fluid when in possession.
The match between Gaffa FC and FC New Orleans will start at 7:00 pm on Thursday night at Muss Bertilino Stadium in their first-ever matchup.
This Game of the Week feature is sponsored by Third Coast Soccer. The largest retail soccer store in the gulf south. Visit www.thirdcoastsoccer.net today!
